What Is the M523 White Oval Pill?

The M523 white oval pill is a common prescription medication used to relieve pain. It contains two main ingredients: oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it helps many people manage pain, it also comes with risks like side effects and the possibility of addiction. 

Understanding how the M523 pill works, its effects on the body, and the danger of misuse is essential for anyone taking this medication. This guide explains everything you need to know about the M523 pill, from how it works to the risks involved, and offers guidance for those seeking help for addiction. 

What Is the M523 Pill?

The M523 pill is a prescription medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It combines two drugs: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid, which means it changes how your brain and nervous system respond to pain [1]. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever commonly used to reduce pain and fever. Together, they work to provide stronger pain relief than either drug alone. 

Doctors often prescribe the M523 pill for short-term pain after surgery or injury, but it can also be used for managing chronic pain. Because it contains oxycodone, which is a powerful and addictive opioid, the M523 pill should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. 

What Does the M523 Oval Pill Look Like?

The M523 pill is easy to identify. It is white and oval-shaped, with an imprint of M523 on one side and 10/325 on the other. The numbers represent the strength of the medication: 10mg of oxycodone and 325mg of acetaminophen. The pill is often marketed under brand names like Percocet, Endocet, and Roxicet.

The clear markings on the M523 oval pill make it easier to avoid confusion with other medications. That said, be cautious when identifying pills and only take them if they are prescribed to you.

Common Uses of M523 Pills

The M523 10/325 pill is mainly used to manage pain [2]. Some of its most common uses include: 

• Post-surgical pain: After surgeries, doctors often prescribe M523 to help people manage pain while they recover.
• Injury-related pain: This pill relieves severe pain from injuries like broken bones, muscle strains, or accidents.
• Chronic pain: People with arthritis or back pain may be prescribed M523 for long-term pain management when other treatments aren’t enough.
• Cancer-related pain: Patients with cancer may be given the M523 pill to help manage pain caused by the disease or its treatment.

While M523 is effective for pain relief, it should be used cautiously due to the risk of addiction and other side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking this medication. 

Dosages for M523 Pills

The dosage for M523 white oval pills depends on your level of pain and your doctor’s instructions. Each pill contains 10mg of oxycodone and 325mg of acetaminophen. Usually, doctors prescribe this pill to be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief, although the exact dose can vary based on individual needs. 

Here are some general guidelines: 

• Starting dose: Adults should take one pill every 4 to 6 hours. However, you should follow your doctor’s advice and not take more than prescribed.
• Maximum dosage: It’s essential to watch how much acetaminophen you take. Do not exceed 4,000mg of acetaminophen in a day (which is about 12 pills). Taking too much can cause serious liver damage [3].
• Older adults: Doctors may recommend lower doses to prevent complications in elderly patients or those with liver or kidney problems.
• Take as directed: Always take the M523 pill whole – do not crush, chew, or snort it. Doing so can release the medication too quickly, increasing the risk of overdose. 

Remember, taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to dangerous side effects or even overdose, especially due to the oxycodone. Always talk to your doctor if the prescribed dose does not provide enough relief rather than adjusting it on your own. 

How Does the M523 Pill Interact with Your Body?

The M523 pill works in two ways to relieve pain because it has two active ingredients that affect your body differently.

• Oxycodone: Oxycodone is an opioid that changes how your brain and nervous system respond to pain. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in your brain, blocking pain signals and making you feel more comfortable [4]. Oxycodone also creates a feeling of relaxation or euphoria, which can help ease the emotional stress caused by pain. However, this is why oxycodone can be addictive if misused.
• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen, by contrast, reduces pain by blocking certain chemicals in the brain that cause discomfort. It also helps lower fever. While it’s not as strong as oxycodone, it boosts the pain-relieving effects when combined with the opioid. 

Together, these two ingredients provide stronger pain relief than either would on its own. However, oxycodone can also slow down breathing and heart rate, especially if taken in high doses.  

Duration of M523 Oval Pill

The effects of the M523 pill usually start within 20 to 30 minutes after you take it. Most people experience pain relief for about 4 to 6 hours. The oxycodone in the pill works quickly to block pain signals, while the acetaminophen helps reduce discomfort over a longer period. How long the pill lasts can depend on your body, metabolism, age, and overall health.

