How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

How long does Percocet stay in your system? Read on to find out how to detect Percocet in your system along with the signs of Percocet addiction.

Table of Contents

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a widely prescribed opioid pain medication that is a mix of acetaminophen and oxycodone. It is prescribed in order to relieve moderate to severe pain. However, as with any medication, it is important to know the answer to “how long does Percocet stay in your system?”, along with any potential risks associated with its use.1

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, about 21% of adults suffer from some sort of pain on a daily basis, and they may be prescribed opioids for treatment. However, this powerful narcotic has serious side effects that can lead to addiction if not taken correctly.2
How long does Percocet Stay in your System

How Does Percocet Work?

How long does Percocet stay in your system, and how does the substance work? Percocet is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: acetaminophen and oxycodone. Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever and fever reducer, while oxycodone is a stronger opioid pain reliever. Together, these ingredients work to provide relief from moderate to severe pain. Percocet is typically prescribed for pain caused by injuries, surgery, or chronic conditions, such as cancer or back pain. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception.3

Percocet is known as Oxycodone hydrochloride, but common street names include Percs, Greenies, Kickers, and M-30s.4

Percocet vs. Other Opioid Combinations

What makes Percocet different from other opioid combinations like Norco is the presence of oxycodone instead of hydrocodone. Both medications are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they have different strengths and potential side effects.

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

Answering the question of “how long does Percocet stay in your system?” depends on each individual, their genetics, along with the signs and symptoms they may be experiencing while taking the substance. The signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction can be divided into physical and behavioral categories. Some physical symptoms of Percocet may include:
  • Constricted pupils
  • Drowsiness or sedation 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Slurred speech
  • Shallow breathing
  • Itching or rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Insomnia

Behavioral Indicators of Percocet Addiction

Meanwhile, some behavioral signs of Percocet addiction are:
  • Taking larger doses of the medication than prescribed
  • Obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors
  • Using the medication in dangerous situations, such as while driving
  • Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
  • Isolation and secrecy about drug use
  • Continued use despite negative consequences
  • Financial problems due to purchasing the drug
  • Neglecting personal appearance and hygiene
  • Losing interest in hobbies and activities

An individual may not experience all of these symptoms, but it’s important to take note of what these signs are in case you or a loved one start to develop a substance abuse disorder.

Percocet Side Effects

Another factor for answering the question “how long does Percocet stay in your system?” is any potential side effects one experiences. These can vary depending on the individual and other factors like age, lifestyle, and if there are other substances in one’s system.
Some short-term side effects of Percocet can include drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.

Long-Term Side Effects of Percocet Use

Some of the longer-term side effects one may experience are: 5
  • Increased tolerance
  • Dependence 
  • Withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using the substance or reduces their intake, such as muscle aches and pains, abdominal cramping, restlessness, and diarrhea 
  • Liver damage due to high levels of acetaminophen
  • Respiratory depression, which can lead to breathing difficulties and death

Also, there is an increased risk of overdose the longer one misuses Percocet. This is one reason why it is so important to know the answer to “how long does Percocet stay in your system?”, along with knowing all affiliated risks of misuse. An overdose may look like slow and shallow breathing, cold skin, extreme drowsiness, coma, and even death. It’s important to look out for all of these potential side effects while using Percocet to know when you may need medical attention.

Factors That Determine How Long Percocet Stays in Your System

Many studies have looked into the question “how long does Percocet stay in your system?” and have found that it is mainly dependent on the type of test that is run. Percocet can be detected in urine for up to 48 hours, blood for up to 24 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. However, this can depend on multiple factors as well. 6

Determining Factors and Important Information

But just how long does Percocet stay in your system? Several factors can affect this, including:
  • Form of Drug: Solid forms, like tablets, tend to remain longer in the system than other forms due to how the body metabolizes the drug.
  • Amount of Drug: Higher doses of Percocet may take longer to be eliminated.
  • Drug’s Half-Life: The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. Percocet has a half-life of about three to four hours.
  • Body Mass: People with a higher body mass may take longer to metabolize and eliminate Percocet.
  • Metabolic Rate: People with a faster metabolism may eliminate Percocet more quickly than those with a slower metabolism.

Answering “How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?”

Several drug testing methods can be used to answer “how long does Percocet stay in your system?” These tests include:
  • Hair Test: A hair test can detect the presence of drugs, including Percocet, for longer than other drug tests. Percocet can be seen in hair samples for up to 90 days after use. 
  • Blood Test: Percocet can be detected in blood for up to 24 hours. This is a less common testing method for Percocet, but it’s the second most accurate after the hair follicle test.
  • Saliva Test: The detection time for Percocet in a saliva test is generally shorter than in a hair or urine test, usually between 12 to 36 hours after the last use. This method is less common and less accurate than the blood or hair test.
  • Urine Test: This is the most common testing method for Percocet, and it can detect the drug for up to 4 days after the last use.
The type of test used to figure out the answer to “how long does Percocet stay in your system?” differs depending on the reason for the test as well, such as a test for potential employment instead of someone misusing the substance.
How long does Percocet stay in your system?

Treatment for Percocet Addiction

After answering the question “how long does Percocet stay in your system?”, the next step is to consider treatment options. Treatment for Percocet addiction typically involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The goal of treatment is to help the individual safely stop using the drug, manage any withdrawal symptoms, and prevent future use or relapses. Some common treatment methods include:

  • Detox: The first step in treating Percocet addiction is to undergo detox, which is when the body starts to rid itself of the drug. This should be done under medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
  • Therapies: Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, group counseling, and contingency management can address the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to addiction.

Get Help for Percocet Addiction at Ripple Ranch Recovery Center

Percocet is essentially an opioid drug, which has a high addictive potential for many people. Opioid addiction is very serious and should not be treated without professional care. At Ripple Ranch Recovery Center, we offer specialized treatment programs and different treatment options, such as inpatient and outpatient programs, which offer different levels of care and support depending on your needs. We can answer “how long does Percocet stay in your system?”, as well as any other relevant questions, ultimately guiding you towards a personalized path to healing.

Finding Sustainable Sobriety

Ripple Ranch Recovery Center is one of the best places to get help if you or a loved one is struggling with a Percocet addiction. For more help answering the question “how long does Percocet stay in your system?”, please reach out to our caring and supportive staff today.

We will work with you in order to create an individualized plan based on your needs and any potential co-occurring disorders you may be experiencing as well. We are here to help in any way we can and make the recovery journey as safe and easy for you as possible.

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