Roxicet, which is not as well known as some other prescription painkillers, is a powerful substance that, when abused, can result in an addiction in a relatively short period of time.
Percocet vs. Roxicet
In the same family as opiates such as morphine, Oxycontin, Vicodin and Heroin, Roxicet (also known as “Roxy,” “Roxi” or “blues”), is a combination of oxycodone (a narcotic) and acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol), both pain relievers. Roxicet is known as a Schedule 2 drug and is in the class of drugs known as “narcotic analgesics.”
Roxicet is virtually identical in make-up and effect to Percocet, and it is sometimes used as a lower-cost or generic brand substitute for Percocet, which is made by another manufacturer. Other brand names of the same or virtually the same prescription pain medication include: It is available in other brand names as well, which include: Narvox and Tylox.
Used orally usually in pill form, Roxicet is prescribed frequently for management of moderate to severe pain, especially immediately following surgery or surgical procedures. Roxicet, like other powerful prescription painkillers, is meant to be used for a short term, no more than a few weeks at a time. After just a few weeks or months of use, addiction/dependence can occur.
Prior to taking Roxicet, you should let your doctor know if you have an allergy to either Oxycodone or acetaminophen. You should also let him or her know if you have or had any of these conditions:
- Underactive thyroid
- Liver disorder
- Enlarged prostate
- Asthma
- Kidney disorder
- Epilepsy (or another seizure disorder)
- Mental illness
Roxicet Side Effects
Some common side effects of Roxicet abuse or addiction include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Otherwise unexplained skin rashes
- Mood swings
- Unexplained changes in vision
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Decrease in testosterone (which could lead to impotence)
- Cold and clammy skin (could be a sign of overdose)
- Altered thinking
Some Roxicet users experience severe allergic reactions, including hives, difficulty breathing, changes in urine color, jaundice and/or swelling of the mouth or tongue. Even recreational use of Roxicet can lead to liver damage (especially when taken in combination with alcohol). Roxicet overdose can lead to respiratory failure, dangerously low heart rate/blood pressure, seizures, coma or death.
Roxicet Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from Roxicet is not unlike withdrawal from other narcotic painkillers, such as Percocet. Some withdrawal symptoms could include:
- Chills
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite, nausea
- Stomach troubles (e.g., vomiting, nausea)
- Hot flashes
- Sweating
- Mood swings
- Fever, chills and/or other flu-like symptoms
- Hallucinations