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How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your Urine? Timeline, Effective Tests & Treatment

Percocet can stay in urine for up to 2-4 days. It is mainly influenced by several factors, including your health, how much Percocet you take, and how long you’ve taken it. Oxycodone and acetaminophen are the two main active components in Percocet.


How Long Does Percocet Stay In Urine?

Before learning how long Percocet stays in the urine, it is essential to first know about the length of time that the opioid medication Percocet stays in your system. It is mainly influenced by several factors, including your health, how much Percocet you take, and how long you’ve taken it. It’s critical to comprehend this timing to avoid Percocet addiction and a potentially fatal overdose.

With that said, How long does Percocet stay in your urine? For 2-4 days following the most recent use, Percocet can still be found in urine. Even after most of the drug has left the body, some are still in the urine. Urine tests are meant to find trace amounts.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription drug that combines the painkillers oxycodone and acetaminophen to treat pain in various ways.

The oxycodone in Percocet stimulates the opioid receptors in the brain, changing how a person experiences pain. While Percocet doesn’t eliminate pain, it does keep a person from experiencing it.

Acetaminophen is also a component of Percocet. Tylenol has two purposes: it enhances the painkilling effects and helps prevent abuse because acetaminophen abuse can harm the liver.

Percocet typically leaves the body after 18 hours, but it may remain detectable in some drug tests for a prolonged period because of the metabolites it leaves behind.

After taking Percocet, the oxycodone in a person’s blood is processed in the liver and subsequently eliminated in the urine and feces. Drug tests can identify recent use even after oxycodone has been cleared from the bloodstream because its metabolites last longer than oxycodone.

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Percocet Drug Facts

Percocet

Percocet, which is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is a semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic
and historically has been a popular drug of abuse among the narcotic-abusing population.


Origin

Oxycodone is synthesized from thebaine, a constituent of the poppy plant.


Common Street Names

  • Hillbilly Heroin
  • Kicker
  • OC
  • Ox
  • Roxy
  • Perc
  • Oxy

What does Percocet look like?
Oxycodone is marketed alone as OxyContin® in 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg extended-release tablets and other immediate-release capsules like 5 mg OxyIR. It is also sold with aspirin, such as Percodan®, or acetaminophen, such as Roxicet.


Percocet Abuse
Oxycodone is abused orally or intravenously. The tablets are crushed and sniffed or dissolved in water and injected. Others heat a tablet placed on a piece of foil and then inhale the vapors.

Effects on the:

  1. Brain

Euphoria and feelings of relaxation are the most common effects of oxycodone on the brain, which explains its high potential for abuse.

2. Body

Physiological effects of oxycodone include:

  • Pain relief, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, papillary constriction, and cough suppression.
  • Extended or chronic use of oxycodone-containing acetaminophen may cause severe liver damage.

Percocet Overdose Symptoms

  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Muscles weakness
  • Confusion
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Shallow breathing
  • Slow heart rate
  • Fainting
  • Coma

Legal Status in the U.S.

Oxycodone products are in Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act.

Percocet Abuse Statistics

In 2020, drug-related overdoses involving illegal drugs and prescription opioids claimed the lives of nearly 92,000 people in the U.S. 10.7% of American adults 20 and older used one or more prescription painkillers (opioid or nonopioid) in the previous 30 days between 2015 and 2018. 5.7% of adult Americans from 2015 to 2018 consumed one or more prescription opioids.

According to Percocet statistics, addiction to this prescription opioid pain reliever is a severe problem, even in individuals who start using the medication for therapeutic reasons. A treatment facility or medical expert can handle Percocet detoxification in a way that enables a person to avoid several negative sensations.


92,000

In 2020, drug-related overdoses involving illegal drugs and prescription opioids claimed the lives of nearly 92,000 people in the U.S.

Source: NIDA

10.7%

10.7% of American adults 20 and older used one or more prescription painkillers (opioid or nonopioid) in the previous 30 days between 2015 and 2018.

Source: CDC

5.7%

5.7% of adult Americans from 2015 to 2018 consumed one or more prescription opioids.

Source: CDC


How Does Percocet Work?

Oxycodone and acetaminophen are the two main active components in Percocet. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid, non-NSAID pain reliever, whereas oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever.

Using an opioid like oxycodone might have positive side effects like euphoria or pleasure. Opioids may cause compulsive use by triggering the brain’s reward and reinforcement response.

Acetaminophen has a distinct mechanism that reduces pain by acting through serotonergic pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). Acetaminophen is not a habit-forming drug like oxycodone.

How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your Urine? Percocet stays in the body for about 18 hours. However, Percocet in urine tests can be detected for up to 2-4 hours.
How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your Urine? Percocet stays in the body for about 18 hours. However, Percocet in urine tests can be detected for up to 2-4 hours.

Percocet Half-Life

A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for its blood concentration to drop by 50%. The half-life of a medicine can be used to determine how long does Percocet stay in your urine and the body. The majority of drugs need five half-lives or more to leave the body.

Average half-lives for immediate-release oxycodone are about 4 hours, and for the acetaminophen in Percocet, they are within 2-3 hours. As a result, it takes about 18 hours for Percocet to leave the body entirely.

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How Long Does Percocet Take Before It Starts Working?

The opioid component of Percocet, oxycodone, is what primarily relieves pain. The central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord and brain, contains opioid receptors that oxycodone binds to exhibit its effect.

