Vicodin vs Oxycontin For Pain: Effectiveness, Dependence Risk & Safety Concerns

Vicodin and OxyContin are the two common pain-relieving medications available worldwide with a clinical prescription. If you compare Vicodin vs OxyContin, you can get to know the practical differences between these two drugs. In most cases, people take the painkillers randomly without any knowledge. For safe use, it is advisable to know the key points about Vicodin or OxyContin to pick the appropriate option depending on your health condition and the severity of pain. This complete article is the best source to gather all the necessary facts on OxyContin and Vicodin, which include working mode, dosage, side effects, risk of overuse and recovery procedures from addiction.

Vicodin vs OxyContin: Pick The Best Drug For Long-Acting Pain

What are Vicodin and OxyContin? Working Principle Discussed

The OxyContin vs Vicodin strengths are capable of managing any kind of pain. These are the major narcotic analgesics or opioids. While using these drugs, understanding their basic functionalities is essential. To reduce the pain sensations, both are very powerful but they have a bit working difference. Vicodin contains Hydrocodone and acetaminophen, which are the combination of opioid and non-opioid supplements. Hydrocodone works on the central nervous system of the brain to suppress the pain signals from reaching the brain. It changes the way of response of brain towards the pain. Whereas acetaminophen enhances the effects of Hydrocodone.

Similarly Oxycontin has the major ingredient called Oxycodone. It is a Schedule II controlled substance useful to provide relief from chronic body pain. Oxycodone binds with some specific pain-producing receptors in the neurotransmitters to block the pain signals reaching the brain tissues. This activity changes the perception of the brain to respond to the pain. To get more knowledge on the working mechanism, consult with professionals and choose the ultimate option for your desired pain.

Medical Usage & Dosage Instruction For More Effectiveness

Take Vicodin or OxyContin exactly as per the doctor’s prescription instead of taking them randomly because both are highly effective but differ in terms of ingredients. Vicodin contains Hydrocodone and acetaminophen in higher percentage while OxyContin has the major ingredient called Oxycodone. The doctors basically advise taking Vicodin to resolve mid-level to chronic pain. Likewise, when any other painkillers do not give the desired results, OxyContin is prescribed for those types of chronic pain. Avoid using these drugs in higher forms. Swallow the tablets in warm water before taking them instead of crushing or breaking the tablets.

Incase if you miss any dose, wait for the next dose. Do not take two doses at a time to maintain the dosing. Avoid sharing the nerve-related drugs with anyone else because of the risk of mistreat and abuse. If you feel any abnormality during consumption, by this time taking medical help immediately should be your first preference.

Potential Side Effects & Their Management

People have a common confusion that, is Vicodin and Oxycontin the same. Like any other medications, OxyContin or Vicodin medications are also surrounded by several minor to major side effects. Consult with the doctors if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction. These medicines are CNS depressants, so always follow the prescription as it is while taking the tablets to manage the health risks in an effective way. The key side effects are listed below.

Vicodin Side Effects

• Insomnia
• Euphoria
• Shaking
• Weakness
• Sedation
• Impaired congestion
• Breathing issue
• Urine retention
• Lightheadedness

OxyContin Side Effects

• Drawsiness
• Sleeping issues
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Racing heart
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Throat tightness
• Skin rash
• Joint pain

OxyContin vs Vicodin: Know The Interacting Factors

When you take drugs related to nerves system, be aware of their interactions. Individuals should know, Vicodin or Oxycontin which is stronger. Along with that, what can interact with these painkillers to avoid any complications. These may cause uncontrollable health risks and can permanently damage brain functions. The medications that people should not take with OxyContin or Vicodin are mentioned below.

Vicodin Interactions

• Ambien
• Baclofen
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Gabapentin
• Ibuprofen
• Pregabalin
• Oxycodone
• Synthroid
• Tramadol
• Klonopin

Oxycontin Interactions

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines
• HIV or hepatitis tablets
• Pelonosetron
• Phenobarbital
• Posaconazole
• Travel sickness medicines
• Muscle relaxants
• Halothane
• Isoflurane
• Thioridazine

Difference Between Vicodin and OxyContin: Compare To Choose The Best Option

The working mechanisms of both drugs are quite similar. But in many aspects they differ from eachother. Compare OxyContin with Vicodin to know the root differences that help you make a wise decision, which is more effective for your desired pain.

Features	Vicodin	Oxycontin
Ingredients	Hydrocodone & Acetaminophen	Oxycodone
Uses	Moderate to severe pain	Chronic pain
Side effects	Insomnia, Euphoria, Shaking	Dry mouth, Stomach pain, Racing heart
Potency	Less potent than Oxycontin, as it contains both opioid & non-opioid ingredients	Higher potency drug due to pure opioid nature
Cost effectiveness	Low cost, as it is readily available	Quiet expensive
Onset period	10 – 30 minutes	About 1 hour

Vicodin vs Oxycontin Which is More Addictive After Use?

OxyContin has more strength as it contains Oxycodone which is a stronger opioid. So the doctors advise starting with the basic dose. Similarly, Vicodin is a readily available, less potent drug with the ingredients Hydrocodone (a weak opioid) and acetaminophen. The abuse of non-opioid tablets can instantly harm the liver and kidneys. Sometimes, it can develop gastrointestinal issues and cause cancer.

Can you mix Vicodin and OxyContin? Basically, both work on nerves system, mixing them is very risky. If you observe the addictiveness, because of the higher strength of the drug, Oxycodone is more addictive and habit-forming. To understand clearly the opioid affect the mind, always talk to healthcare professionals before coming into use.

Is It Safe to Take Vicodin with OxyContin?

A common question arises in mind: Can you take Vicodin with OxyContin? In general, taking OxyContin with Vicodin is unsafe as both carry the same opioid properties to control any pain disorders. In some cases, like surgery or major injury, it is also not suggested to take in a combined manner. Before consumption, patients should know how it affects the body and mind. Mixing Vicodin with OxyContin can increase the risks of opioid addiction. As both act on the CNS, they can cause major respiratory depression and permanently damage liver and kidney functions within a short time period. If you are experinece any signs of opioid addiction, then as soon as possible, visit a professional addiction treatment rehab and take therapy for opioid addiction.

Which Is Better For Chronic Pain: OxyContin or Vicodin

Before coming into use, people think, Vicodin or Oxycontin which is stronger? Practically, both are highly effective medications and work as pain relaxants for different kinds of pain. In between these two, with the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, Vicodin is prescribed to neutralise mid-level to severe pain. In the same way, while any other painkillers are not able to relieve the pain or to manage chronic pain, OxyContin is advised. Beyond effectiveness, OxyContin is better for Chronic pain. Always visit the rehab centres to know more about the drugs and follow the prescription.

Conclusion

Vicodin and OxyContin are the most used painkiller medications. These are the opioid and narcotic drugs that basically work on the central nervous system of the brain to help people with any kind of pain issues. Instead of taking the pills randomly, first do an inquiry on these to know the functionalities, behaviour on pain, health risks of using, interactions and process to recover from opioid drug addiction. Read the whole article to gather key points about OxyContin or Vicodin and take the doctor’s suggestion before consumption.