Oxycodone and Hydrocodone: Differences and Addiction Risks

What Are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone?

The most frequently prescribed opioid pain medicines for mild to severe pain are oxycodone and hydrocodone. The two drugs are helpful painkillers; however, both have risks. Potential side effects include opioid overdose and opioid dependence. Any consumer of oxycodone and hydrocodone should know the difference between the two medicines.

This article will discuss how oxycodone and hydrocodone are alike and different, as well as their propensity for abuse. There is help available if you or a loved one becomes addicted.

How Do Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Work?

Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are prescription opioid drugs, both of which exhibit the same side effects of blocking pain sensations in the central nervous system. Both drugs are commonly abused to treat chronic pain and enable patients experiencing post-surgical and traumatic pain to find relief.

Both are prescription drugs that can come in extended release forms. Both are Schedule II controlled substances.

These drugs, however, are highly abused and need to be administered correctly to prevent dependence and overdose.

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Oxycodone: A More Potent Analgesic

The drug is a semi-synthetic opioid that is based on thebaine, an alkaloid of the opium poppy. It is commonly applied when pain is treated over a long period, particularly when the patient suffers from severe pain, and it cannot be alleviated by using over-the-counter painkillers.

Oxycodone is usually more potent than hydrocodone and is generally taken in combination with other drugs such as acetaminophen (as in Percocet) to maximize its pain-relieving effects.

• Mechanism: Oxycodone is effective on the brain and nervous system’s response to pain, suppressing both acute and chronic pain.
• Potency: Oxycodone is stronger than hydrocodone and, as such, can be used for more severe pain but also poses a greater risk of developing opioid addiction.
• Effect duration: The effects of oxycodone typically set in after 30-60 minutes and last for 4-6 hours based on dose.

Hydrocodone: Optimal Use in Short-Term Relief

Hydrocodone is a codeine-derived semi-synthetic opioid and thus used to treat moderate pain. It is commonly used in transient pain management (post-traumatic or post-surgical). Hydrocodone is also widely pre-combined with acetaminophen, such as in Vicodin or Norco.

• Mechanism of action: Hydrocodone, like oxycodone, blocks pain messages from reaching the brain, albeit it tends to be used for less severe issues.
• Potency: Hydrocodone is less potent compared to oxycodone and is usually prescribed for the relief of moderate pain in comparison to severe pain.
• Acting duration: Hydrocodone takes effect approximately 1 hour after administration and reaches its peak after 1-1.5 hours, with pain relief lasting for a shorter period than that of oxycodone.

What Is the Difference Between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone?

The question is whether the two are similar, hydrocodone and oxycodone? The answer is yes. They are identical in that they are both pain killers, although they have a few differences, as one of them is an opioid. Hydrocodone is differentiated from oxycodone as follows:

• Chemical Composition: Hydrocodone is made using codeine, and oxycodone is made using thebaine. The difference causes differences in strength, side effects, and potency.
• Strength and Potency: Oxycodone is more potent than hydrocodone and is better suited for severe pain. But it also implies it is more likely to be abused and rely on opioids.
• Side Effects: The two drugs have pretty much the same side effects of nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness. But hydrocodone is more likely to be exhausted, and oxycodone causes more constipation.
• Staying power: Oxycodone lasts on average for 4-6 hours, while that of hydrocodone takes effect a bit earlier.

Side Effects of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Though both hydrocodone and oxycodone are drugs used for pain medication, they may lead to some similar side effects that affect the quality of your life. The most typical side effects of these opioid analgesics include the following.

• Gastrointestinal: Both drugs have constipation, nausea, and vomiting as side effects.
• Central nervous system: This may result in drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, particularly with increased doses.
• Respiratory depression: Oxycodone and hydrocodone suppress the respiratory function, which may cause death, particularly with excessive consumption.
• Allergies: It may cause itching, swelling, or shortness of breath, which are manifestations of an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Inform your healthcare provider right away if you experience any side effects.

Safe Handling of Pain Relief

As a patient on hydrocodone or oxycodone pain medication, you must follow your healthcare provider’s instructions strictly to prevent opioid addiction and opioid overdose. Instructions on how to handle drugs safely are as follows:

•         Take as directed: Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Higher doses may cause an opioid overdose and dependence.
•         Do not consume alcohol and other CNS depressants: Opioids taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants are dangerous and can cause a decrease in the rate of respiration and overdose.
•         Watch for any addiction symptoms: Try to observe any new side effects like craving and the need to increase doses, and tell your doctor.
•         Avoid quitting suddenly: If you wish to stop using these drugs, you must taper off (gradually decreasing the amount of the drug) by your physician’s direction to prevent withdrawal effects.

Treatment of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Addiction

Individuals or their loved ones with opioid addiction from oxycodone or hydrocodone opioid painkillers need professional intervention. Opioid pain reliever addiction has severe consequences, yet it can be treated.

Our addiction treatment will involve:

1. Detoxification inpatient: A supervised detox regimen is used to assist in managing the withdrawal symptoms safely.
2. Treatment centers for residents offer 24/7 medical care and counseling, along with long-term recovery support in a structured environment.
3. Outpatient treatment: Individuals who do not require hospitalization receive counseling and other treatment programs in an outpatient setting, allowing them to continue living their everyday lives.

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Conclusion: Safe Recovery and Pain Management

It is helpful to be aware of the differences between hydrocodone and oxycodone so that you can make well-informed decisions about controlling pain and avoiding their misuse risks. Both drugs aid in pain control, but both have several risks involved, such as the risk of opioid addiction, overdose, and withdrawal.

We at Level Up Washington are here to help you if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction. Our trained professionals will get you on the right track toward a healthier and safer lifestyle. Call us today and see how we can help you find healing.

Summary

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