The effects of Percocet continue for 3-6 hours and begin to take effect in around 10-30 minutes. Percocet is frequently prescribed to be taken as needed for pain every 4-6 hours.

How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your System?

The half-life of Percocet is 3-6 hours. To reduce the danger of abuse and addiction, a doctor will typically prescribe a daily cap for the number of tablets to be taken. Because oxycodone and acetaminophen act quickly on the body, Percocet is the most effective medication for acute pain.

Your tolerance may rise if you take Percocet for an extended time, typically longer than four weeks. When a person develops a tolerance to Percocet, they require increasing medication dosages to provide the same pain relief. The effects of Percocet won’t last as long in this situation as they would for a first-time user.

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Percocet and Drug Tests

Recent Percocet use may be detected through drug tests. Percocet typically leaves the body after 18 hours, but it may remain detectable in some drug tests for a prolonged period because of the metabolites it leaves behind.

After taking Percocet, the oxycodone in a person’s blood is processed in the liver and subsequently eliminated in the urine and feces. Drug tests can identify recent use even after oxycodone has been cleared from the bloodstream because its metabolites last longer than oxycodone.

Percocet stays in urine, blood, saliva, and hair, and its duration is based on the test used for it. Firstly, blood testing can reveal Percocet use up to 18 hours after use. This timetable is based on the five half-lives it takes for most of the drug to leave the body. Next, saliva can include Percocet for up to two days. Because saliva tests are more challenging to perform and less reliable than urine tests, they are not commonly used. Then, drugs like Percocet and others can be found in hair samples for up to 90 days. The rate of hair growth determines the detection period.

How long do Percocet stay in urine? About 18 hours pass after percocet stays in the body. Percocet can, however, be seen in urine tests for up to 2-4 hours.
How long do Percocet stay in urine? About 18 hours pass after Percocet stays in the body. Percocet can, however, be seen in urine tests for up to 2-4 hours.

How Long Do Percocet Stay In Your Urine?

How long is Percocet in urine? Lastly, how long does Percocet stay in your urine if you take a drug test? For up to three days following the most recent use, Percocet can still be found in urine. Even after most of the drug has left the body, some are still in the urine. Urine tests are meant to find trace amounts.

A urine test is a common way to check for Percocet since it is inexpensive and accessible. Most urine tests can identify numerous drugs in a single sample, including cocaine and amphetamines.

In general, Percocet can be identified in urine tests for 48 hours, with the detection window beginning two hours after the first dose. However, the length of time that Percocet can be detected in your urine sample depends on your liver and kidney function as well as your use of the drug.

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Factors That Affect How Long Percocet Stays In Urine and Your System

How long does Percocet stay in your urine and bloodstream depends on several factors, including:

  • Genetics: The liver metabolizes the Percocet ingredients to eliminate them from the body. Genetic influences are one of the main factors on how long Percocet stays in your urine and bloodstream.
  • Kidney and liver function: Percocet is metabolized more slowly and stays in the body longer in people with kidney or liver issues.
  • How frequently a person uses the substance: Percocet metabolism is less predictable in people who use it frequently. Due to the person’s tolerance to the drug and the fact that it does not store in fat tissue, it is more likely to exit the body faster than usual.
  • Weight: Oxycodone does not develop in fat tissue because it is not a lipophilic drug. As a result, a person’s weight has little impact on how long it stays in the system.

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Percocet Addiction Treatment

If you think a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, you should research the substances and their associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs. Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of drug addiction in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.

In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. To better understand how long does Percocet stay in your system, it is necessary to get medical assistance when needed. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of drug withdrawal. 

Percocet Detox

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated drug detox withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete the drug detox.

Cravings are very common during drug detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Drug Addiction Rehab

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using drugs and other substances, but drug rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or an addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
  • Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. Traumatic experiences can often result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.

Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

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 provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our drug addiction treatment program medically. So, reclaim your life, and 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.

Drug Rehab Near Me

Drug addiction is a condition that can cause significant health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and clarify issues like drug withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please understand that each call is private and confidential.

When you ask for help with your recovery from Percocet addiction, you can start a new life without opiates. Your care team will support you in meeting your goals.
When you ask for help with your recovery from Percocet addiction, you can start a new life without opiates. Your care team will support you in meeting your goals.

Popular How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your Urine FAQs

How long percocets stay in urine?

Percocet stays in the body for about 18 hours. However, percocet in urine tests can be detected for up to 2-4 hours.

How long does a percocet stay in your urine? And how long can percocet be detected in urine?

About 18 hours pass after Percocet stays in the body. Percocet can, however, be seen in urine tests for up to 2-4 hours.

Search Percocet Drug Rehab / Detox & Mental Health Topics & Resources
Sources
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Opioids.” 2021. Accessed February 27, 2022.
  2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Percocet.” Endo Pharmaceuticals, November 2006. Accessed February 27, 2022.
  3. LabCorp. “Hair Drug Testing.” Accessed February 27, 2022.
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Oxycodone.” LactMed Drugs and Lactation Database, 2006. Accessed February 27, 2022.
  5. Bach. C. “Oxycodone/Acetaminophen (Percocet).” OncoLink, July 2021. Accessed February 27, 2022.
  6. Huddart, R; Clarke, M; et al. “Oxycodone Pathway, Pharmacokinetics.” PharmGKB, 2018. Accessed February 27, 2022.
  7. U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Opioid Overdose.” MedlinePlus, January 2022. Accessed February 27, 2022.