Mixing Alcohol and Oxycodone: Understanding the Risks

A suspected opioid overdose should be quickly treated with Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride). In March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan Nasal Spray as an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency treatment for opioid overdose. When taken at the prescribed dose, acetaminophen found in Percocet is only mildly toxic to the liver. But when alcohol is added to the mix, the potential for hepatotoxicity (liver poisoning) increases. Treatment for alcohol and substance addiction may vary between people, facilities, and programs.

Can you take Percocet with alcohol?

Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to check or measure the dose. When an opioid overdose is suspected, Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride) should be administered as soon as possible.

Combining CNS Depressants

Extended-release formulas of oxycodone can take 4-5 hours to reach peak concentrations in the body. Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to deliver pain relief. Because oxycodone works in the pleasure centers of the brain, it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. The acetaminophen found alongside oxycodone in Percocet can have negative effects on your liver. Using the drug long-term or taking high doses puts excess stress on the liver.

Signs of Addiction

In the event of opioid or alcohol dependence, there are a variety of treatments and support groups available to help overcome addiction. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications to help treat alcohol addiction —naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Another medication, called naltrexone, blocks opioid receptors completely. This makes it a good drug to help prevent relapse, although it should only be started after someone has completely withdrawn from opioids.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Likewise, if a person experiences any signs of dependence, addiction, or withdrawal, they should seek help from a medical professional. However, if a person has consumed alcohol and needs to take Percocet for medical reasons, they should check with a doctor when it is safe to do so. Data were collected for 6-hr post oxycodone administration and subjects remained at the laboratory for at least 30 min post-session fora meal and continued observation. Before discharge, participants were required to have a BrAC ≤ 0.020 and successfully complete a field sobriety test. Free transportation (e.g., Uber, taxi) was provided to and from the laboratory for each session as driving was prohibited.

Oxycodone carries boxed warnings, the most serious type of safety-related warning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives a medication. These medications can cause life-threatening effects that can lead to hospitalization or death. Ask a doctor before using oxycodone if you are breastfeeding. alcohol and diabetes Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets should only be used by patients who have already been taking narcotic pain medicines, also called opioids. If you are uncertain whether or not you are opioid-tolerant, check with your doctor before using this medicine. It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent atorvastatin oral route description and brand names addiction, abuse, and misuse of oxycodone. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide and a patient information leaflet. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. If you are taking the oxycodone extended-release tablets, swallow them whole; do not chew, break, divide, crush, or dissolve them.

  1. Oxycodone is an opioid, a chemical substance that pharmaceutical companies use to manufacture a variety of medications for pain relief and anesthesia.
  2. Though some drugs have minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether Xtampza ER is an appropriate treatment.
  3. It is illegal to use or possess oxycodone without a prescription.
  4. Oxycodone works by blocking pain signals from the brain and depressing the CNS, causing it to slow down.
  5. Depending on the type of tablet, it can control pain for up to 12 hours as a time-release medication.

If these persist or become severe, let your healthcare provider know. Specific instructions depend on your healthcare provider, but, according to the manufacturer, one tablet every 12 hours (twice daily) is recommended. If you or a loved one has been prescribed oxycodone, a knowledge of how this drug works, what its effects are, and how to take it safely is essential. Oxycodone is sold under many names, including Xtampza ER, Oxaydo, Oxycontin, and Roxybond.

Sometimes, an alert physician will be able to convince a patient who has no medical need for oxycodone, and who shows symptoms of alcohol abuse as well, to seek treatment for addiction to oxycodone and alcohol. The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. If left untreated, respiratory depression can quickly cause brain damage and ultimately cause someone to die. Researchers have found that drinking even a moderate amount of alcohol along with taking just one oxycodone pill is enough to risk respiratory depression.

Yoga, mindfulness, tai chi, acupuncture, and music therapy show promise as chronic pain management methods. If an addiction develops, a doctor can help people access the treatment they will mixing alcohol and percocet need to manage this. Opiate analgesics change how the brain and central nervous system respond to pain. These chemical changes stop a person from feeling pain in the same way as they did.

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