Vicodin and Norco are the major pain relievers helpful to provide a complete solution for moderate to severe pain. According to medical science, every medicine has different properties. So, understanding, is Vicodin and Norco the same? thoroughly by studying the entire useful article. Most people think of taking any one of these tablets by them self. But taking these opioid painkillers requires proper clinical assistance from qualified health care experts. Everything you need to know about the medications, including the difference between Vicodin and Norco, their mechanisms, similarities, side effects and safety measures are discussed here to help you choose the best drug to alleviate your pain.
Compare Vicodin and Norco: What Patients Should Know?
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is an important pain reducer that contains Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. The active ingredients are generally helpful for treating moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone, which has opioid properties also known as a narcotic analgesic medication. Due to its narcotic property, it has a high risk of abuse. These are prescription-only medications, available in several online and over-the-counter pharmacies. Doctors prescribe Vicodin pills after certain medical tests. Share all about your previous health issues and medications to help the expert provide the best painkiller for the desired pain.
What is Norco?
Norco is also an important narcotic medication that works on the central nervous system of the brain. Like Vicodin, Norco also contains Hydrocodone and acetaminophen. But it has a higher quantity of non-opioid acetaminophen that makes it more effective. The professionals suggest Norco while other opioid medications are ineffective in normalizing the desired pain. The two powerful remedies are very much capable of reducing the pain and enhancing the effects for more than a week. With that, the Hydrocodone and non-opioid acetaminophen work on the cough and fever as well, which occur during the treatment of pain. Norco is habit-forming and can increase the chances of physical dependence if used for a long time.
Mechanism of Action Explained: Norco and Vicodin
Norco and Vicodin are basically the brand names of Hydrocodone/acetaminophen. If you think, which is stronger, Vicodin or Norco? You should know that both work in a very similar way, as both contain nearly the same ingredients. Norco contains Hydrocodone with 325 mg of acetaminophen, whereas Vicodin contains Hydrocodone with 300 mg of acetaminophen. Here, the major ingredient Hydrocodone works on the central nervous system of the brain to change the behaviour of pain signals to suppress the chronic pain. It activates the narcotic receptors of the brain and spine initially. The receptors then minimize the formation of neurotransmitters, which are responsible for causing pain signals.
The above process helps to change the natural behaviour of pain signals and suppresses them from reaching the brain and hence provides relief from any kind of moderate to chronic pain. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid reagent support the functions of Hydrocodone. It enhances the effects to work for a long time.
How to Use Vicodin or Norco Dosage to Get Quick Relief?
Vicodin or Norco are both opioid medications helpful for the treatment of major pains that occur due to seizures, injuries or pregnancy. If you have a question, are Vicodin and Norco the same? Consult the doctors for proper guidelines to know the similarities and differences between the two drugs and follow the instructions properly. Never modify or change the tablets or dosage by yourself. As narcotic analgesics, they have several kinds of hazardous effects, allergic reactions and interacting factors which can affect the regular lifestyle and health condition.
Take the whole tablet with drinking water or milk. Swallow it properly before consumption. Good to take with a proper low-fat meal. Take two Norco or Vicodin tablets in a day and must keep a 4 to 6-hour gap between them. Avoid alcohol consumption during the medication. Never overdose on the pills or else it can be poisonous and lead to medical attention.
Understanding the Side Effects
The opioid medications have several side effects. Some of those are minor and some are major. As Vicodin vs Norco works on the CNS of the brain, they need special attention when coming into use. Obey the medical advice and the health professional’s instructions to stay safe and manage the negative health effects properly. All the noticeable side effects are listed below.
Common Side effects of Vicodin and Norco
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Respiratory disorder
- Sore throat
- Allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Upper belly pain
- Loss of appetite
Interaction Concerns with the Doctor’s Advice
Both drugs operate on the nervous system of the brain. As the functionalities are equal, Vicodin and Norco the same. So two of these interact with each other and you can not take these pills at the same time. Individually, these drugs have several interactions and all the interactive factors are mentioned below.
- Antidepressants
- CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Alcohol consumption
- Other opioids or narcotic drugs
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Fluoxetine
- Ketoconazole
- Grapefruit juice
- Muscle relaxant
Expert Advice on Warnings and Precautions
Vicodin and Norco are the high potency drugs that help provide faster results for the desired pain. If you consume the opioid tablets without any knowledge and clinical guidelines, it causes several health risks. Increase the chances of misuse, addiction and abuse to cause the risk of death and coma. Follow the safety precautionary measures while taking the tablets.
- Do not discontinue the tablets immediately.
- Keep the opioid capsules safe.
- Minimize alcohol consumption.
- Careful about liver or kidney damage.
- Avoid other antidepressants like benzodiazepines and CNS depressants.
- Take a maximum of 2 pills in a day.
- Take the tablets with or without low-fat food items.
- Operating heavy machines with the consumption of Vicodin or Norco can increase the chances of dizziness and drowsiness.
- Never take opioids if you have an allergy to the tablets.
Alternative Drugs to Norco or Vicodin
Vicodin and Norco have several close substitutes available to deal with chronic pain. In case Norco or Vicodin is not effective for you and causes several body reactions, immediately look for medical help and ask the doctors to change the medication. The following are the closest alternatives to Vicodin and Norco.
Substitute for Norco
- Tramadol
- Oxycodone
- Cymbalta
- OxyContin
- Dilaudid
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Naproxen
- Hydromorphone
- Duloxetine
- Ibuprofen
Substitute for Vicodin
- Naprosyn
- Motrin
- Celecoxib
- Ibuprofen
- Venlafaxine
- Neurontin
- Pregabalin
- Ultram
- Cognitive behavioural Therapy
Conclusion
Vicodin and Norco are the same kind of opioid drugs. Both come under the opioid and narcotic analgesic class of drugs. Both of these medicines work on the CNS of the brain to help with the patient’s desired pain issues. As they have the same working process, both are the major interacting reagents with each other. Follow every necessary safety guideline while consuming the opioid tablets with care. Always consult with the healthcare providers to know the key takeaways. Read the complete article to know the basic principle of working, effectiveness and contraindications that will help you choose the best drug for your health.
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