While Percocets can offer short-term relief for pain, long-term use carries serious risks to physical and mental health

THUNDER BAY – HEALTH NEWS — Percocet, a commonly prescribed opioid painkiller combining oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol), is often used to treat moderate to severe pain.

However, long-term use—whether through prolonged medical treatment or misuse—can pose significant dangers to your health, even when taken as prescribed.

With Northwestern Ontario and communities like Thunder Bay facing an opioid crisis, understanding the risks of long-term opioid use is vital for both patients and healthcare providers.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet combines two active ingredients:

• Oxycodone: a powerful opioid that alters how the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

• Acetaminophen: a less potent pain reliever that also reduces fever.

The combination makes it effective for short-term pain, but it also increases the risk of addiction and organ damage over time.

Brain and Mental Health Effects

Long-term Percocet use can cause:

• Tolerance: Requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain relief.

• Dependence: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.

• Addiction: A psychological and physical compulsion to continue using the drug, despite harm.

• Cognitive impairment: Long-term use can impact memory, decision-making, and mental clarity.

• Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, and irritability are common.

Some users may develop opioid use disorder (OUD)—a chronic, relapsing condition requiring medical intervention and support.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Effects

Chronic opioid use slows breathing, and in high doses, this can become dangerous:

• Respiratory depression: Slowed or stopped breathing.

• Sleep apnea: Disrupted breathing during sleep, especially when used with alcohol or sedatives.

• Low blood pressure and heart rate can also occur, increasing the risk of cardiac events.

Liver and Kidney Damage

The acetaminophen component in Percocet poses its own risks:

• Liver toxicity: High or prolonged doses of acetaminophen can severely damage the liver, potentially leading to failure or requiring a transplant.

• Kidney stress: Long-term use may strain kidney function, particularly in those with existing kidney issues or dehydration.

Physical Health Effects

Chronic Percocet use may lead to:

• Hormonal imbalances: Reduced testosterone or estrogen levels, which can affect libido, energy, and bone health.

• Constipation: A common and persistent side effect that can lead to chronic gastrointestinal issues.

• Weakened immune response: Making it harder to fight infections.

Long-term use of Percocet can potentially contribute to weight changes in women, though weight gain is not a direct or common side effect of the medication itself. However, there are several indirect factors linked to long-term opioid use that may lead to weight gain in some women:

1. Reduced Physical Activity

• Sedation and fatigue are common side effects of opioids like oxycodone.

• Long-term use can lead to lower energy levels and reduced motivation for physical activity, which can contribute to weight gain over time.

2. Hormonal Disruptions

• Opioids can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to lower levels of estrogen and testosterone.

• This hormonal imbalance can affect metabolism, appetite, and fat distribution, especially in women.

• Some women may develop opioid-induced endocrinopathy, which can include symptoms like weight gain, irregular periods, and reduced libido.

3. Emotional and Psychological Factors

• Long-term opioid use can contribute to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

• These conditions may lead to emotional eating, poor sleep, and lower motivation for healthy habits.

• Some antidepressants or other medications used to manage these mental health effects may also cause weight gain.

4. Changes in Appetite and Cravings

• Some users report increased appetite, particularly for high-calorie or “comfort” foods.

• Constipation and gastrointestinal slowdown can also make some users eat irregularly or overcompensate when they do eat.

5. Sleep Disruption

• Opioids interfere with sleep quality and circadian rhythms.

• Poor sleep is linked to metabolic changes, increased hunger, and weight gain—especially abdominal weight.

Takeaway

While Percocet itself does not directly cause weight gain, the lifestyle, hormonal, and psychological effects of long-term use may contribute to gradual increases in weight, particularly in women.

Pregnancy and Neonatal Risks

Pregnant individuals taking Percocet risk passing the drug to the fetus. This can result in:

• Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS): Where the newborn experiences withdrawal symptoms.

• Birth defects and developmental delays.

Withdrawal and Recovery

Stopping long-term Percocet use suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Muscle aches

• Anxiety and restlessness

• Sweating and chills

• Insomnia

• Nausea and vomiting

Medical detox and support are often required for recovery. Thunder Bay has access to local support services, including addiction treatment programs and harm reduction resources.

Local Context: A Thunder Bay Health Crisis

Thunder Bay and surrounding Northern communities are still grappling with high opioid prescription rates and rising overdose deaths. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit continues to report high levels of opioid-related harms, making awareness and education around medications like Percocet essential.

Safer Use and Alternatives

If you or someone you know is using Percocet long-term, speak with a healthcare provider about:

• Tapering plans

• Non-opioid pain management options (physiotherapy, acupuncture, NSAIDs)

• Mental health supports

• Addiction treatment programs