Tramadol Vs Hydrocodone: Can I Take Hydrocodone With Tramadol?

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid medication which are lab made substances. It is designed to show the effects of natural occurring opiates. Hydrocodone is more potent as compared to tramadol, it is scheduled II semi-synthetic opioid for high pain. On the other side, tramadol is less potent than schedule IV synthetic opioids which are used for moderate to high pain. If we discuss the schedule drugs which are 1 to 5. Therefore, schedule I drugs have the highest potential for misuse of these drugs. However these drugs have the potential to create high physical or psychological dependence. Thus the schedule V substances are lowest for the drugs and it has less effect. Today we discuss tramadol vs hydrocodone which consequently specify the key differences and similarities with its risk factors.

In this blog, we discuss the key differences between tramadol and hydrocodone on the basis of multiple comparisons. Tramadol and hydrocodone are two types of potent painkillers which are called opioid analgesics. Both medications work something different and can cause different side effects. You can visit your nearby rehab centers where you get proper medication and help according to your medical requirements and needs.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a type of drug form which is classified as an opioid medication for treatment of low to high pain. These medications are considered more safer than other opioids. It is one of the most famous analgesics under various brand names, that include Ultram, ConZip, Ryzolt, and Qdolo. Tramadol is also known as chill pill, trams and trammies.This drug acts as an opioid receptor or inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Moreover, tramadol acts in the body by binding the receptors on the brain and blocking the transmitters of pain signals. Furthermore, tramadol has added benefits which make it especially addictive. According to medical results, tramadol is not recommended for extended use and it should be prescribed to minimize the risk of side effects, dependence and overdose.

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration department for the treatment of high or chronic pain. This medication has various trade names like Vicodin, Lortab, Hycodan, and Vicoprofen. Studies indicate that hydrocodone is more effective than codeine which is for cough suppression and equipotent to morphine for pain relief.

According to the IQVIA National Prescription Audit, all products which contain hydrocodone in the United States reached a peak of approximately 144.5 million in the year 2011. Hydrocodone has been distributed in multiple forms like tablets, capsules and liquid forms on the illicit market that trends on various forms.

Tramadol vs Hydrocodone Comparison

However comparing tramadol vs hydrocodone that alter how the brain senses pain. Both are defined under numerous brand names as generic and acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is regarded as less intense than hydrocodone and may be prescribed by doctors for less severe pain.

Comparision	Tramadol	Hydrocodone
Generic Availability	Yes	No
Forms	Immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets.	Its form is available in extended-release tablets which are found in combination products.
Brand Names	Ultram, ConZip	Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER
Strengths	Immediate release of 50mg and extended release are 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg.	Its extended release is 20 to 120mg.
Risk of Addiction	Tramadol is considered a schedule IV drug, which means it has low potential for abuse and has low risk.	Hydrocodone is considered a schedule II drug, which means it has high potential for abuse. It is highly addictive.
Efficacy for pain	Less effective for treating pain.	More effective for treating pain.
Cost	Tramadol prices start at around $10 for supply of 15 tablets of 50mg. It can vary according to the medical conditions.	It costs around $7.5 for hydrocodone-acetaminophen. It can vary according to the medical conditions.
Chemical Composition	It is a fully synthesized lab made substance and no natural opioids are used in this process.	It is a derivative of codeine, occurring naturally found in the opium poppy.

Tramadol Vs Hydrocodone Side Effects

Both of these drugs tramadol vs hydrocodone are pain medications sharing common and serious side effects. Common effects include nausea, constipation, headache, and drowsiness. Both the opioids have come with severe side effects like hallucinations, irregular breathing, increased heart rate, which require immediate medical care.

Side Effects of Tramadol

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Dry Mouth
• Changes in mood or behaviour
• Excessive shaking or tremors
• Headaches
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Heartburn and indigestion

Side Effects of Hydrocodone

• Increased sweating
• Trouble in sleeping
• Muscle tightening
• Back pain
• Stomach pain
• Feel tiredness
• Headaches

Drug Interactions of Tramadol vs Hydrocodone

Tramadol and Hydrocodone may interact with various drugs which are.

• Alcohol
• Other types of opioids
• Some antibiotics
• Benzodiazepines
• Some antidepressants
• Sleep medications which include zolpidem
• Muscle relaxers
• Antifungals which are like ketoconazole
• Anti-seizure medication

Usually, they can worsen the side effects and create new ones when these opioids medications interact with these drugs. It can cause heavy risks like hypotension, coma, and death. This is because opioids act as CNS depressants which slows down the brain activity and it directly affects the brain.

Who Should Avoid Taking Tramadol and Hydrocodone?

If anyone is falling under these categories should avoid tramadol and hydrocodone which are.

• Children and Adolescents: The FDA strictly advises against admitting hydrocodone or other opioids, like codeine to children under 18 years old. The same for tramadol should not be considered under 12 years old due to serving high effects in children between 12 and 18 years old. These medications have high risks of life-threatening breathing problems, overdose and fatality in children.

• Pregnant Women: Both tramadol and hydrocodone should not be recommended for pregnant women and also for those who are planning for pregnancy. The main use for these opioids medications, during pregnancy it may show results in serious health conditions in newborns babies.

• Breastfeeding Women: This opioid medication is not for breastfeeding women. These drugs can be transferred through breast milk to infants, which is risky for the children and as well as for women. It came under unsafe levels of medications.

Addiction Treatment for Tramadol and Hydrocodone

Addiction treatments for opioid use disorder encompasses the therapies and supports which include counselling, behavioural therapies and family therapy.

• Counselling: It marked the addiction related issues.
• Behavioural Therapies: Therapies include the CBT, contingency management, or positive behaviour changes which help for treatment.
• Vocational Training: It assists for employment post rehab, that helps to recover fast.
• Case Management: They are securing basic needs and legal aid, allowing individuals to focus on recovery.
• Family Therapy: Repairs in relationships which are affected by addiction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you understand the differences between tramadol and hydrocodone easily. These two opioids medications are used for potent painkillers which help to get relief. We discuss comparison and side effects of tramadol and hydrocodone which specify the understanding of these opioids medications. When any opioid medication combines with a drug, then it shows the side effect and sometimes it can create new effects that will be risky. In this blog, we discuss who should avoid taking these medications. Doctors suggest to take these medications in less amounts, if medications are required for medical treatment.