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By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 15, 2023

What Is Endocet?

Endocet is a combination drug that includes acetaminophen and oxycodone. This psychoactive drug is used to treat moderate to severe pain. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) [1], Endocet is a Schedule II; as an opioid, this drug exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused.

This narcotic pain reliever can also produce unwanted side effects such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Nausea and stomach pain

Acetaminophen, which is an active ingredient of Endocet, is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects, including liver damage, when taken in large doses.

Oxycodone, also an active ingredient of Endocet, belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain [2].

When oxycodone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to happen when narcotics are misused and abused. 

Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

This medication is available only with a doctor’s prescription. In addition, this prescription drug is available only under a restricted distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.

What is Endocet generic?

The generic Endocet name is oxycodone and acetaminophen. The generic for Endocet is a combination of these two drugs and is typically in pill or capsule form.

Endocet vs Percocet – Main Differences & Similarities

Endocet and Percocet are two brand names for the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. This combination medication is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain that is not relieved with other therapies.

Endocet

Endocet comes in strengths of 325 mg-2.5 mg, 325 mg-5 mg, 325 mg-7.5 mg, and 325 mg-10 mg of acetaminophen and oxycodone. The usual dose of Endocet is given every 6 hours as needed for pain. Common side effects of Endocet include constipation, nausea, and somnolence.

Percocet

Percocet is available in strengths of 325 mg-2.5 mg, 325 mg-5 mg, 325 mg-7.5 mg, and 325 mg-10 mg of acetaminophen and oxycodone. Percocet can be taken every 6 hours as needed for pain, depending on a doctor’s prescription. Common side effects of Percocet include constipation, nausea, and somnolence.

Symptoms of Endocet Addiction

Endocet addiction or abuse can destroy your life and the lives of those around you. Dishonesty becomes a part of your everyday life. It becomes more and more difficult to work, take care of financial and social responsibilities, or simply participate in life when you are addicted to Endocet.

The sign of Endocet abuse and addiction is continued use and extreme denial, despite the negative consequences. Extreme denial is likely to be shown in the family members and friends of addicts as well. Remarks such as, “You don’t know how much my back hurts,” or “I’m not using that much, and you should stay out of my business,” are common from the addict. However, a friend, spouse, or another family member may also make the same excuses for their addicted loved one.

Psychoactive Drug Statistics

An estimated 35 million people are thought to be affected by drug use problems, and roughly 270 million people (or 5.5% of the population of the world between the ages of 15 and 64) used psychoactive drugs in the preceding year (harmful pattern of drug use or drug dependence).


270 Million

In the previous year, almost 270 million people used psychoactive drugs.

Source: WHO

35 Million

Drug use disorders are thought to impact roughly 35 million people.

Source: WHO

0.5 Million

An estimated 0.5 million deaths per year are thought to be related to drug usage.

Source: WHO


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Side by Side Comparison

Endocet

Percocet

Prescribed For

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Moderate to severe pain

Drug Classification

  • Opioid
  • Opioid

Common Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Pruritus
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Pruritus
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue

Drug Interactions

  • Alcohol
  • SSRI/SNRI antidepressants
  • Triptans
  • CNS depressants (opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, hypnotics, antiemetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers)
  • Mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine)
  • Anticholinergics
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors (macrolide antibiotics, azole-antifungal agents, protease inhibitors)
  • CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Diuretics
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Beta blockers (propranolol)
  • Lamotrigine
  • Probenecid
  • Alcohol
  • SSRI/SNRI antidepressants
  • Triptans
  • CNS depressants (opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, hypnotics, antiemetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers)
  • Mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine)
  • Anticholinergics
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors (macrolide antibiotics, azole-antifungal agents, protease inhibitors)
  • CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Diuretics
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Beta blockers (propranolol)
  • Lamotrigine
  • Probenecid

Percocet and Endocet contain the same active ingredients, oxycodone, and acetaminophen. As a strong opioid combination. Both Endocet and Percocet can help relieve moderate to severe pain.

Both drugs come in similar dosage forms. They can both be taken multiple times throughout the day as needed for pain. However, the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen is 4000 mg. This is because acetaminophen can cause liver damage at high doses [3].

Oxycodone and Acetaminophen can cause side effects such as constipation and nausea. As a Schedule II drug, this combination also has a high risk for dependence and abuse. Those who abuse oxycodone and acetaminophen report feelings of euphoria which can lead to addiction.

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What Is Endocet Addiction?

Endocet abuse happens when someone takes more of the drug or the same amount of the drug more often than recommended. A person may ignore the doctor’s prescribed dose and use the pills excessively to experience a high. Or a person may have legitimate pain and take Endocet exactly as prescribed. As is the case with many narcotic medications, addiction can happen merely by taking the medication. Addiction to this prescription drug is a physical dependence first and emotional second.

