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Percocet is a powerful painkiller made with acetaminophen and oxycodone. Most people know acetaminophen by the brand name Tylenol, while oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid made from a derivation of opium. Considered stronger and more addictive than hydrocodone-based painkillers, Percocet is usually reserved for more severe instances of pain.
Some people who use Percocet for pain management may also struggle with depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is a type of mental illness characterized by the following symptoms that have lasted two weeks or longer:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., handwringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide1
Whether through professional care or illicit medication use, many individuals take painkillers and antidepressants at the same time. Sometimes these drugs can affect each other in negative ways.
Percocet and Antidepressant Side Effects
Using Percocet and antidepressants simultaneously can cause the following problems:
- The acetaminophen in Percocet reduces the effectiveness of serotonergic antidepressants
- Taking the medications together substantially increases the risk of stomach bleeding
- Some users increase their risk of serotonin syndrome with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, nausea, hallucinations, vomiting, and blood pressure changes
However, the most serious interaction between painkillers and antidepressants is the depression of the central nervous system (CNS), causing the respiratory system to decline to dangerous levels. This potentially lethal respiratory collapse is often the result of an accidental overdose of one medication, but taking multiple substances at once can produce the same results. A combination of Percocet and antidepressants, as well as alcohol, sedatives, sleep aids, tranquilizers, and even stimulants can contribute to CNS depression. The side effects of these substances together are always greater than those from individual doses.
Increased Risks of Addiction
The risks of combining Percocet and antidepressants also increase the risk of developing drug addiction. In 2016, the Federal Drug Administration began issuing warnings about the dangers of combining opioid drugs with antidepressants. Their research found that there was a 41% increase in the number of people using opioids and benzodiazepines at the same time between 2002 and 2014.
That number translates to 2.5 million more people being prescribed both drugs simultaneously than in previous years. The FDA also found a dramatic increase in the number of emergency room visits directly related to nonmedical use of both drugs, with overdose deaths involving both substances tripling during that same time period.2
People who legitimately take painkillers and antidepressants need to make sure their doctor knows about all the different medications they take to avoid dangerous interactions and drug overdose.
If you or your loved ones uses Percocet and also takes an antidepressant to treat the symptoms of depression, look for the following signs of drug dependence:
- Taking more of the drug before the next dose is due
- Needing more of the drug to provide the same level of symptom relief or experience
- Becoming preoccupied with getting and using the drug
- Needing a supply of the drug on hand at all times
- Going into debt to get and use the drug
- Engaging in dangerous behaviors, like driving while under the influence of the drug
- Participating in illegal activities, like stealing to get and use the drug
- Changes in physical appearances, like bloodshot eyes or neglected personal hygiene
- Extreme behavior changes like mood swings, angry outbursts, or depression
- Becoming more involved in the drug culture
If you or a loved one struggle with any of these or other symptoms of addiction, it’s time to get help.
Finding Treatment for Drug Addiction
If you have questions or need help concerning drug use, we are here for you and we can help. Call us at 855-808-6212. We can answer questions you have about treatment methods, recommend rehab facilities and help you understand your insurance policies benefits.
Sources
1 “What Is Depression?” American Psychiatric Association. Accessed Aug. 27, 2018.
2 Mills, David. “Why Opioids and Antidepressants Shouldn’t Be Taken Together.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 31 Aug. 2016.