Oxycet, formerly a brand name for Percocet, was prone to abuse, dependence and addiction, much like Percocet is today. Treatment is available for an Oxycet addiction.

Oxycet, a discontinued brand name product for the same drugs present inPercocet, was a highly addictive, short-acting narcotic. Like Percocet, it had a high risk for abuse and dependence. Although brand-name Oxycet has been discontinued, the components are still available as a generic drug and in other brand name drugs like Percocet. Drugs labeled brand-name Oxycet today are, therefore, likely to either be expired or counterfeit.

Article at a Glance:

  • Oxycet is the former brand name of an addictive oxycodone-acetaminophen combination drug.
  • The drug triggers the brain’s reward center, putting people at risk for addiction.
  • Side effects include nausea, vomiting, itching and constipation.
  • Quitting Oxycet on your own can lead to withdrawal. Medical detox and rehab can help.

Oxycet Addiction

Oxycet was classified as aSchedule IIsubstance by the Federal Drug Administration due to its highly addictive nature and its high potential for overdose. Like otheropioids, Oxycet triggers the brain’s reward center, which can make people seek the drug to experience euphoric effects.

Someone struggling with Oxycet or another opioid use may start showing signs of addiction. Many signs reflect attitude and behavior and are common to multiple substances. These signsinclude:

What is Oxycet?

Oxycet was a combination narcotic painkiller that was used to treat moderate to severe acute pain.Each tablet containedbetween 2.5 and 10 mg of the analgesic opioidoxycodoneand 325 mg of the mild pain reliever acetaminophen.

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Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects of Abuse

Common side effects associated with oxycodone use are similar to those of other opioids andinclude:

The acetaminophen contained in Oxycet can increase the risk of liver problems, especially when taken at a dose of more thanfour grams dailyor when combined with other substances like alcohol. Symptoms of acetaminophen overdoseinclude:

Interactions with Alcohol

Oxycet should never be mixed with alcohol.Both the oxycodone and the acetaminophen components of Oxycet have interactions with alcohol. The combined use of the two can lead to complications, including severely slowed breathing and liver damage. The risk of an overdose greatly increases as well.

Symptoms of an overdosecan include:

Respiratory depression is the most serious risk factor due to its influence on critical organ failure.

Opioids like the oxycodone contained in Oxycet act directly on the brainstem to suppress the automatic urge to breathe. The brainstem responds to elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood. In the event of an opioid overdose, the brainstem fails to initiate respiration, leading to toxic carbon dioxide levels and dangerously low levels of oxygen.

Other signs of an overdose includeblue/purple fingernails and lips, nausea, vomiting, stomach muscle spasms, weakness, and cold/clammy skin.

If you suspect an overdose, it is important to administer naloxone if it is available. Naloxone, also known by the brand nameNarcan, is an opioid overdose antidote. If you give naloxone to someone, you should always call 911, even if the person seems to get better when you have given the drug. Naloxone starts to reverse an overdosewithin three minutes. However, it wears offwithin 90 minutes. Therefore, it is possible for someone to overdose a second time after the drug wears off, even if they have taken no additional opioids.

Long-Term Consequences

Using opioids for an extended period of time is not advised and can lead to long-term effects including dependence and addiction. For this reason, never take Oxycet or any opioid painkiller unless it is prescribed to you.

Oxycet Withdrawal

If you are taking an opioid and want to quit, you should discuss the issue with your doctor or an addiction counselor. Opioids should never be stopped suddenly or “cold turkey,” as this will greatly increase your risk of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that may make recovery more difficult.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Oxycet withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioids andinclude:

Withdrawal Timeline

Oxycet is a short-acting drug, meaning that it does not stay in the system for very long compared to some other longer-acting opioids. However, withdrawal symptoms can start after your first missed dose. If you take Oxycet round-the-clock on a regular basis, this means that you may start going through withdrawal the same day that you quit the drug.

Individuals who are having difficulty managing the withdrawal symptoms should seek amedically assisted detoxification program. This program allows patients to safely detox in the presence of medically-trained staff who can answer any questions patients may have about their unique withdrawal struggles.

Remember, everyone experiences withdrawal differently. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Is Oxycet Safe to Take While Pregnant?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, makes recommendations about the safety of medications in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The FDAstatesthat it is not known whether Oxycet can cause harm to a fetus. However, chronic opioid use during pregnancy can cause the fetus to become dependent on opioids and lead to withdrawal after birth.

How Can Oxycet Affect Your Baby?

It isnot knownwhether Oxycet can harm a fetus in the early stages of pregnancy. However, expertsare awarethat opioids can cross the placenta, exposing the fetus to the drug. After the baby is born, this can lead to a withdrawal syndrome in the baby with symptomslike:

If you are breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that opioids like Oxycet can also be found in breast milk in low concentrations. This means that a baby is exposed to the opioid while breastfeeding.

Safe Alternatives to Treat Pain During Pregnancy

Although some doctors will allow pregnant women to continue their prescription if taken as directed, some doctors and women prefer to use alternative therapies during pregnancy. This can include different modalities, including:

If you are currently abusing prescription painkillers and become pregnant, it is important to seek a rehabilitation program as soon as possible. Recovering from your addiction is extremely important, especially for expecting mothers, as the newborn will depend on you once you give birth.

Getting Treatment for Addiction

Medical detox is the first step in overcoming opioid addiction. In an inpatient medically-supervised environment, you can be eased off opioid drugs while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Frequently, those who struggle with opioids will requiremedication-assisted treatment, or MAT to help fight their addiction over the longer term. These medications include methadone as well as drugs containing buprenorphine. Sometimes, MAT drugs are started in medical detox alongside other therapies to gently wean you off Oxycet.

Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Options

People in different stages of recovery have different needs. For some people, an inpatient rehab setting is best because they can get away from the real world and focus on recovery.Inpatient rehabis a program that requires patients to live on campus at one ofThe Recovery Village’s designated inpatient centerswhile they recover from addiction. This program can be very helpful for patients who have a severe addiction or those who would have trouble recovering due to distractions from home in daily life.

For others,outpatient rehabis best, where people can live at home and work while still attending rehab therapy sessions. Your addiction counselor will help you choose the rehab option that fits your needs the best. Patients with less severe addiction may opt to skip inpatient rehab entirely and begin recovery with the outpatient option.

Choosing an Oxycet Rehab Center

Choosing a rehab center is an important step in each patient’s journey to a substance-free life. It is recommended that patients consult with their doctors before making this important decision.

The Recovery Village has many programs and resources that can be tailored to fit each patient’s needs. To learn more about these life-saving opportunities,contact usto discuss treatment options that may meet your needs.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.