Percocet® Medication Safety Overview
Percocet® is a prescription opioid that contains oxycodone (an opioid pain medication) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). It is used for moderate to severe pain but carries a meaningful risk for tolerance, dependence, and misuse. Many people want to know how long Percocet® stays in the body for drug testing, medication safety, and withdrawal concerns.
For many people, oxycodone from Percocet® may be detectable for roughly 1 to 4 days, depending on the type of drug test and individual factors such as dose, metabolism, liver function, and frequency of use.
Safety note: The “detection window” is not the same as how long you feel the effects. Even when the “high” or pain relief has worn off, oxycodone can remain in the body.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call 911 immediately if someone who has taken Percocet® (or any opioid) has slow or stopped breathing, cannot be awakened, has blue/gray lips or fingertips, severe confusion, chest pain, or seizures. If you think an overdose may be happening, emergency care is critical.
Percocet® Detection Times by Test Type
Detection windows vary by test type and individual metabolism. The ranges below are commonly cited estimates for oxycodone:
| Test Type | Typical Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | About 1 to 4 days |
| Blood | Up to about 24 hours |
| Saliva | About 1 to 2 days |
| Hair | Up to about 90 days (varies by test and hair growth) |
More frequent or higher-dose use can extend detection times. Hair testing generally reflects longer-term exposure, while blood and saliva tests are more short-term.
Percocet® Half-Life
The elimination half-life of immediate-release oxycodone is often cited around 3.5 to 5.5 hours. In general, it can take around 4 to 5 half-lives for most of a single dose to clear from the bloodstream, although drug testing can detect metabolites beyond that window.
- Immediate-release oxycodone: shorter duration
- Extended-release oxycodone: longer duration (formulation dependent)
Acetaminophen typically clears more quickly than oxycodone and does not determine opioid test positivity.
Factors That Influence How Long Percocet® Stays in Your Body
Detection time can vary based on:
- Age (older adults may metabolize opioids more slowly)
- Liver health (oxycodone is metabolized primarily by the liver)
- Kidney function
- Metabolic rate
- Dosage and formulation
- Frequency of use (occasional vs. daily use)
- Body composition and overall health
People taking Percocet® regularly or at higher doses may have longer detection windows due to accumulation and slower clearance.
How Long Do the Effects of Percocet® Last?
The noticeable effects of Percocet® vary by dose and individual tolerance, but immediate-release formulations often last around 4 to 6 hours. Common effects may include pain relief, drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and constipation. Combining Percocet® with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives significantly increases risk and is not recommended without medical guidance.
Is Percocet® Addictive?
Yes. Because Percocet® contains oxycodone, it is a Schedule II controlled substance with recognized risk for misuse and dependence. Even when taken as prescribed, some people can develop tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms when stopping).
Potential signs of misuse may include:
- Taking more than prescribed or taking doses more frequently
- Cravings for the medication
- Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain more medication
- Mood or personality changes
- Withdrawing socially or hiding use
- Running out of medication early
Percocet® Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping Percocet® suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially after regular use. Symptoms often begin within 8 to 24 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids, but timing and duration vary based on dose, frequency, and individual physiology.
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Chills or sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Runny nose or watery eyes
Many people feel the worst symptoms over the first several days, with improvement over about a week, but some symptoms (like sleep disruption or mood symptoms) can persist longer. For safety, do not attempt withdrawal alone if you have heavy or long-term use, medical concerns, or polysubstance use.
Related Educational Resources
- How Long Does Oxycodone Stay in Your System?
- Codeine vs. Hydrocodone
- Hydrocodone Detection Guide
- 5 Types of Drug Addiction
Support for Percocet® Misuse or Dependence in Houston
If Percocet® use is creating problems in your life—or if you are worried about a loved one—support is available. Treatment can help with withdrawal management planning, cravings, and the underlying drivers of substance use.
At The Heights Treatment Center in Houston, levels of care may include:
- Individualized Intensive Program (IIP)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
If you want to talk through options, you can contact us for a confidential conversation. You can also learn more about our Houston facility here: Houston addiction and mental health rehab.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Oxycodone
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Prescription Opioids
- CDC – Opioid Basics
- SAMHSA – National Helpline
