Percocet and Valium both have a high risk for abuse, addiction, and overdose when used alone or together. Mixing these drugs is very dangerous and should be avoided.

Two of the most frequently misused drugs are Percocet and Valium. Both are considered to be narcotics due to the way they work on the body’s central nervous system. As a result, there is a high potential to abuse either drug.

Percocet is made from a formulation containing oxycodone and acetaminophen, while Valium is made by combining hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

The narcotic components of each (oxycodone or hydrocodone) are strong prescription opioid pain relievers that work similar to fentanyl, morphine and methadone. These narcotics are prescribed for pain management which is considered to be moderate or severe and needs to be taken over a long period of time. They are also prescribed to individuals when other pain medications have not worked. The acetaminophen is used in both medications to help treat pain, fever and inflammation.

What Is Different Between Percocet and Valium?

The main difference between the two drugs lies in the main component for each –hydrocodone or oxycodone. While both are strong narcotic drugs, oxycodone is more potent, meaning Percocet is stronger than Valium.

While both Percocet and Valium have common side effects such as sedation, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, nausea and vomiting, the differences in their stronger and more adverse side effects are notable.

Adverse Side Effects of Percocet

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • respiratory depression
  • apnea (breathing stops)
  • respiratory failure
  • circulatory depression
  • shock
  • death

Adverse Side Effects of Valium

  • confusion
  • agitation
  • hyperactivity
  • hallucinations
  • decreased inhibitions
  • increased risk-taking behavior
  • aggression
  • depression
  • suicidal thoughts
  • thoughts of self-harm
  • shallow breathing (feel need to pass out)
  • muscle twitch or tremor
  • loss of bladder control
  • little or no urination
  • seizures

Valium, Percocet, and Addiction

Aside from their differences in side-effects, both Valium and Percocet share an important common factor. These drugs can easily lead to abuse, addiction and dependence. The risk level for addiction to either is considered to be the same since there are no major differences between the two other than the stronger potency of Percocet. However, as with any drug, there is a tendency for higher potency drugs to elicit greater abuse. This happens as the body becomes more tolerant to the prescribed dosage and requires more of the drug to provide relief. More of the drug is consumed -sometimes by obtaining a new prescription for a higher dose. Other cases have involved patients “doctor shopping” in order to get extra prescriptions. These drugs are also sold on the streets, providing yet another means for an individual to feed their growing addiction. Due to the increasing availability of the drugs, both are becoming increasingly misused and abused by the public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in one year, between 2013 to 2014, there was an increase of opioid-based drug overdoses by 14 percent. Both Valium and Percocet belong to the opioid category, and abuse and overdoses are common.

Addiction to opioids is treatable, though it can be a long process. It is suggested that people struggling with opioid addiction seek out medical and mental health professionals to assist them in their treatment and recovery.

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Editor – Camille Renzoni
Cami Renzoni is a creative writer and editor for The Recovery Village. As an advocate for behavioral health, Cami is certified in mental health first aid and encourages people who face substance use disorders to ask for the help they deserve. Read more
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Medically Reviewed By – Kathleen Oroho Linskey, PharmD
Kathleen is a licensed pharmacist in New Jersey. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from Rutgers University. Read more
Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.