Vicodine vs Percocet: Which Painkiller Is Stronger and Safer?

When it comes to opioid pain relief medication Vicodin and Percocet are the two names that are commonly mentioned together. When both come together, questions like which is stronger and how they differ from each other come to mind. Although both work as a painkiller but, they are not the same. It is easy to become confused when comparing medications with similar reputations. Names, potency, and effects can become jumbled together, especially if you are just beginning to learn more about them. This is why it is important to take a clear and simple approach. In this article, we will take a look at Vicodin vs Percocet. We will discuss how they work, including their uses, side effects, doses, and risks.

Comparision Of Vicodine vs Percocet

Vicodin and Percocet are prescription opioid medications prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The main difference is the ingredient used. Both are combinations of an opioid with acetaminophen. Vicodin contains hydrocodone, and Percocet contains Oxycodone. Both medications have some similarities and some differences. Before knowing about Vicodin vs Percocet differences, we have to know about these medicines and how they works including their side effects and risks.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is prescribed for the treatment of severe to moderate pain during surgery and serious injuries. It contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid and works on the central nervous system. Acetaminophen affects some chemicals and helps in reducing pain and fever.  A combination of ingredients creates a stronger effect. Vicodin binds the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain. Also, Vicodin affects some chemicals which are directly linked with pain and temperature, with the help of acetaminophen, which helps to reduce pain. Half-life of Vicodin is 3.8 hours to 4.5 hours.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is an opioid pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. It works by attaching to the opioid receptor in the brain and the central nervous system. Which changes the way your mind reacts to pain. Acetaminophen helps reduce mild pains and is also helpful in reducing fever. A combination of both ingredients produces a strong effect. It is only prescribed during surgery, injury, and other chronic conditions where non-opioids are not working well. It is a short-term medication because it contains oxycodone and carries a high risk of addiction and dependency. Long-term abuse may need oxycodone addiction treatment.

Difference Between Vicodin And Percocet

Vicodin and Percocet are used as painkillers to treat moderate to severe pain. But they are not similar. The main difference is the opioid combination. Percocet is more powerful than Vicodin because it contains oxycodone, which is more powerful than hydrocodone. As opioids both work similarly by changing the response of the brain to the pain. Both carry similar side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness. Both contain acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage and carry the same risk of addiction and dependency.

Vicodin vs Percocet Strength

Vicodin contains hydrocodone, and Percocet contains oxycodone. Oxycodone is more powerful than hydrocodone. In terms of strength, Percocet is stronger. The doses also affect the strength. Higher doses increase the effects and also increase the risk of side effects and dependency. Doctor prescribe theses medicines according to your pain intensity, health history, and how you react to the medicine. Both medicines are effective, oxycodone has a high intensity, but Vicodine prescribed when a patient feel mid pain and need lower risk.

Vicodin vs. Percocet Doses

Vicodin and Percocet have different strengths. The common dose of Vicodin is the combination of 5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen. It is prescribed to take in the duration of 4 to 6 as needed. Percoet starts from the combination of 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen and is taken for a duration of 4 to 6 hours as needed. Percocet is more powerful than Vicodin ,so lower doses of oxycodone provide a similar effect. The amount of acetaminophen is adjusted by a doctor to prevent liver issues.

Vicodin vs Percocet Side Effects

Vicodin and Percocet are prescription medicines used to treat moderate to severe pain. Although they are help full to treating pain, they carry some side effects. Understanding these can help to use them safely.

Vicodin Side Effects

Some common side effects of Vicodine include:

• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Dry mouth

Percocet Side Effects

Percocet contains oxycodone. Its side effects are similar but may feel stronger for some people:

• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Mood changes

Can you take Vicodin and Percocet together?

Taking Vicodin with Percocet may be dangerous. Both are powerful opioid pain relievers. Taking them together can cause serious unwanted effects like extreme drowsiness, very slow breathing, dizziness, and overdose. Both are the combination acetaminophen with opioids. An increasing level of acetaminophen affects your liver and can cause liver damage. Generally doctor prescribe either drug. If pain is uncontrolled doctor changes doses or switches them instead of combining them.

Vicodin vs Percocet For Migraine

Both Vicodin and Percocet are opioid pain-relievers and are used to treat severe pain. They are not the first choice for migraine. But in severe migraine pain, it may be used to reduce pain. Vicodine contains hydrocodone and Percocet contains oxycodone, which is usually stronger. Both are helpful to get relief from pain without treating the cause of the pain.

FAQs

Are Vicodin and Percocet the same?

Percocet and Vicodin are prescription pain-relivers but they are not similar. While Vicodin contains hydrocodone, Percocet contains oxycodone. Percocet is stronger than Vicodin, and its side effects hit harder.

Which is stronger, Vicodin or Percocet?

Percocet is stronger than Vicodin because Percocet and Vicodin are a combination of acetaminophen with an opioid. Vicodin contains hydrocodone, while Precocet contains Oxycodone which is generally stronger.

Can Vicodin and Percocet be taken together?

It may become dangerous while taking Vicodin with Percocet because both contains opioid along with acetaminophen, taking them together can increase the risk of slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, overdoes and liver damage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, although Vicodin and Percocet are used to treat extreme pain, they are not the same. Percocet is generally stronger than Vicodin, as it contains Oxycodone. Both carry acetaminophen, which can affect your liver. As opioids both cause some side effects like drowsiness, dependency, and addiction, and may require opioid addiction treatment. Which is better for you depends on your pain intensity and medical history. You should always take these medicines as your doctor prescribed.