What are the Effects of Mixing Percocet and Alcohol?


Knowing the effects of mixing Percocet and alcohol can help you make informed decisions about your consumption of these items. Studies indicate that combining alcohol and Percocet increases the chance of addiction. Continued use of this combination can lead to severe liver damage, liver failure, overdose, and death. People who believe they or a loved one may be addicted to Percocet and alcohol should call 1-888-919-3845  to discuss their options for treatment.

Percocet is a mixture of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Both drugs are pain relievers, but acetaminophen is primarily used to enhance the effects of oxycodone in Percocet. In most cases, Percocet is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Due to addictive nature of Percocet, it is usually only prescribed for short periods of time. Percocet is a highly controlled substance and requires a prescription.

Current alcoholics should disclose their condition to their doctor to avoid mixing Percocet and alcohol. In most cases, the doctor can prescribe a medication to provide pain relief that will not cause liver damage. Combining alcohol and Percocet can also cause alcoholics to become more dependent on alcohol.

Alcohol-Acetaminophen Syndrome

moderate drinking

People who mix Percocet and alcohol are at risk for developing alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome. Alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome can cause acute liver damage. If not immediately treated, this syndrome can lead to liver failure, which has high fatality rates. It is recommended that people who regularly abuse both of these substances immediately seek treatment.

Research from the University of Florida College of Medicine, published in 2000, suggests that even moderate drinkers are at risk for developing alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome. The researchers also note that it is currently unknown what a minimum safe dose of acetaminophen could be for people who drink. People with alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome should be evaluated by medical professionals in case they require a liver transplant.

For this reason, it is recommended that people unable to abstain from alcohol do not consume acetaminophen. For alcoholics who need pain relief, other pain relief options are available. Even occasional drinkers will be strictly cautioned to follow the minimum recommended dose and encouraged to avoid alcohol use completely.

Increased Chance of Addiction

Both alcohol and Percocet are addictive substances. Combined they can be even more additive, because the combination of these two substances enhances one another. Percocet and alcohol depress the central nervous system, which can be an additive feeling for some users. Central nervous system depression can lead to problems such as impaired thinking, judgment, and psychomotor skills.

Chance of Accidentally Overdosing Increases

The narcotic effect of Percocet can cause patients to overdose. Combined with alcohol, which lowers inhibitions and increases the effects of Percocet, the chance of overdosing increases substantially.


"Death from oxycodone or combination medications, such as Percocet, is often caused by using alcohol while using the medication."Death from oxycodone or combination medications, such as Percocet, is often caused by using alcohol while using the medication. Mixing oxycodone and other opioids, psychostimulants, and benzodiazepines can have affects similar to alcohol.

Death can be caused by hepatotoxity, which is liver damage caused by chemicals. Death can also occur through accidental overdosing. Hypotension, respiratory depression, and profound sedation are all risks when consuming alcohol and Percocet together. These symptoms can often lead to coma and death.

Due to the serious effects of combining Percocet and alcohol, patients should disclose their alcohol use prior to being prescribed Percocet, or other medications that contain oxycodone or acetaminophen. If the patient already is using Percocet and alcohol, he should inform his doctor immediately.

The effects of mixing Percocet and alcohol are serious, but there is help available. Out-patient and in-patient facilities both exist to help patients address their addictions.Treatment for addiction to Percocet and alcohol is important to your long-term health, so call this free hotline at 1-888-919-3845  to discuss your options.

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