Each year more than 100,000 Americans die in drug related overdoses and many of those involve opioid medications like Percocet. Percocet is a prescription painkiller often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It is a powerful combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone that makes a very effective pain reliever. Percocet is an addictive opioid medication that can be quite dangerous or fatal when misused. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies Percocet as a schedule II controlled substance and heavily regulates its distribution because of the associated risks.
If you have been prescribed this powerful medication to manage chronic pain, you may be wondering, “How long does Percocet stay in your urine?” Whether you are taking a proactive approach to your health or have an upcoming drug screen with a new employer, it helps to know the answer to this question. Understanding how Percocet is processed in your body and how long it’s present in your system can help keep you safe and healthy. Here’s what you need to know.
Characteristics of Percocet
Most occupational drugs screens test for the presence of oxycodone because it is such a popular illicit drug. Unfortunately, it can also be relatively easy to get. Percocet is an effective opioid pain reliever that is also highly addictive. It doesn’t take long for the body to become dependent on Percocet and develop a tolerance.
A tolerance occurs when it takes more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. In addition to relieving pain, Percocet also produces a calm and euphoric effect. Although, some people report feeling energized. Percocet is available in multiple strengths and usually comes in tablet form.
How Percocet is Processed in the Body
Patients typically feel the effects of Percocet between 20 and 30 minutes after taking the drug. The way it is processed in the body depends on multiple factors such as hydration level and liver function. While it works well for most people, some do experience unpleasant side effects or an allergic reaction to Percocet. This medication typically offers about 6 hours of consistent pain relief.
To answer the question, “How long does Percocet stay in your urine?” you must first learn about its half-life. A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for the body to process and eliminate half of the drug’s active ingredients. Percocet half-life is roughly between 2 and 4 hours but it takes 5 complete half-lives to eliminate it from your system. However, it could take much longer for chronic or long term users. Furthermore, oxycodone byproducts can often be detected in the system long after Percocet use has stopped.
Percocet By Products Can Linger
Depending on the dosage level and the amount of the medication used, Percocet byproducts can linger in your system long after you stop taking the drug. This can often present some unforeseen hazards when it comes to alcohol or other medications. Percocet is a powerful opioid medication used to manage moderate to severe pain and it is highly addictive. While it can be detected in the urine for up to 3 days, heavy use can make its byproducts detectable for much longer. It can be helpful to understand this before taking an occupational drug screen or starting any new medications. If you have been prescribed Percocet for pain, be sure to take it exactly as prescribed and only for a short period of time.
