Percocet is both an opioid and non-opioid analgesic. It contains oxycodone, which is an addictive ingredient, and acetaminophen, which is commonly found in over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol. Reports say that this popular pain pill prescribed by doctors might have been the cause of Prince's death.
The "Purple Rain" singer allegedly overdosed from the painkillers last April 21. Here's what you should know about the effects and risks of Percocet to serve as a warning on overuse:
As An Opioid, Percocet Directly Affects The Central Nervous System
Percocet's mechanism affects the way the brain processes signals so that it numbs the pain. While it provides great physical relief, it also derives "a pleasant euphoria," per Drug Abuse. For instance, a person using Percocet to treat a hip or back problem could also experience a sense of calm, peace and happiness while the drug takes effect.
Percocet Addiction Happens When Going Off What Doctors Prescribed
Percocet risks come into play when the patient doesn't take the medication as directed. Unfortunately, this happens in many cases as a person seeks the drug's euphoric effects, especially when feeling low or depressed. The Center for Disease Control notes that half of deaths due to drug overdose are from using "prescription opioid" and as of 2014 at least two million Americans are dependent on this.
The Dangers of Percocet and Other Narcotic Painkillers #PrinceRIP https://t.co/suGRWQvcN4 #addiction pic.twitter.com/BSTbmuN0IS
— MyBrainTest (@MyBrainTest) April 22, 2016
Percocet Is Stronger Than Vicodin
Vicodin has hydrocodone bitrate and acetaminophen. It is also a powerful and addictive pain pill. However, a study revealed that Percocet's oxydone/acetaminophen content is 1.5 times more potent that hydrocodone/acetaminophen, per National Institutes of Health.
Under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Percocet is classified as Schedule II, which is a level lower than LSD, cannabis and ecstasy. Vicodin is at Schedule III.
Prince And His Percocet Addiction
Prince was given a prescription for Percocet to manage pain after going through a hip replacement surgery in 2010 and he never stopped taking this, per Attn. It was revealed, but still unconfirmed, that Prince had the painkillers at the time of his death, per People.
An addiction expert explains the uses and risks of Percocet - the painkiller Prince used https://t.co/qfFdu53Bbx pic.twitter.com/TaAEwQx39p — People Magazine (@people) April 28, 2016
Why Doctors Continue Prescribing Percocet
Patients like Prince could've had no extended access to powerful pain medication like Percocet if they cannot obtain a doctor's prescription. Given the drug's addictive effects, why do doctors still prescribe this? A doctor shares his side on New Yorker and wrote that while doctors have the responsibility, there are factors that make it hard to turn down patients asking for prescription medication.
"He might accuse you of not understanding because you're not the one in pain; he might question why you won't give him what another doctor prescribed," Celine Gounder wrote. She also said that other patients are unwilling to take other routes for managing pain despite referrals and doctors' advise.
While Percocet is expensive, opioids are also covered by health insurance, which could be part of the reason why it's so easy for patients to obtain if they have good coverage. But just this March, the CDC issued new guidelines for doctors on opioid prescriptions and it remains to be seen how this will affect the users.
