Oxycodone vs. Percocet: What’s the Difference?

The comparison between oxycodone vs. Percocet is close since both of these drugs are related, but there are differences. Although both prescription medications are formulated to treat pain, there are distinctions that compel doctors to prescribe one over the other. If you are prescribed either drug, it’s important to understand why and how they work. It’s also important to note that both of these drugs are addictive, which may require prescription drug rehab to overcome. 

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid analgesic drug. The medication binds to the opioid receptors in the brain to provide relief from pain. Percocet is, in fact, a combination of drugs: oxycodone and acetaminophen, so it’s able to address pain in two ways and also reduce fever. Both drugs are effective at what they are designed to do. Unfortunately, both drugs are also popular drugs of abuse that are frequently taken recreationally. 

If you have developed a chemical dependence on either medication or have a full-blown addiction to one of these opioids, it’s important to seek help. Muse Treatment offers a full lineup of professional rehab services, including prescription drug detox in Los Angeles, inpatient addiction treatment, outpatient rehab treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, aftercare, and more. An opioid use disorder is a dangerous condition as the risk of overdose is high. The risk of relapse is also high, so it’s important to enroll in a high-quality addiction treatment center to build a strong recovery foundation. 

Understanding Oxycodone and Percocet in Pain Management

Oxycodone and Percocet are opioids, so they do exceptionally well at treating pain. In fact, many of the people who become addicted to these drugs do so after taking the medications for a legitimate medical problem such as post-surgical pain or pain associated with a medical condition or injury. 

Both drugs alter perceptions of pain via the opioid receptors. For a person experiencing intermediate to severe pain, the relief can be immense. However, the relief wanes as the drug wears off, compelling the user to take their next dose. As time goes by, the body will tolerate that dose, which means the relief will be less tremendous and last for a shorter duration. At such times, the user can take a different drug (if one is prescribed) or increase their dose. 

Unfortunately, given some time, the same tolerance develops, compelling the user to either switch medications or increase their dose. The pattern of tolerance and dose increase can pave a path to struggling with opioid addiction. 

Oxycodone Explained: Uses and Effects 

Oxycodone is an opioid designed to treat pain. Unlike Percocet which contains two medications, oxycodone contains one active ingredient. It is available in immediate-release and slow-release forms. Doctors generally prescribe it to treat moderate to severe pain. The drug binds to brain and spinal cord receptors to relieve pain. It can be prescribed independently or with certain other medications needed to treat the patient’s medical needs. 

After taking oxycodone, users generally experience pain relief as well as sedation. Users often feel calm and relaxed while taking the drug. Other effects can include respiratory depression and cough suppression. Users should not operate dangerous equipment or drive if the dose they take leaves them feeling fatigued or over-tired. 

Percocet Uncovered: Composition and Purpose

Percocet is closely related to oxycodone because it does, in fact, contain oxycodone. The two active ingredients in Percocet are oxycodone and acetaminophen (the generic form of Tylenol). Both active ingredients reduce pain. Acetaminophen also reduces fever. Doctors prescribe Percocet in cases where the patient can benefit from both of its active ingredients. Combining active ingredients offers patients enhanced pain relief following a medical procedure such as surgery or an injury. Like oxycodone, Percocet can cause patients to feel drowsy or experience slowed breathing. It also carries a high risk of abuse like oxycodone. 

Comparing Oxycodone vs. Percocet: Key Differences

The key difference between oxycodone and Percocet is that oxycodone contains one active ingredient and Percocet contains two. Both drugs contain the active ingredient oxycodone. Percocet also contains acetaminophen. Doctors prescribe one drug over the other depending on the patient’s pain management needs and other medical needs. 

The Risks of Oxycodone vs. Percocet Use

Both oxycodone and Percocet are opioids. Opioid narcotics are among the most dangerous and highly abused drugs in the country. Even though these are prescription medications, the drugs are widely abused on the street. Many people take the drugs to experience their calming, relaxing, and sedative effects. 

The longer a person takes these drugs, the higher the risk of chemical dependence. Chemical dependence refers to physical dependence. If the individual becomes psychologically and behaviorally dependent on the drugs, they can be diagnosed with addiction. 

The risks of taking the drugs do not only involve addiction. Both medications can leave patients feeling drowsy. This can make driving or operating heavy equipment dangerous. Both drugs are powerful so an accidental dose increase can lead to overdose. 

Addiction Potential: Oxycodone vs. Percocet

Opioids are one of the most abused classes of drugs in the U.S. Because these drugs are so addictive, the risk of developing an opioid use disorder is considerable. To experience the same level of pain relief, patients must take more of the drug over time. Once they become tolerant to the increased dose, they need to up their dose again to experience the same level of pain relief. The increase in doses over time can pave the way to an addiction. 

A substance addiction is a chronic condition. Once a person becomes addicted to oxycodone or Percocet (or both), they will remain addicted to these chemicals. The only way to manage an addiction to an addictive substance is to stop using it for good. That’s where our top Los Angeles drug rehab center can help. At Muse, we treat opioid addiction, helping clients get off and stay off the drugs they’ve become addicted to. 

Treatment Options for Oxycodone vs. Percocet Addiction

The ideal way to treat an opioid addiction is at a licensed medical rehab center like Muse Treatment. We offer a full range of addiction treatment services that include medical detox (with 24-hour clinical supervision), medication-assisted treatment, inpatient rehab treatment, outpatient addiction treatment, aftercare services, and more. We treat the mind, body, and spirit with multiple treatments based on medically sanctioned therapies and holistic treatments. Our experienced clinicians also individualize treatment plans to make sure every client gets the support they need for their specific needs. 

Muse Treatment’s Approach to Opioid Addiction Recovery

Muse Treatment is renowned throughout the state for its high-quality addiction treatment programs. Our full range of treatment options allows us to provide the precise support each client needs to achieve their recovery goals. Our Los Angeles drug rehab facility is welcoming and bright. Clients can expect to be treated with dignity and respect upon enrolling in a treatment plan. Our environment is designed to promote healing and the general well-being of each client. 

If you are addicted to prescription drugs like oxycodone vs. Percocet, there is help. Call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 or contact us online to learn about our treatment programs and enrollment process. When you visit, we can help you choose the ideal treatment plan for you. With treatment, you can put addiction behind you for good.