Once a user has developed a dependency on Endocet, any attempt to stop using the drug typically results in painful withdrawal symptoms.
Once a user has developed a dependency on this drug, any attempt to stop using the drug typically results in painful withdrawal symptoms.

The result of such an addiction is the continuation of the medication even when there is no longer any pain. In such instances, the abuser is not willing to admit to problems like nodding off, the inability to care for children, or a loss of productivity at work.

After someone has become addicted to this drug, they are generally taking higher doses than recommended to get high from the action of oxycodone on opioid brain receptors. Because Endocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, increasing the dose for the opiate means larger doses of acetaminophen, which causes liver damage in large doses. Endocet addiction is no one’s fault. Addiction is a disease that requires intensive medical treatment

Endocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting use abruptly can lead to Endocet withdrawal and may cause the following symptoms:

  • Sweating
  • Runny nose
  • Goosebumps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation

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Side Effects Of Endocet Abuse

Long-term use or abuse of Endocet has many adverse side effects. Among them are serious psychological problems that can include:

Depression

Researchers found taking opioids for 90 days or more significantly increases your chances of developing major depression. One study reported anyone taking opioids for 90 to 180 days has a 25 percent increased risk; those taking them for more than 180 days were 53 percent more likely to develop depression [4]. 

They speculate that depression is due to resetting the brain’s reward system [5]. With long-term use, the painkiller continues to push the threshold for experiencing pleasure until natural rewards no longer trigger the sensation.

Paranoia

These thoughts and feelings are related to a perceived threat, conspiracy, or persecution. Users experience extreme anxiety and fear due to the changes Endocet causes in the brain. Thoughts and emotions are altered until they become negative patterns, resulting in paranoia.

Confusion

Endocet is a very powerful opioid. Abused or overused, it fogs your mind as it floods your brain’s opiate receptors. As a result, thoughts are unclear and confusion sets in, making it hard to put coherent thoughts together or follow logical processes.

Insomnia

Long-term use of Endocet makes it hard to sleep. Since getting a good night’s rest is important to your overall well-being, this affects several other aspects of your health. What’s more, a lack of sleep worsens other symptoms like depression and anxiety, resulting in a downward spiral.

Hallucinations

These vary greatly from person to person. You might see lights, colors, or other things that aren’t really there or you may hear non-existent sounds. It’s also possible to smell things or feel things that aren’t there, such as an itching sensation…like things are crawling on your skin.

Endocet Overdose

A person can overdose on Endocet if the medication is taken more often than prescribed, if tablets are crushed or chewed, or if it is combined with other drugs, such as sleeping pills or alcohol. Overdose from Endocet is considered a medical emergency. Without immediate treatment, serious health effects and even death can happen. An overdose of oxycodone or acetaminophen (both present in Endocet) can cause death. Oxycodone may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother has taken Endocet during pregnancy. In addition, fatal Endocet side effects can happen if a person uses this drug with alcohol or with other drugs such as Xanax that cause drowsiness.

Symptoms of Endocet Overdose

People who abuse this drug are also at risk of overdosing, which can be deadly. Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • Profound sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Markedly constricted pupils
  • Fainting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Respiratory failure
  • Cyanosis (blue-tinged skin, fingernails, or lips)
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma

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Treatment For Endocet Addiction

Detoxification is only the first step in treatment for Endocet addiction. Undergoing detox without following it up with rehabilitation therapy is more likely to lead to relapse.

Behavioral therapy help will change the patterns of behaviors and thinking linked with drug abuse. People seeking treatment for prescription drug addiction should follow the advice of their physicians when making decisions regarding treatment programs. 

Techniques used during behavioral treatment include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This type of therapy helps a person identify negative forms of thinking that lead to drug abuse and gives the person strategies to help develop more positive ways of thinking.

Marital and Family Counseling

It helps to repair relationships between the person and family members. Any family members close to the person are included in this type of treatment.

Contingency Management

Uses a system of rewards for abstaining from drug use. Often a voucher system is used that allows patients to earn prizes or incentives. 

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The inpatient treatment approach works best as it aims to change the person’s behaviors. Also, it will help them establish social support systems and better methods of coping with stress. A person will likely experience many different side effects from the abuse and misuse of Endocet. These side effects may be physical, emotional, or mental. For example, someone in withdrawal will likely experience many uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts about life during detox. Unfortunately for those with dependency, detox is an unavoidable first step toward recovery. 

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up NJ provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery. So, reclaim your life, call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions. 

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Sources

[1] NIH – https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=944d3e60-7eee-11de-a413-0002a5d5c51b

[2] NIH – https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html

[3] NCBI – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548162/

[4] NCBI – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482226/

[5] NIDA – https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids