Oxycodone vs OxyContin: Which Works Better? (Side Effects, Risks, Uses)

Not every pain is something that you can just ignore. Some can seriously disrupt everyday life. That’s why different types of pain relief medication are available in the market. Oxycodone and OxyContin are among those. But in very rare cases, a healthcare expert can prescribe Oxycodone or OxyContin after surgery or injury, based on the patient’s requirement. They are specifically present in legal prescriptions because of their addictive nature, abuse, and misuse. Sometimes people can be confused about Oxycodone and OxyContin because their responsibilities, names, and chemical compositions are closely connected. But after exploring the Oxycodone vs OxyContin blog, this doubt will not occur again.

In this article, we will talk about the difference between Oxycontin versus Oxycodone based on some aspects that make them specific. After this comparison, clear is oxycodone and oxycontin the same thing or not, and which is a better pain reliever among them

Oxycodone And OxyContin: Key Facts And Information

A prescription pain management medication that is produced from an immediate-release form and provides short-term pain relief is Oxycodone. It treats severe pain, such as after surgery, cancer-related pain, and injury. It is not only used as a single medicine, but it also has some brand names that are made by mixing Oxycodone and other substances. These brand names include OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet, and Roxicet. Always use Oxycodone under medical observation because it’s a narcotic drug.

OxyContin is an extended-release version of Oxycodone, and you can also say it is a brand of Oxycodone. That’s why Oxycodone and OxyContin have various similarities, as they work on the central nervous system and bind opioid based receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Also, it release of neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin, and decreases pain transmission. They carries similar level of addiction and abuse also. Now you are thinking, “Is there a difference between Oxycodone and OxyContin?” The answer is Yes. OxyContin originated for long-term pain management. Many things make them different that are discussed below.

What’s The Difference Between Oxycodone And OxyContin?

Today, we totally end this confusion between Oxycodone and OxyContin from everyone’s mind. According to the famous healthcare expert (Dr. Robert F. Kaiko), OxyContin is uniques specific drug from Oxycodone based on some factors including dosage, strength, effectiveness, and onset duration.

Oxycodone vs Oxycontin Dosage

• Oxycodone: It is present in immediate-release form that acts as fast-acting pain relief for acute based pain. Repeatedly take dosage every 4 to 6 hours, which is why you need to take 3 to 4 doses per day.
• OxyContin: It comes from an extended-release form that acts very slowly in chronic pain, and a single dose stays in 12 hours in the body. In the case of OxyContin dosage, there is no need to take multiple doses. It’s twice the dose per day.

Oxycodone vs Oxycontin Strength

• Oxycodone: Its various strengths are available that are prescribed based on several factors, including age, weight, and the health status of the patient. If you don’t have a drug tolerance, then start with its initial strength. They mention these strengths in ascending order, including 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, and 80mg
• OxyContin: OxyContin strengths should not be used as an initial dose if you don’t have a drug tolerance. First, take alternative treatment if it is not sufficient, then healthcare experts suggest OxyContin strengths, including 10mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg.

Let’s discuss more differences between Oxycodone and OxyContin by comparing tablet that helps to more easy to understand:

Features	Oxycodone	OxyContin
Primary use	Short-range relief for pain	Long-range relief for pain
Chemical Composition	It is acquired from thebaine	Its active ingredient is oxycodone hydrochloride
Onset of effect	10 to 30 minutes	1 hour
Peak Effect	30 to 60 minutes	3 hours
Oxycontin vs Oxycodone half life	3.2 to 3.5 hours	4.5 to 6.5 hours
How long do they last	3 to 6 hours	12 hours
Controlled substance	Yes, it is a Schedule II controlled substance.	Yes, it is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Potency	It is 1.5 to 2 times more potent than morphine	It is long-acting, but it is more dangerous than short-acting opioids.
Dependency risk	Low risk of dependency than OxyContin	High risk of dependency than Oxycodone

Side Effects & Risks

Some medications react and cause some unwanted side effects and risks that develop for frequent use of the dosage, using the drug for a period longer than the prescribed period, and drug interaction. Oxycodone and OxyContin also have some side effects; be aware of them before using those drugs.

Oxycodone Side Effects

• Motion sickness
• Vomiting
• Feeling sleepy and tired
• Lack of energy
• Lightheadedness
• Dry Mouth
• Sweating
• shortness of breath
• Severe allergic reaction
• Hallucinations

OxyContin Side Effects

• Laziness
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Physical reactions
• Hypotension
• Fatigue
• Inappetence
• Agitation
• obstruction

Which Is Better Oxycodone Or OxyContin, For Pain Management?

After this comparison, it is clear that Oxycodone and OxyContin have individual compositions. But now comes a very common question in everyone’s thoughts, which is the better option for pain management. Hold on and take a breath. Also, we will discuss this query. Every medication is designed for a specific purpose that makes it unique and a better option among the medications that are made for the same purpose. Similarly, if you are seeking short-term pain management, then Oxycodone is a better option for you, but ensure you have a proper prescription from an authority health expert. Whereas OxyContin is the most effective option for long-standing pain management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is OxyContin stronger than Oxycodone?

In the above difference between Oxycodone and OxyContin, you know how OxyContin is a different drug from Oxycodone. These aspesct are also make it a stronger opioid drug than Oxycodone, and that carries a high risk of opioid addiction or prescription drug addiction.

Can you take OxyContin and Oxycodone together?

It is possible, but in a very rare case where a healthcare expert takes a chance to prescribe OxyContin and Oxycodone together. These drugs belong to the opioid drug category and carry similar potential risks. So high risk of overdosing when you take OxyContin and Oxycodone together.

Which is more addictive, Oxycodone or OxyContin?

Addiction is a chronic effect that commonly leads when taking those drugs that stay in the body for a long period. If you notice Oxycodone vs OxyContin, OxyContin stays longer in the body than Oxycodone. So, OxyContin has a high risk of addiction.

Why are OxyContin and Oxycodone not interchangeable?

This drug interchange process happens between two drugs that have the same mechanism and serve the same purposes. But in the case of Oxycodone vs OxyContin equivalent, the interchangeability process is not working because they have unique mechanisms and intended uses.

Final Words

I hope your confusion is clear about Oxycodone and OxyContin. These drugs are unique based on their own aspects, specific use, dosage, formulation, and onset duration. But as a suggestion, don’t take any drug based on any article or study. Before using any prescription drug, consult a health expert. Be aware of its complications and opioid addiction issues. If you observe any indication of opioid addiction, inform your doctor and immediately go ahead the right treatment for opioid addiction.