Because of its opioid content, the M523 pill is not meant for long-term use unless under strict medical supervision. If your pain continues after the effects wear off, your doctor may adjust your dosage or suggest other treatments. 

How Long Does the M523 Pill Stay in Your System?

The M523 pill stays in your body even after the pain relief wears off. Oxycodone has a half-life of about 3 to 4 hours, meaning it takes that long for half the drug to leave your system. However, it can take up to 24 hours for the body to fully clear oxycodone.

If you need to take a drug test, oxycodone can show up in different ways:

• Urine test: Detectable for 3 to 4 days after the last dose.
• Blood test: Detectable for up to 24 hours.
• Saliva test: Detectable for 1 to 4 days.
• Hair test: Detectable for up to 90 days.

Acetaminophen, the second ingredient in the M523 pill, leaves your system quicker, usually within a few hours. However, oxycodone is an opioid that stays in your body longer and can be detected for days. Always follow your doctor’s advice when using this medication, and never take more than prescribed. 

Risks Associated with the M523 Oxycodone Hydrochloride

The M523 pill contains oxycodone hydrochloride, which is a powerful Schedule II opioid used to treat pain [5]. While effective, it comes with several risks. One of the biggest concerns is that oxycodone can be addictive, especially if misused or taken for a long time. Opioids like oxycodone can change how the brain functions, leading to dependence. Additionally, taking too much of the M523 pill can result in serious side effects, such as slow breathing, confusion, and even death.

Because it’s a controlled substance, doctors carefully monitor how it’s prescribed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never share your medication with others.

Negative Side-Effects of Taking an M523 Oval Pill?

Like many medications, the M523 pill can cause side effects. While some people may not experience any, others might face mild to severe reactions. Common side effects of the M523 pill include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Many people feel queasy after taking opioids like oxycodone.
• Drowsiness: Oxycodone can make you sleepy, so avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Dizziness: You might feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you first start taking the medication.
• Constipation: This is a common side effect of opioids. Drinking more water and eating fiber can help.
• Headaches: Some people may experience headaches after taking the pill. 

If you notice any severe side effects, like trouble breathing, extreme drowsiness, or confusion, seek medical help immediately. 

Possibility of Addiction

One of the most serious risks of the M523 pill is the possibility of addiction. Because it contains oxycodone, a strong opioid, the body can become dependent on it over time. This means you may start needing higher doses to feel the same pain relief, which can lead to drug abuse.

Addiction can cause both physical and mental dependence. Signs of addiction include using the pill for reasons other than pain, craving the drug, or feeling withdrawal symptoms when not taking it. Take the medication exactly as prescribed to minimize these risks.

M523 Overdose

An overdose on the M523 pill can happen if you take too much at once or combine it with other drugs, like alcohol or sedatives. An overdose is very dangerous and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an M523 overdose include:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Extreme drowsiness or trouble staying awake
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Loss of consciousness or coma 

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Emergency treatments like naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time [6]. Always follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully to avoid this dangerous risk.

Interactions With Alcohol & Substances

Mixing the M523 pill with alcohol or other substances can be dangerous. Oxycodone, the opioid in the M523 pill, affects your central nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate. When combined with alcohol, which also slows down these functions, the effects can be much stronger and potentially life-threatening.

Here are some of the dangers of mixing M523 with alcohol or other substances:

• Breathing problems: Both alcohol and oxycodone slow breathing. Together, they can cause respiratory depression, where your breathing becomes dangerously slow or even stops[7]
• Increased drowsiness: Alcohol and oxycodone can make you feel extremely tired. This can affect your coordination and judgment, making driving or operating machinery unsafe.
• Overdose risk: Combining M523 with alcohol or other drugs, like sedatives or sleep medications, dramatically increases the risk of an overdose. This can lead to coma or even death.
• Liver damage: The acetaminophen in the M523 pill can damage your liver if taken in high doses. Drinking alcohol while taking M523 increases the risk of serious liver problems, as the liver also processes alcohol.

