Can You Drink on Percocet?
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You recently had a medical procedure, and you were prescribed Percocet for pain management. You’ve been feeling better, and you’ve decided you’re well enough to attend the party you were invited to this weekend. But you’re still taking your Percocet: is it safe to have a few drinks? Let’s explore the science behind how this pain reliever works and what happens when alcohol enters the picture.
Percocet is a commonly prescribed medication used for managing moderate to severe pain. It contains a combination of oxycodone (an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen (known as Tylenol).
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid and is the primary pain-relieving ingredient in Percocet. Opioids block pain receptors in the brain so pain signals have a harder time getting through. Acetaminophen is a common, nonopioid, over-the-counter pain reliever, and it’s not nearly as strong as oxycodone. It does, however, enhance and complement oxycodone.
Like all opioid-containing narcotic medications, Percocet is only available with a prescription. It is typically used in the short term to treat cancer-related and post-surgical pain. Percocet is also used sometimes to treat long-term, chronic pain conditions.
Percocet can be effective in relieving pain, but like many medications there are interactions to be aware of. As with any medication, it’s always important to read the warning labels and discuss any questions with our pharmacist or healthcare provider before we start taking it.
When we read the label on our Percocet bottle, we may notice a big warning saying not to take it with alcohol. But how serious is this warning? Here are a few side effects of mixing Percocet and alcohol.
It must be said again: always educate yourself on the potential risks associated with any medication you’re taking by speaking with your doctor and pharmacist. Here are some top tips for staying safe while taking medications like Percocet.
Although we’ve provided a background and some helpful advice, this article is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications out there. Research shows that more than 100 drugs interact with wine, beer, and hard liquor, which can trigger problems ranging from nausea and headaches to life-threatening issues. As we stated above, mixing alcohol with medications is always risky, but it’s particularly harmful in the case of Percocet. Stay educated, stay empowered, and stay safe!
1. What is Percocet made of?
Percocet is a commonly prescribed medication for managing moderate to severe pain. It contains a combination of oxycodone — potent opioid pain reliever — and acetaminophen, a nonopioid pain reliever commonly found in over-the-counter pain relief products.
2. Can you drink on Percocet?
It’s best not to. Combining Percocet and alcohol is particularly risky because they both slow down respiratory rate (breathing) by different mechanisms. They also compete for attention in the liver, leading to slower elimination and significantly more stress on the liver. Moderate intake of alcohol and Percocet is not fatal, but any amount is going to stress the liver. It’s not something to do habitually or in high doses.
3. What are the risks of combining alcohol with Percocet?
Potential risk factors of drinking alcohol while taking Percocet include liver damage, drowsiness, impaired cognitive function and motor skills, and long-term dependency.
4. Could I die from mixing Percocet with alcohol?
It’s always advised to read the warning labels before taking a medication or combining any medication with alcohol. Long-term abuse of Percocet and/or alcohol may cause serious liver damage or other dangerous health conditions, but it is not necessarily fatal in small doses. Always check with your doctor, especially if you have a history of liver disease — and always be honest with your doctor about your substance use!
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