SearchWhat is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription pain killer. It combines acetaminophen and a powerful opioid called oxycodone. Percocet is also a fever reducer. Doctors prescribe this drug for moderate to severe pain management. Opioids work by impacting the brain and its’ reward center. This in itself can make someone more or less emotional than usual.
Emotional Side Effects of Percocet
Typical side effects of Percocet include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, and more. However, there are other types of side effects that can directly impact emotions. Psychiatric side effects of Percocet can include:
- Drug dependence
- Drug abuse
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depressed level of consciousness
- Nervousness
- Hallucination
- Somnolence
- Depression
- Suicide
Any of these psychiatric side effects will affect emotions. When thinking about whether or not Percocet may make a person emotional, it is important to remember why Percocet is prescribed to cope with pain. Someone in severe pain may already be more emotional than usual due to the added stress on the mind and body. This could also lead to change in emotions.
Side Effects of Long term Percocet Use or Abuse
Long-term use of Percocet has a higher likelihood of psychological side effects or problems. Long-term use side effects related to emotions can include:
- Depression: Studies have found that taking opioids, like Percocet, for 90 days increases the risk for major depression by about 25%. Someone taking an opioid for more than 180 days has a 53% increased risk of developing depression.
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Obsession with the drug
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Isolation
- Withdrawn behavior
- Mood swings, in particular, are listed as a possible sign of Percocet addiction.
Any of these psychological side effects can make a person more emotional. Long-term Percocet use or abuse can lead to addiction. Since Percocet includes an opioid substance, it is known for being high-risk for addiction. Addiction can be especially harmful for someone’s physical, psychological, and emotional health. Some doctors even look to withdrawn behaviors and mood changes as signs of Percocet abuse.
In Summary
The painkiller, Percocet, can make someone emotional, but this is not the case for everyone. Some people may be more emotional due to the pain they feel and not the drug. Others may experience a change in emotions as a result of normal side effects. The longer someone takes Percocet, the more likely someone could experience changed emotions. Severe mood swings may result from Percocet abuse or addiction.
For any concerns or questions about Percocet or mood changes, talk to your doctor. If you or a loved one are experiencing severe side effects or mood swings while taking Percocet, please seek the attention of a medical professional. Additionally, the guidance of an addiction specialist can be helpful for someone working to overcome addiction or withdrawal.
