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Percocet Overdose
A yellow tinge to the skin, difficulty breathing and clammy cold skin are all signs that a Percocet overdose may have occurred. If this is the case, it is imperative to receive treatment immediately to reduce the chance of life threatening symptoms. In addition, if the overdose occured only recently, then the medical professional can pump the stomach, induce vomiting, or provide an antidote to treat the patient.
Overdosing on Percocet - An Overview
Percocet is typically used for treating pain and is available via prescription only. Percocet consists of two medications: Oxycodone
(narcotic) and acetaminophen. Taking large quantities of Percocet can lead to an overdose, just like most medications. However, the effects resulting from a Percocet overdose are varied and dependent upon different factors. For instance, whether other substances or medications were used at the same time, or if the dosage amount was incorrect.
Percocet ranks amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs for pain relief in the United States. Typically, people using Percocet for extended periods of time will become addicted to the drug. When individuals experience a physical addiction to Percocet, then accidental overdose is very common. Furthermore, if individuals become mentally addicted to Percocet then there is even a greater chance of overdose.
The Symptoms Associated with Percocet Overdose
The following symptoms may arise when overdosing due to the components of Percocet known as acetaminophen:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Skin and white of eyes yellowing
- Confusion
- Dark Urine
- Low Blood Sugar
- Liver failure
- Bleeding
- Loss of life.
Here are the overdose symptoms experienced caused by oxycodone components:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Clammy cold skin
- Cardiac arrest
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of life.
Indications of Overuse and Percocet Dependency include:
- Lack of drive or indifference
- Lack of enjoyment or disinterest
- Sexual or emotional apathy
- Detachment from others
- Poor work performance
- Fear of overdose
- Increase in tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Taking the drug to avoid withdrawal
Percocet Overdose - Why It Occurs
Percocet overdose is common for many reasons. People who take Percocet for the first time are usually intolerant to the drug and can easily make the mistake of using too much. Even a slight change in a body's tolerance levels can cause a Percocet overdose. For instance, someone who stops taking the medication and then starts again at the full dosage can easily overdose. Likewise, mixing Percocet with drugs, alcohol or sedatives can also cause an overdose.
Treating Overdose from Percocet
To prevent life threatening symptoms occuring, it is vital that an overdose victim receives treatment immediately after the overdose occurs. When an overdose is only recent, then medical professionals usually treat the patient by inducing vomiting, pumping the stomach, or giving the patient a type of charcoal which stops the drug entering their bloodstream.
N-acetylcysteine (Acetadote) is an important drug used for treating acetaminophen overdoses. This necessary drug assists in preventing liver damage caused by the acetaminophen component in Percocet. In addition, an antidote or Naloxone may be used to offset the effects of oxycodone in the system.
If you, or someone you know experiences a Percocet overdose you should seek medical help immediately.
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