As with any medication, it’s important to understand the differences between similar drugs prescribed for pain relief.
Two opioids often mentioned in the same breath are hydrocodone and oxycodone. While they each have a use in managing certain types of discomfort, they are not identical.
Whether prescribed following surgery or to manage chronic issues, it pays to understand the key differences between hydrocodone vs oxycodone.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: What Do They Do?
Firstly, both drugs work to alleviate pain. They contain opiates that attach to receptors in the brain and body, disrupting pain signals between these areas. However, they are not the same chemically, containing hydrocodone and oxycodone as the active substances, respectively.
Importantly, neither cure nor cure whatever is causing someone’s discomfort in the long term. Rather, they mask issues and should only be part of temporary treatment under a physician’s supervision. Dependency may occur if taking opiates regularly without professional oversight.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Common Reasons for Prescription
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are usually prescribed following surgeries, severe injuries, or to manage chronic pain conditions. Common reasons a doctor may prescribe one of these medications include:
- Post-surgical pain management
- Fractures or broken bones
- Severe back or joint pain from conditions like arthritis
- Dental procedures
- Traumatic injuries
Key Differences in Strength and Forms
When it comes to potency, oxycodone generally has a higher strength. It often leads to greater drowsiness and upset stomach as a potential side effect. Meanwhile, hydrocodone is commonly mixed with acetaminophen instead of prescribed alone, like oxycodone sometimes is.
Availability also differs – oxycodone appears by itself more regularly in healthcare settings. Hydrocodone usually joins acetaminophen in products to ease fever and aches too. Both come as tablets, capsules or liquids at varying dosages.
Warning Signs of Potential Problems
There are some indicators that opioids may be losing their effectiveness or causing dependence. Pay attention to:
- Needing to take higher doses to get the same pain relief
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea or anxiety when trying to stop
- Feeling you “need” the medication more psychologically than for actual pain
- Cravings or urges to take extra medication
If any apply, talk to your doctor right away about adjusting the treatment plan. Untreated addiction can spiral out of control quickly.
Potential Risks to Note for Hydrocodone and Oxycodone
Of course, dangers exist with misusing any prescription medication without guidance. Aside from dependency or addiction, mixing opioids with other substances magnifies hazards such as slowed breathing. Always take exactly as prescribed and avoid driving or complex tasks afterward until knowing how they affect you.
If signs of trouble arise, like craving the drugs or feeling they’ve lost their impact, bring this to a doctor promptly. Together with them, determine any adjustments or the possibility of alternative approaches to control the underlying conditions originally treated by hydrocodone or oxycodone.
Support Is Available for Navigating Painkiller Concerns
For anyone struggling with substance use issues involving these or other prescription medications, free support exists. Contacting medical experts or professional recovery and treatment institutions can start the process of regaining control and coping with pain or related difficulties in healthy ways. No one needs to face concerns alone.
