Side Effects of Percocet

Percocet, sold under the generic name oxycodone and acetaminophen, is a medication that treats moderate to severe pain, according to Drugs.com. Tell your doctor about your preexisting medical conditions, whether you drink alcohol and if you have a history of drug addiction before taking Percocet. These can all affect Percocet's effectiveness and may lead to serious complications.

Psychiatric Side Effects

Because Percocet is a narcotic substance, you may become dependent on it. According to RxList.com, you can also develop confusion, agitation, nervousness or hallucination (seeing or hearing things that don't exist). Trouble sleeping and anxiousness are other psychiatric side effects. In some instances, you may be so severely depressed that you begin to develop suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Overdose

Overdosing on Percocet can cause serious liver damage. According to Drugs.com, Percocet contains 650 milligrams of acetaminophen and the maximum dosage for adults is 1000 milligrams per dose or 4000 milligrams per day. Signs of Percocet overdose include drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold skin, fainting, weak pulse and or cessation of breathing. Nausea, vomiting, blue lips, muscle weakness and even coma can result. In the unfortunate instance you overdose on Percocet, call your doctor to safely wean you off this medication.

Heart Problems

Percocet can affect your heart rate and lead to bradycardia (slow heartbeats), palpitations (irregular pounding heartbeats) or tachycardia (fast heartbeats), states RxList.com. It can also affect your blood pressure and lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure) or orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure with changes in position).

Impairment

According to Drugs.com, Percocet can impair your thinking or slow your reaction times. Proceed with caution if you decide to drive or operate other heavy equipment.

Effects on your Digestive System

According to RxList.com, Percocet can affect your digestive system (mouth, stomach, esophagus, liver, pancreas and intestines) in a harmful manner. It may lead to indigestion, stomach pain or swelling, diarrhea or dry mouth. Nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas), intestinal obstruction or ileus (paralysis of your intestines) are other complications on your digestive system.

Allergic Reaction

You may develop an allergic reaction to Percocet. These symptoms include swelling of your face, lips or throat. This swelling may contribute to difficulty breathing. You can also develop welts on your skin (hives). In the unfortunate case you develop these symptoms, get immediate medical help to curb these symptoms and help you breathe.

Other Physical Side Effects

RxList.com states that you can also develop tremors, convulsions, brain swelling (cerebral edema) and electrolyte (minerals in your body such as potassium) imbalances. Percocet can affect your hearing and lead to tinnitus (ringing in your ears) or even hearing loss. In some cases, Percocet can also affect your sugar levels in your blood and protein levels in your urine. Respiratory depression, increased pressure within your skull and liver disease are other physical side effects.