Ploafmaster General

Q: How does percocet [sic] work? And why does it make you feel so good?

A: Alright Val, I’m answering your question - and Jake, I know you work for “big pharma” but I’m gonna do my best to answer this correctly - so lay off if I make some minor gaffes

Percocet is a marketing name for the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is a painkiller synthesized from a component of opium, thebaine, while acetaminophen is commonly found in pharmacies, typically as Tylenol. Because it contains these two different painkillers, it works in two ways:

First, the oxycodone portion binds with opioid receptors in the brain, blocking chemical messages from the body that indicate you are in pain. Second, the acetaminophen inhibits the production of a body enzyme called a prostaglandin which binds with the same opioid receptors and signals pain or inflammation.

So in short, the oxycodone shields the brain from the pain messengers, while the acetaminophen turns down the volume on the pain message itself.

So why does Percocet make you feel so loopy and/or happy? This is likely because the oxycodone also binds to the type of chemical receptors in the brain that process mood-altering chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. It should be noted that not all takers of Percocet feel happier - some may have hallucinations and nightmares, though the commonly reported result is at least mild euphoria

Alright…that’s my answer! I’ll take a break from Ask Dan this week since we have Christmas and the New Year, but that doesn’t mean I’m taking a break from the site.

Ciao!