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Percocet Pain Medicine
The pain medicine Percocet® (oxycodone/APAP) is commonly used for relieving pain following an injury, surgery, or dental procedure. It is also sometimes used for treating migraines, chronic pain, or other types of recurring or long-term conditions that cause pain. Percocet contains two different drugs: oxycodone hydrochloride (a semi-synthetic narcotic) and acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in over-the-counter products).
Percocet comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth, either on an "as needed" basis (usually every six hours as needed for pain) or a scheduled basis (meaning you take it on schedule, even if you are not in pain). For Percocet to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed without your healthcare provider's approval. If you have been taking the drug for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it suddenly without your healthcare provider's supervision (see Percocet Withdrawal).
(Click Percocet for more information about this pain medicine and its specific effects, various strengths, dosing guidelines, and abuse potential.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD