Doctors prescribe opioids when dealing with pain, both post-surgery and the result of an accident, or when used in the process of managing a chronic illness. Hydrocodone vs oxycodone is one of the most widely prescribed medicines that are often compared to each other in terms of strength, efficacy, and addiction possibility.
Although the two pills are utilized to relieve pain, some differences between them do count, particularly to those who are vulnerable to addictions or are in the process of substance use disorder recovery. Understanding the differences between these medications can help patients and their family members make informed decisions and request necessary assistance.
What are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone?
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are prescription opioid analgesics. They act by attaching themselves to opioid receptors in the brain and the spinal cord and modifying how pain is felt. The two types of medicines are labeled as being semi-synthetic, i.e., chemically modified forms of natural opiates such as morphine or codeine.
The two medications are included in Schedule II controlled substances in the United States since both have high chances of abuse and addiction. They are, however, quite effective when used as prescribed on a short-term basis as well.
Hydrocodone The Basics
To enhance the effects of Hydrocodone, it is usually mixed with acetaminophen (trade names, Vicodin, Norco). This is normally administered when dealing with moderate to moderately severe pain.
Important things about hydrocodone:
- It may induce some drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea
- It is frequently used as a post-operative medication following dental surgery or injury, back pain, etc
- This comes in immediate-release and extended-release parts
- Hydrocodone is known and has been the most used pain medication in the U.S.
Oxycodone Basic Information
Oxycodone, another strong painkiller, is usually available as a brand name as OxyContin (the one with extended-release) and Percocet (the one with acetaminophen). It is deemed to be a little bit more potent than hydrocodone regarding pain control.
Oxycodone facts:
- More likely to cause euphoria, making it a higher addiction risk
- Commonly prescribed after surgery or for cancer-related pain
- Frequently targeted in drug misuse and overdose cases.
Due to its high level of potency, oxycodone is controlled more strictly regarding prescriptions of the drug and its monitoring in numerous states.
Hydrocodone VS Oxycodone: Comparative Options in Relieving Pain
In comparing hydrocodone vs oxycodone in relief, studies demonstrate that they are equally effective and that oxycodone might have stronger analgesic properties. With this said, the relief of pain may be quite different depending on the body chemistry of the person and the nature of the pain being treated, as well as the level of dosage.
Hydrocodone has fewer side effects on some patients as compared to oxycodone; some patients will, therefore, find it effective as compared to others who experience more pain that needs to be treated using oxycodone.
But more powerful is not necessarily better, at least not when dependence in the picture comes to mind.
Risk of Addiction and Potency
Though both of the drugs are associated with the possibility of developing an addiction, oxycodone is usually deemed stronger and easier to exploit by recreational abusers. It has more euphoric effects, especially when consumed in large doses.
Risk comparison:
- Hydrocodone: With a reduced risk of abuse, nevertheless, it is habit-forming
- Oxycodone: Increased abuse risk and is more frequently associated with opioid use disorder
- Individuals who abuse either drug by taking it in excess, using the prescription of another person, or crushing and snorting the pills are extremely vulnerable to such problems as addiction and death due to an overdose.
Side Effects: Hydrocodone Vs Oxycodone
These two drugs have accompanying side effects, which are similar, but different individuals would react differently to them.
Side effects in common:
- Nausea vomiting
- Constipation
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Slowed breathing
Oxycodone can bring out euphoria more obviously and can probably again bring out dependence with constant use. More common drowsiness and nausea are complained of by the hydrocodone user.
Prolonged Taking and Addiction
Prolonged use of both hydrocodone and oxycodone may cause tolerance (the requirement to use more to obtain the same result), physical dependence, and addiction.
There are some common signs of opioid dependence, which, though, might include:
- Desirousness that occurs after the drug fades away
- The requirement to increase doses to get relief
- Symptoms of withdrawal in an attempt to quit
- It is not just pain to using the drug just to feel good.
More time goes by, and the body/brain gets used to having the opioids, and this makes things difficult to quit except through professional help. It seems that most individuals start taking prescription medications genuinely, but later it turns into an addiction that they cannot control.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Due to hydrocodone and oxycodone dependency, withdrawal symptoms may be manifested hours after the person has taken the drug, and it may take a few days to a few weeks.
The withdrawal symptoms are:
- Cramps and pain in the muscles
- Insomnia
- Chills and sweating
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Depression
Medical detox is highly suggested because of the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms of opioids. Giving professional attention is guaranteed to manage the symptoms safely and reduce the chances of relapse.
Misuse and Overdose Dangers
The problem of opioid misuse is an acute issue of public health. Abuse of hydrocodone or oxycodone, even a single time, can cause overdose and particularly when consumed together with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other central nervous system depressants.
Signs of an overdose:
- Retarded or arrested respirations
- Pale sweaty skin
- Fingernail or lip blue colour
- Lack of awareness to wake up
An opioid overdose can be quickly reversed with naloxone (Narcan) treatment, so it is not necessary to call 911 before doing it, but it should be done as soon as possible.
Prescription Guidelines and Erniolarization
Owing to their propensity to be addictive, both hydrocodone and oxycodone have been under tougher regulation in terms of prescription. Physicians must:
State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
- Ceil prescription periods
- Take alternative treatment methods for pain management.
- Use refill visits. Require follow-up visits.
Patients are also urged to question and be frank with their healthcare providers about any previous life of addiction and substance consumption.
Alternatives That Are Safer in Pain Management
Although opioids can be required with specific forms of pain, there are increasingly attempts to leverage non-opioid and integrative treatments of pain whenever this is achievable.
Alternatives include:
- Physical therapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
- Acupuncture/massage treatment
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Where medical marijuana is allowed (where medical marijuana is legal)
In case of chronic pain, a ultidisciplinary approach usually provides more promising results with less risk in a long-term perspective.
And What to Do When You are Fighting
You are not alone; there is someone who is misusing hydrocodone or oxycodone, or in case it is one of your loved ones. Addiction is a health issue, not a problem of a sense of morality, and it is treatable with severe care.
Treatments will be:
- Medical detox: The process of withdrawal management. During the withdrawal process, medical detoxification reduces the risks associated with withdrawal symptoms.
- Inpatient, or outpatient rehab: To treat the actual causes of addiction
- Medication-Based Treatment (MAT): Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone
- Counseling and therapy: In case of trauma or grief, or mental illnesses
- Peer support groups: Similar to the Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
The treatment is more likely in case it is started as soon as possible. Do not give it time to get to the bottom; seek help now.
Bottom Line: Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone
When the question is between hydrocodone vs oxycodone, it does not have a one-size-fits-all all. They are both powerful drugs with a potential to be responsibly used, yet they expose a person to very serious dangers. Talk to your doctor about using different pain management approaches in case you have a history of using substances or a close one.
And even though you are already paramount in the circle of misuse, there is a chance of recovery. Asking for help is the first step in taking your life back, your health and your lucidity.
