Oxycodone Vs Vicodin: Which Is More Effective For Chronic Pain?

Oxycodone and Vicodin play a vital role in pain management as opioid pain relievers when pain is not tolerable (during surgery and any serious injury). They act by binding the opioid receptors on the central nervous system(CNS) and give a claim from pain. Despite all the similarities, both medications have different structures, compositions, and effects. A side-by-side comparison of Oxycodone vs Vicodin gives more clarity on the uses and effectiveness of these medicines.

Most of the people are confused between Vicodin and Oxycodone. This blog provides a perfect knowledge of Oxycodone and Vicodin on the basis of their composition, structure, and effects without any confusion. Keep reading to know better about the differences and similarities between Oxycodone and Vicodin.

Comparing the Composition Oxycodone Vs Vicodin

The effectiveness of both Oxy and Vicodin is significantly similar. But both are different in terms of composition. Vicodin contains some ingredients, hydrocodone and acetaminophen, while Oxycodone is a single composition medicine and is used as an ingredient for other medicines. Also, Vicodin is more expensive than Oxycodone. Both medicines are opioids and contain similar potential of overdoes.

About Oxycodone: Compositions, Work, & Side Effects

Oxycodone manages moderate to severe pain in the CNS by binding opioid receptors. Mostly It is prescribed for short-term relief from chronic pain, such as after any surgery, injury, and for some cancer-related pain when other non-opioid painkillers are insufficient. An oxycodone pillis classified as a Schedule-II Controlled Substance.  It isavailable in oral tablets and both immediate-relief and extended relief forms. It is a combination of acetaminophen and Percocet.

The effects of oxycodone can last up to 7-8 hours after taking the drug, and it should be taken with or without food every 12 hours as needed. Oxycodone has side effects, which include nausea, vomiting, inability to sleep, inability to stay asleep, headaches, weakness, tiredness, etc.

About Vicodin: Compositions, Work, & Side Effects

Vicodin is considered a semi-synthetic opioid medication commonly sold under the brand names Lortab and Norco. It also works on the CNS and attaches to the opioid Receptors which blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain. Ita is a composition of Hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Vicodin is an oral tablet available in strengths of 5-500mg and 7.5-750mg. Generally, Vicodin is prescribed to be taken with food, but in some conditions, it can be taken without food. 

It has a peak effect around 3-4 hours and gradually decreases and stays for 6-7 hours after taking. During its course, the sudden release of dopamine, inducing feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation, can occur. Like other opioids, Vicodin has some side effects like Drowsiness, General weakness, Trouble sleeping, Drug cravings, and vomiting.

Comparision Of Vicodin With Oxycodone?

Vicodin and Oxycodone are semisynthetic opioid analgesics and undergoes Schedules-II controlled substances due to their high risk of dependency. Both have the same effectiveness and the same risk of interactions. But they differ in cost and composition. The comparison below gives you more clarity on what is the difference between Vicodin and oxycodone to find which is best for your needs.

Comparison	Oxycodone	Vicodin
Forms	It is available in both immediate and extended relief forms	It is only available in extended relief form
Brand Names	OxyContin and Percocet	Lortab and Norco
Strengths	Available in strengths of 30mg, 20mg, 80mg, etc	Available in strengths 5-500mg and 7.5-750mg
Risk of Addiction	Belongs to Schedule II controlled substances and has a high potential of addiction	Belongs to Schedule II controlled substances and has a high potential of addiction
Cost	Oxycodone is less expensive as compare to Vicodin.	Vicodin is more expensive than Oxycodone
Chemical Composition	It is a combination of acetaminophen and Percocet	Ita is a composition of Hydrocodone and acetaminophen

Oxycodone vs Vicodin: Which is Stronger?

If you ever wonder between these vicodin vs oxycodone, which is strongeris depend on your personal health. Oxycodone is known as more power than Vicodin, with a lower dose of oxy pill. It is also known for being stronger in short-term acute pain management. But both are known as high-risk of opioid addiction, which can only be prescribed by your healthcare provider

Interactions of Vicodin And Oxycodone

As oxycodone and Vicodin for pain are both opioids with pain-relieving actions that involve the central nervous system, it can be noted that the abuse potential of Oxycodone and Vicodin together with some other drugs is very high and may result in very serious problems such as coma, death, and low blood pressure.

Oxycodone and Vicodin have some interaction and can results some side effects:

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates
• Other opioids
• Antipsychotics
• Antihistamines
• Muscle relaxers
• Antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines

Who Shouldn’t Use Oxycodone and Vicodin?

Dyspnea: an individual that is experiencing respiratory distress should use precautions when considering the use of oxycodone or Vicodin because the way these medications work are very much dependent upon the central nervous system, and they can both produce an impaired breathing pattern (e.g., diminished rates of respiration). Any individual who has a respiratory disease that requires oxygen such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnea, should not use oxycodone and Vicodin.

Alcoholic Person: Opioids tend to interact with alcohol, and therefore, when this occurs, they produce a greater degree of effect and can lead to accidental overdose. Taking opioids with alcohol can cause overdosing, extreme sedation, and dyspnea.

Women in pregnancy: Oxycodone and Viodin are not prescribed to pregnant ladies because opioids can cross the placenta and may cause early birth of the baby and many disorder to the newborn baby.

Some Additional Vicodin and Oxycodone Threats

The risk of taking Vicodin with Oxycodone relies on metabolism and may vary depending on different conditions. Both Drugs provides similar risk factors. May cause slow breathing, stillbirth, premature labor, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and other complications.

Additional risk factors that could raise the possibility of side effects include:

• Liver illness
• Lung illness
• Brain conditions
• Kids’ issues
• Intestinal problems
• Heart-related disorders
• An allergy to opioids
• Disorders related to drug interactions 

Conclusion

In conclusion to this blog, Oxycodone and Vicodin are both semi-synthetic opioids abused frequently and produce an extremely high addiction potential. Both drugs provide strong analgesia but should not be used to treat minor pain due to potential danger versus through benefit ratio issues if drug abuse occurs, higher than directed use of the drugs, or overdoses. Misuse of oxycodone and Vicodin has many health issues, like slow or stop braething, liver damage, and kidney issues. You must follow your physician’s recommendations on how to take your prescription medications.