Percodan Overdose

What is Percodan?

Percodan is a combination drug that consists of aspirin and oxycodone. Aspirin is a salicylate drug that reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever, an opioid-based drug that is highly addictive. When these drugs are combined, they are far more potent than when taken alone and together effectively assuage moderate to severe pain. When taken as directed and for a short time, it is uncommon for Percodan to result in an overdose. However, if Percodan is misused or taken in combination with other drugs or alcohol, an overdose is likely to follow and may result in death.

Meditox can help you avoid a Percodan overdose by assisting you in breaking your addiction to the opiate with an unprecedented outpatient treatment.

What are the Signs of a Percodan Overdose?

Overdosing on Percodan is doubly dangerous considering the two very different drugs in effect. Both aspirin and oxycodone are lethal in high doses, affecting different systems in the body. In general, when Percodan overdose occurs, symptoms include:

Blue lips
Weak pulse
Slow heart rate
Fainting
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Pinpoint pupils
Extreme drowsiness
Ringing in the ears
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Confusion
Shallow breathing
Depression

When a victim overdoses with Percodan, respiratory depression occurs along with extremely low blood pressure, apnea, metabolic acidosis and cardiac arrest which may result in death.

What Do I Do in the Event of a Percodan Overdose?

Call 911 for emergency medical service as soon as you recognize a Percodan overdose in yourself or someone else. The 911 operator will ask a series of questions about the victim's condition. It may be helpful to know in advance the patient's age, weight and his or her general condition. Let the operator know that the patient has overdosed on Percodan. It will be important to know what time the Percodan was taken along with how much. If the medication was prescribed to the victim, be sure to tell the operator. Bring the Percodan bottle to the hospital if it is available.

A Percodan overdose may not be obvious. If this is the case, and you need more information or help deciding if there is an actual overdose, call Poison Control. The National Poison Control Center can be reached from anywhere in the United States by calling 1-800-222-1222. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will be able to further assist you and can answer any questions you may have concerning a possible Percodan overdose.

How is a Percodan Overdose Treated?

Depending on how much time has passed since the Percodan has been ingested, gastric emptying may be required followed by activated charcoal to keep the body from absorbing any more of the drug. Often, it will be necessary to re-establish breathing since overdosing on an opiate causes respiratory depression. If this is the case, medical staff will institute ventilation either assisted or controlled. Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist that is used to stop respiratory depression, also.

How Do I Avoid a Percodan Overdose?

You can prevent a Percodan overdose by telling your doctor about all the medications, supplements and vitamins you are taking. Include all over the counter drugs, dietary supplements and herbal remedies. Aspirin is a common ingredient in many different types of medication, and because it is present in Percodan, you should avoid over the counter drugs that include it in their ingredients lists. Before taking an over the counter medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to combine with Percodan. Limiting alcohol intake is also important when taking Percodan as it puts you at risk of stomach bleeding when combined with aspirin.

Avoid a Percodan Overdose Through Percodan Addiction Treatment at Meditox

If you are addicted to Percodan and are concerned about the possibility of overdose, Meditox can help. We offer the prescription medications Suboxone and Subutex through our outpatient Percodan addiction treatment program. These medications are approved for the treatment of adults addicted to opiates and work to break your Percodan dependence safely. We require only one appointment with our qualified specialists to start your treatment. With our help here at Meditox, you can soon be drug free and on your way to a healthier life. Call today to find out more information.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

RxList.com: Percodan Overdose

WebMD.com: Percodan Overdose

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