When dealing with pain, it’s important to know your options. Two common prescription opioids are hydrocodone and oxycodone. While they aim to reduce suffering, they also come with risks.
From post-surgical recovery to injury or illness-associated pain, hydrocodone and oxycodone have proven effective for many when alternative approaches are not enough.
However, it’s also important to note the differences to help in choosing the appropriate opioid, maximize pain relief safely, and mitigate risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose.
Beyond Relieving Pain
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are both synthesized from opium into painkillers. They bind to receptors in the brain and body to disrupt ache signals. Generally, doctors give the moderate-to-severe pain that won’t go away.
Still, staying on them long-term carries risks worth noting. Their effects aren’t all about treatment – addiction is also a potential risk. So, learning the ropes helps you and your provider team make the right choice for your circumstances.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Similarities
Hydrocodone and oxycodone work in very similar ways. They’re both semi-synthetic opioids manufactured in labs from natural poppy derivatives. And they plug into the same sets of receptors meant for endorphins to provide relief.
Therefore, they share plenty of usages and side effects, too. They can cause nausea, headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, and more. Doctors may prescribe hydrocodone and oxycodone alone or combined with acetaminophen. However, extended periods on high doses raise risks no matter which one’s involved.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Their Main Differences
While the drugs are alike, each has small traits setting them apart. Some notice hydrocodone isn’t quite as powerful as oxycodone at the exact dosage.
So, it might not do the trick for terrible pain. Meanwhile, oxycodone causes digestive issues like constipation versus hydrocodone. As for potency, oxycodone is more potent overall. Due to its greater strength and availability in extended-release forms, oxycodone carries a higher risk of developing opioid use disorder if you consume it improperly or for a long time.
Additionally, higher doses of hydrocodone are typically blended with acetaminophen by prescription. That combination raises liver toxicity dangers over time that you won’t see as much with oxycodone alone usually.
Hydrocodone vs oxycodone doses are not equivalent, and you cannot easily substitute. Taking the wrong dose of the more potent drug could result in overmedication and adverse effects. In any case, dependence risks apply to all opioid pain relievers with regular usage.
Making the Right Call
Hydrocodone vs oxycodone: which one is right for you? Discuss your situation extensively with your doctor or pain specialist. Consider factors like your pain level and location, health history, other medicines, risks you’re willing to take, and more.
Keep tabs on how well any prescription works and side effects. Your doctor can alter doses or switch you to a different opioid if you’re not having luck. And remember, there are alternative therapies for chronic pain if you want to avoid these substances if your pain allows for it.
Conclusion
While they both fight pain, hydrocodone and oxycodone are different. Communicating freely with your healthcare team ensures finding the right match in your specific situation while looking for caution signs.