Expert: Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD - 1/7/2006

Question
Hi,

I recently underwent surgery, and had my friend and coworker help me with transportation and care of my kids during the two days I was hospitalized. Upon discharge, I was given a script for Percocet, 10 mg, 50 count. My friend had my script filled, and when it got to me 24 hours later, 19 of the pills were gone. He admitted to taking "half of them" for a self-diagnosed kidney stone that suddenly appeared, but said he was baffled about what happened to the rest. When he came to my house, his behavior and appearance were bizarre. I am sure he ingested at least part of the missing pills, and I am very angry. My surgeon and the pharmacy want me to file a police report, but I haven't been able to bring myself to do so. I've stopped taking my friends's calls because he won't stop lying and making lame excuses. I saw this behavior once before three months ago, at work, and now recall that he'd gotten some pain meds for a bad toothache just prior to that. He almost lost his job he was so messed up, but I had no idea he might be taking drugs. I know he had a problem years ago, but he claimed that was over, and his behavior has been pretty normal in the two years I've known him (except for some attributable to some chronic psychiatric problems he's being treated for, borderline PD, or bipolar, histrionic PD, and attempted suicide apptempts). I am also ticked because it's clear that he also stole money from my wallet and my child's Christmas money from her room at the time of this most recent event. What symptoms would one look for in an overdose of something like Percocet? What is a dangerous dose? Any advice on how to deal with this "friend?" Thanks!

Answer
Dear Mia,

I don't know why you keep calling this person a "friend", he is certainly not behaving like a friend.

I don't think that you should concern yourself with signs and symptoms of percocet or opiate intoxication and withdrawal.
It is obvious that your friend is abusing opiates, he already told you so. It is important that you beleive that FACT.
Tell your "friend" to get prpofessional help for his addiction, and stop trying to rescue him.
His addiction is not a problem you can solve for him.