Hydrocodone and oxycodone are both strong painkillers. They’re both narcotics, which means they can both be habit forming. There’s no clear winner in the battle of hydrocodone vs oxycodone. Take a look at both drugs to learn how they’re the same and how they differ.
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is an opioid ingredient in many name-brand medications. The painkillers Vicodin, Lortab, and Norco all contain hydrocodone. Physicians often prescribe hydrocodone for pain relief.
Hydrocodone typically starts working and providing pain relief within 30 to 60 minutes. Most drugs containing hydrocodone only last for about six hours. However, there are some extended-release versions that can manage pain for up to 12 or even 24 hours at a time.
Cold medications sometimes contain hydrocodone, as well. When users combine hydrocodone with antihistamines, it may suppress coughing and relieve the discomfort of a cold or the flu.
What is Oxycodone?
In many ways, oxycodone is very similar to hydrocodone. Oxycodone is also the primary ingredient in pain relief medications like OxyContin and Percocet. Additionally, oxycodone is a narcotic, or opiate, drug.
Just like hydrocodone, oxycodone tends to start working quickly. Most drugs containing oxycodone are effective for up to six hours. Once again, extended pain relief varieties are available.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Side Effects
Doctors prescribe hydrocodone and oxycodone in similar situations, and they provide similar pain relief. It shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that both have similar side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of both narcotics include shallow or difficult breathing, blurred vision, slurred speech and reduced motor skills. Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are all common. Constipation is possible with both drugs but is often worse with hydrocodone.
Both drugs can also cause severe side effects. These are rare but can include seizures, mental fogginess, short-term memory loss and heart failure.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Addiction Risk
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are addictive. They are opiates, which means that they can dramatically change the brain’s circuitry and reward system.
Users shouldn’t take hydrocodone or oxycodone for extended periods of time. In addition, users shouldn’t take them recreationally. Patients should only take the dosage that their doctors recommend. Moreover, users should never combine opioids with other drugs or alcohol.
Treating Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Addictions
Prescription drug addiction is a very real problem in the United States. Both a hydrocodone addiction and an oxycodone addiction are severe and require treatment in a professional facility.
Opioid addiction treatment programs might begin with detox. Then, inpatient or outpatient rehab gives patients the tools to retain their newfound sobriety for a lifetime. Some popular treatment methods include the following:
- Individual behavioral therapy
- Group counseling
- Holistic therapies
- Fitness therapies
- EMDR therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment when needed
Hydrocodone and oxycodone both carry serious risks. If you are ready to overcome a drug addiction for good, Pinnacle Peak Recovery can help. Call 866-377-4761 to learn more about program options and start your journey to sobriety as soon as possible.
