acetaminophen/oxycodone

Name: acetaminophen/oxycodone — FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Reviewed byPlainmeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team · June 5, 2026

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Brand names: Percocet

Opioid Analgesic Combination Rx

Percocet is a strong pain medicine. It contains acetaminophen and oxycodone, an opioid.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Generic Price

$36.10/unit

Generic Available

Yes (0 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

Percocet is used to manage severe pain.

Common side effects

Lightheadedness, Dizziness, Drowsiness

Key warnings

Percocet has a boxed warning.

How It Works

Oxycodone works in the brain to block pain signals. Acetaminophen also helps to reduce pain and fever. Together, they provide stronger pain relief.

How to Take It

Take Percocet exactly as your doctor tells you. Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed. It can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Taking Percocet for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Make sure a newborn specialist is available when you deliver your baby.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Storage

Store Percocet at room temperature (68° to 77°F) away from moisture and light. Keep it in a safe place and dispose of it properly.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 277,249 FDA adverse event reports.

Tiredness

34,486

Medicine not working

34,371

Using medicine for unapproved purpose

32,846

Feeling sick to your stomach

29,571

Head pain

28,378

Aches

28,322

Loose stools

23,628

Difficulty breathing

22,691

Joint pain

22,204

Throwing up

20,752

Serious Warnings

Percocet has a boxed warning. It can cause addiction, abuse, and misuse, leading to overdose and death. It can also cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Accidental ingestion, even one dose, can cause a fatal overdose, especially in children. Taking Percocet with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can cause severe sedation, breathing problems, coma, and death. Using opioids for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if you take too much.

Known Drug Interactions

moderate gabapentin

Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.

Mechanism: Both of these drugs slow down the central nervous system. Taking them together can cause extreme sleepiness, dangerously slow breathing, coma, or even death.

What to do: Use these drugs together only if your doctor says it is absolutely necessary. Monitor closely for signs of extreme drowsiness or trouble breathing.

moderate pregabalin

Mechanism: Both drugs slow down the central nervous system. Using them together can cause extreme sleepiness and make it hard to breathe.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs of breathing problems or severe drowsiness. Avoid this combination unless your healthcare provider says it is necessary.

minor trazodone

Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tryptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intr...

Mechanism: Both drugs increase a brain chemical called serotonin, which can lead to a rare but serious reaction.

What to do: Tell your doctor right away if you feel confused, shaky, or have a very fast heartbeat.

minor tramadol

Mechanism: Using these two drugs together can cause too much serotonin to build up in your body.

What to do: Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs of a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome.

minor cyclobenzaprine

Mechanism: Both drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can cause a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms like confusion or a fast heartbeat if you use these together.

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Common Questions

Can I drive while taking Percocet?

Percocet can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Percocet?

No, drinking alcohol while taking Percocet can cause dangerous side effects, including slowed breathing, coma, and death.

What should I do if I overdose on Percocet?

Seek emergency medical help immediately. An overdose can cause slowed or stopped breathing, liver damage, coma, and death.

Can I take other medicines with Percocet?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines with Percocet. Some medicines can interact and cause dangerous side effects.

How do I know if I am becoming addicted to Percocet?

If you feel like you need to take more Percocet than prescribed, or if you are having trouble stopping it, talk to your doctor right away.

What are the signs of respiratory depression?

Signs of respiratory depression include slow or shallow breathing, confusion, and bluish skin.

Can I crush or chew Percocet tablets?

No, swallow Percocet tablets whole. Crushing or chewing them can release too much medicine at once, which can be dangerous.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Percocet?

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including any breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, or history of drug or alcohol abuse.

How often can I take Percocet?

Take Percocet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it more often or for a longer period than prescribed.

What is a REMS program?

REMS stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. It is a program to help ensure the safe use of opioid pain medicines.

What are the common side effects of acetaminophen/oxycodone?

The most commonly reported side effects of acetaminophen/oxycodone include Lightheadedness, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting. Based on 277,249 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does acetaminophen/oxycodone interact with other medications?

Yes, acetaminophen/oxycodone has 23 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include gabapentin, pregabalin, trazodone. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is acetaminophen/oxycodone?

acetaminophen/oxycodone belongs to the Opioid Analgesic Combination drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Percocet is used to manage severe pain.

Is acetaminophen/oxycodone safe during pregnancy?

Taking Percocet for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Make sure a newborn specialist is available when you deliver your baby. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in Opioid Analgesic Combination

Other drugs grouped near acetaminophen/oxycodone — same-class peers and common alternatives.

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