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Reactions With Oxycodone-APAP & Percocet

Oxycodone/APAP is a combination of two types of medication, a narcotic and an analgesic. When taken together, these two medications provide an increased ability to relieve pain. It is often prescribed after surgery to relieve the pain from the trauma of surgery. Oxcodone/APAP can be addictive. This medication should be taken only as directed by your physician.

  1. Oxycodone/APAP

    • Oxycodone/APAP is a class II narcotic used to relieve moderate to severe short-term pain. It is a combination of a narcotic, oxycodone, an analgesic/antipyritic, acetaminophen. The narcotic portion binds to opioid receptors in the brain while the analgesic part releases chemical like prostaglandins that reduce pain. Oxycodone/APAP comes under a number of different names including Percocet, Endocet, Magnacet, Tylex and Roxicet

    Oxycodone Side Effects

    • Oxycodone/APAP can cause a number of common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, euphoria, dysphoria and constipation. These side effects can be treated by your physician. Because oxycodone/APAP is a powerful pain-relieving medication, it can also produce severe side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience slow or shallow breathing, fainting, mood changes, vision changes, difficulty urinating, irregular heartbeat or seizures.

    Oxycodone Reactions with Alcohol

    • Alcohol can cause central nervous system depression in those taking oxycodone. Difficulty breathing or even death can occur when these two substances are combined. Avoid alcohol when taking oxycodone/APAP.

    Oxycodone Reactions with Antihistamines

    • Oxycodone increases the effects of antihistamines, causing extreme drowsiness or sedation. It is best to avoid the use of any antihistamine medication while taking oxycodone/APAP.

    Oxycodone Reactions with Antidepressants & Antipsychotics

    • Antidepressant medications can produce reactions when taken with oxycodone/APAP, such as drowsiness, memory loss, confusion and difficulty breathing. Consult with your doctor before combining these medications. Make sure that your prescribing physician knows that you are taking anti-psychotic medications if you are also prescribed oxycodone/APAP. Anti-psychotic medications can produce confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing.

    Oxycodone Reactions with Anticholinergics

    • Anticholinergics are medications that block the chemical acetylcholine in the body. They are often used to treat asthma. They should be used with care when taking oxycodone/APAP. Severe constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders can result.

    Oxycodone Reactions with Other Acetaminphen Medications

    • Taking oxycodone/APAP with other medications that contain acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage that can even lead to death. It is a important to read the labels of any other medication you take to make sure it does not contain additional acetaminophen.

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