Thanks for the reply. I will look forward to see if MrsD has anything to add, but your thoughts sound both knowledgeable and logical. I know that steroids are potentiators for antibiotic, but never thought of the acetaminophen in this way.

They (CNN running this story on new FDA guidelines) did mention people not realizing they were getting much more when combining cold meds, etc. But they specifically used Percocet in the same context as the cold meds (hidden moderate doses). And that 325mg used regularly is actually more damaging to the liver then periodic doses of 1000 mg.

Quick follow up question(s): Does Oxycontin or MS Contin contain acetaminophen? If not, does the caffeine actually (noticeably) help for effectiveness, or more just to reduce the fatigue?

I cannot consume caffeine due to diabetes insipidus (which has nothing to do with sugar diabetes) and profound autonomic neuropathy affecting my BP. Do you know of other potentiators for pain meds (other then caffeine)?