Key takeaways
Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) and methadone are both opioids used to treat pain, but they have some key differences. Percocet is a combination of oxycodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. It's typically used for short-term pain relief when non-opioid medications aren't enough. Methadone, on the other hand, is used for long-term pain management and also for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone is often started in a clinic under supervision, especially for OUD, while Percocet is usually prescribed for home use. Both medications carry a high risk of misuse and dependency, but methadone has additional risks like heart rhythm problems and serotonin syndrome. Percocet is available in both tablet and liquid forms, while methadone comes in tablets, liquids, and dissolvable tablets. Both medications require careful monitoring and should be taken exactly as prescribed to avoid serious side effects.