To stay safe, avoid alcohol and always tell your doctor about any other substances, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements, that you are taking while on the M523 pill. 

What Is Opiate Addiction?

Opiate addiction happens when someone becomes dependent on drugs like the M523 pill, which contains oxycodone, an opioid. Opioids work by blocking pain, but they can also create feelings of pleasure or euphoria. Over time, your body may start to rely on the drug, leading to addiction. 

Addiction is more than just using a drug – it’s when you feel like you need it to function. People with opiate addiction may:

• Crave the drug even when they don’t need it for pain.
• Use more of the drug than prescribed.
• Have trouble stopping or cutting back on the drug, even if it’s causing problems in their life. 

Addiction can cause serious health issues, damage relationships, and make it hard to live a normal life. It’s vital to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with opiate addiction – addiction is a progressive condition that usually gets worse unless treated. 

Opiate Addiction Treatment

Treating opiate addiction usually involves a combination of medical care and counseling. Here are some common interventions: 

• Detoxification: This is the first step in addiction treatment. It involves safely getting the drug out of your system. Since withdrawal symptoms from opiates can be challenging, detox is often done in a medical setting where doctors can help manage symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and cravings.
• Medication-assisted treatment: Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. These drugs work by blocking the effects of opiates or by easing withdrawal symptoms.
• Counseling and therapy: Talking with a counselor or therapist can help address the reasons behind addiction. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), group therapy, and support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can offer guidance and support during recovery [8].
• Inpatient or outpatient rehab: Some people may benefit from staying in a rehab center where they receive 24/7 care and support. Others may attend outpatient programs, where they can live at home but go to treatment during the day. 

With the right help, people struggling with opiate addiction can recover and live healthy, drug-free lives. If you or a loved one needs support, reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. 

Does Insurance Cover Opiate Rehab?

Many insurance plans cover opiate rehab. Most health insurance companies recognize that addiction is a medical condition and offer coverage for treatment. This includes services like detox, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and inpatient or outpatient rehab programs. The amount of coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan and where you live. 

To find out what’s covered, you can check your insurance policy or contact your provider. Ask about co-pays, deductibles, and whether the rehab center is in-network or out-of-network. Some rehab centers can also help you verify your insurance coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs [9]. 

Common Insurance Plans for Addiction Treatment

Several insurance companies provide coverage for addiction treatment. Some of the most common plans that cover opiate rehab include:

• Medicaid: This government-funded insurance often covers addiction treatment, including detox and rehab services, for those who qualify [10].
• Medicare: If you are 65 or older or have certain disabilities, Medicare can help cover some of the costs of addiction treatment.
• Private insurance: Many private insurance companies, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare, offer coverage for addiction treatment services like therapy, detox, and rehab.
• Employer-sponsored plans: If you have insurance through your job, your plan may cover a portion of addiction treatment costs. Check with your employer’s HR department for details on what’s included in your plan.

Each insurance plan is different, so review your benefits and work with your provider or a treatment center to ensure you get the care you need. Some plans may require prior authorization or have limits on the length of treatment, so it’s always a good idea to get all the details upfront. 

Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you need help recalibrating your life from opioid addiction, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We treat opioid addictions in an outpatient setting at our California and Florida rehabs. This lets you continue at work or school while living at home and getting compassionate treatment for opioid addiction.

We can help you find detox centers if you need assistance with opioid withdrawal. After detoxing, you can carry on with outpatient treatment at Renaissance. You will access a personalized array of therapies and address the psychological side of opioid addiction. Therapies include: 

• Counseling
• Talk therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Group therapy
• Aftercare

 Begin your recovery from opioid addiction by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219252/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538530/
3. https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/03/acetaminophen-liver-failure
4. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-opioid-drugs-activate-receptors
5. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
6. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
7. https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/sedation-program/sedation-education/sedation-respiratory-depression/
8. http://na.org/
9. https://www.renaissancerecovery.com/california-rehab-admissions/rehab-insurance-coverage-orange-county-ca/insurance-verification/
10. https://www.medicaid.gov/