Vicodin vs Norco: Which Is Stronger? Are They The Same Thing Essentially

For the patient dealing with intense or acute pain, opioid pain relievers are a proven miracle solution every time. When the pain is severe or the patient needs a lower dose of opioid due to addiction or any other reason, then the combination with acetaminophen is often prescribed. Having these criteria, Vicodin and Norco are widely used pills that provide pain relief with fever reducing property simultaneously. Due to some similar characteristics, new users are confused that “is Norco the same as Vicodin? ” To clarify this, let’s differentiate Vicodin Vs Norco properties in this guide. So that the individual uses, corresponding risk factors, and interacting effects will be more familiar. 

Comparative Analysis of Vicodin and Norco Medication

If you want to take either Norco or Vicodin for certain pain relief, then it is important to know their similarities, as well as differences, for a successfull pain management. However, their combined use is also used in severe cases, but in a balanced form. Sometimes, the longer use can cause addiction to both the pill and allows to stay longer in the system. Therefore, let’s estimate how long vicodin stay in your system and how long does norco take to wear off in detail. So that the drug interactions might be avoided. 

What is Vicodin and Norco?

Norco and Vicodin are two prescription drugs containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen in a balanced form. Here, Hydrocodone is an Opioid and acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever effective in managing moderate to severe pain. 

Generally, doses of Norco are available in tablet form with 2.5–10 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen. The active substance of Norco works by acting on the central nervous system. They bind to the opioid receptors and reduces transmission of pain signals. As a result, feelings of pain decreases and the body will feel relaxed. 

Vicodin works similarly as Norco, but it contains smaller amount of acetaminophen than the norco has. The doses of Vicodin may vary from 5-10 mg of hydrocodone with 300 mg of acetaminophen.

Why Is It Prescribed to Take Norco and Vicodin Together? 

As you know, both contain similar compositions, for which taking them together, can cause overdose symptoms. They are not medically approved for use together. But sometimes people use them together, for instance and longer relief from pain. Which is not always safe, if the doses are not balanced properly, the medicines can react adversely. 

Sometimes a doctor may temporarily prescribe two medications at the same time when carefully switching a patient from one medicine to another. This scenario doesn’t means you can take them together. It tells that, you can take another only when switched to another. 

Top 5 Differences Between Vicodin Vs Norco

While both medicines are composed of similar formulations, they acts differently to the individuals. Their formulations may be similar, but their amount of dose varies. So the contrast properties should be known by the patient as well as the healthguide to avoid interactions and choose the best one from them. 

• When we compare Vicodin Vs Norco effectiveness, you can say both are effective for pain management. But if you want some long-lasting effect 
• In the chemical comparison of Vicodin and Norco, both have a similar composition. The only difference is how much acetaminophen they contain. 
• Norco has a lower acetaminophen level, so it carries lower risk of liver damage. 
• Generic version of Vicodin is available only in tablet form, but the generic form of Norco is available in both liquid and tablet form. 
• Vicodin allows more frequent dosing than the Norco pills in every 4-6 hours. 

How To Get Prescribed Norco or Vicodin?

From the above paragraph, we have learned that taking them together is no preferred by the doctors. Similarly, their individual use is also restricted due to their narcotic potency. In most of the country, Vicodin or Norco is not available without a prescription. So, here we are providing the necessary information on how to get prescription for Norco or Vicodin legally. 

To get prescribed Norco or Vicodin, the patient must visit a physician to get a complete health checkup. During the check-up discuss all about your current condition, any medicines you are taking, or any other diseases you have. After the check-up, ask him/her which painkiller is suitable for your condition. If neither Norco nor Vicodin is prescribed, you can suggest the pill for better consideration. If the doctor finds any one of the pill is okay for you, then you can go for it from any authorized source.

Which One Is Right for You? Vicodin vs Norco

Choosing the right pain reliever is essential when the treatment process takes a longer time or the pain is a chronic condition. As you know, Norco and Vicodin are quite similar to each other in various properties. So, choosing one of them is very critical because both are effective for successful pain management. 

Which one is better in Norco or Vicodin depends upon what the doctor prescribes. That means after your clinical check-up, the doctor will decide by analysing the level of pain, other diseases, any addiction you have, or other medicines you are taking now. When choosing the right medication, another factor that should be considered is what are the corresponding side effects of the pills. The pill with minimal side effects should be chosen over the other. So, let’s discuss those in below

Possible Side Effects of Norco and Vicodin

Due to similar active components in Norco and Vicodin, they have similar types of side effects. The side effects are rare but can be seen when consumed more or used in a careless way. The side effects may include

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Anxiety
• Itching
• Narrowing of the pupils in the eyes
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Confusion

Conclusion

From this article, you can find helpful how the Norco and Vicodin pills are helpful but for a certain rules should be obeyed. Choosing one from them and taking the proper dose should be guided by an experienced doctor. Taking the pills for a longer time can cause addiction to opioids. So, be careful during the treatment process and rewire your brain from addiction. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose or do not miss the dose. Take the pills as per your prescription and avoid alcoholic substance to prevent the effects of interactions.