Can You Drink on Percocet?

You recently had a medical procedure, and you were prescribed Percocet for pain management. You’ve been feeling better, and you’ve decided you’re well enough to attend the party you were invited to this weekend. But you’re still taking your Percocet: is it safe to have a few drinks? Let’s explore the science behind how this pain reliever works and what happens when alcohol enters the picture.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a commonly prescribed medication used for managing moderate to severe pain. It contains a combination of oxycodone (an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen (known as Tylenol). 

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid and is the primary pain-relieving ingredient in Percocet. Opioids block pain receptors
in the brain so pain signals have a harder time getting through. Acetaminophen is a common, nonopioid, over-the-counter pain reliever, and it’s not nearly as strong as oxycodone. It does, however, enhance and complement oxycodone.

Like all opioid-containing narcotic medications, Percocet is only available with a prescription. It is typically used in the short term to treat cancer-related and post-surgical pain. Percocet is also used sometimes to treat long-term, chronic pain conditions.

Risks of Mixing Percocet and Alcohol

Percocet can be effective in relieving pain, but like many medications there are interactions to be aware of. As with any medication, it’s always important to read the warning labels and discuss any questions with our pharmacist or healthcare provider before we start taking it.

When we read the label on our Percocet bottle, we may notice a big warning saying not to take it with alcohol. But how serious is this warning? Here are a few side effects of mixing Percocet and alcohol.

• Central nervous system depression. Both Percocet and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, meaning that combining them can lead to intensified sedation, drowsiness, and even respiratory distress when taken in high doses.
• Liver toxicity. Both Percocet and alcohol can be harmful to the liver. Acetaminophen, one of the main ingredients, is notoriously hard on the liver, especially when combined with alcohol. When taken in high doses, both alcohol and acetaminophen increase our risk of liver damage; when mixed together, they only amplify this danger to our liver.
• Impaired judgment and coordination. Mixing Percocet and alcohol can impair our cognitive function, coordination, and decision-making abilities, which in turn may increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and falls. Drinking alcohol is risky enough, but when we add another chemical substance to the mix, we’re setting ourselves up for even more danger. Think about it like this: Just like driving under the influence of alcohol is unsafe on its own, think how much more risky it would be to add another chemical to the equation. Scary!
• Risk of long-term dependency. We touched on this earlier, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of long-term use of Percocet and alcohol together. Long-term use of any drug combined with alcohol can be dangerous and set us up for an even higher risk of dependency. Anyone concerned about dependency on alcohol or other medications or who knows someone struggling, seek professional help or contact the local help hotline.

Tips for Staying Safe While Taking Medications

It must be said again: always educate yourself on the potential risks associated with any medication you’re taking by speaking with your doctor and pharmacist. Here are some top tips for staying safe while taking medications like Percocet.

• Abstain from alcohol. Alcohol can exacerbate the side effects of medications and multiply the risks. It’s best to stick to the Percocet alone and use this time to reset your relationship with alcohol by staying sober.
• Read the warning labels. Educate yourself about the medication you’re taking and carefully read the instructions for use. Consult your pharmacist with any questions about side effects or potential dangers before you start taking medication.
• Take care of yourself. It may sound obvious, but when you’re sick or injured, the best way to stay safe is to take care of yourself. Your immune system is already weakened, so the best path toward a speedy recovery is self-care. Get plenty of rest, drink water, and eat nutritious foods. Experience the many benefits of taking a break from alcohol while you’re sick or recovering from illness or injury.

The Bottom Line

Although we’ve provided a background and some helpful advice, this article is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications out there. Research shows that more than 100 drugs interact with wine, beer, and hard liquor, which can trigger problems ranging from nausea and headaches to life-threatening issues. As we stated above, mixing alcohol with medications is always risky, but it’s particularly harmful in the case of Percocet. Stay educated, stay empowered, and stay safe!