Medical Advice

Lortab Vs Oxycodone for Pain

Lortab Vs Oxycodone Alt Text

Both Lortab and Oxycodone are prescribed by doctors for arthritis, cancer, muscle spasms, injuries and many other types of pain. To buy both Oxycodone and Lortab you must need to have a prescription, and today we are here to discuss the difference between lortab and Oxycodone. Along with differences here we understand about misuse and side effects. By reading this post you will understand everything about oxycodone and Lortab. This posts aim to provide a brief analysis of the Lortab vs Oxycodone drug comparison. Follow up on this article to gain a deeper knowledge of both medicines, which helps an individual choose the right one according to their pain type.

Difference between Lortab and Oxycodone

What is Oxycodone and Lortab?

Lortab

This medication is a combination of two active elements Hydrocodone and acetaminophen and prescribed by doctors for mild to extreme pain that can’t be controlled by any other pain medication. A combination of Hydrocodone and acetaminophen is also available in several brand names, namely Vicodin, Xodol, Maxidone, and Zyfrel. Furthermore, Lortab is categorized under the Schedule II controlled substance.

Along with acetaminophen and hydrocodone, this drug contains several inactive ingredients, such as magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and stearic acid. This medication comes in three forms, namely oral tablet, oral capsule, and oral solution. The Lortab drug is not safe for those individuals who are suffering from pain and are under 18 years old.

Oxycodone

An opioid analgesic Oxycodone hydrochloride is available in the market under many brand names like oxycontin, roxicodone, Oxceta and prescribed by medical professionals for uncontrollable pain. This medication is available in multiple doses and prescribed by doctors according to patient weight, height and age. It belongs to the Schedule II controlled substance. Meanwhile, it gets approved to manage moderate to extreme pain, for instance, injuries, cancer pain, and back pain. This powerful pain-relief medication contains ingredients like stearic acid, lactose monohydrate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Like Oxycodone, various products such as Gabapentin, Ibuprofen, and Tramadol also have the efficacy to treat pain conditions.

Key differences

  • Oxycodone is a generic name and lortab is a combination of Hydrocodone and acetaminophen. 
  • Oxycodone is more safer than lortab
  • Both Lortab and oxycodone are addictive prescription drugs but Oxycodone is more addictive than lortab
  • Doctors prescribe lortab for short term moderate pain but oxycodone is prescribed by doctor severe and long term pain. 
  • Lortab is initially available in only an immediate-release formulation, whereas the Oxycodone is available in both immediate-release and extended-release form.

Difference between side effects

As per the above discussion, it is clear that both medications are powerful prescription pain relievers. But it is crucial to figure out the side effects of each drug. The side effects may be different from person to person. While some may experience fewer side effects and others may experience severe side effects.

Lortab side effects

Common Side Effects

  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • relaxed and calm feeling
  • Sleepiness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Mild itching

Serious Side Effects

  • Difficulty breathing / slow breathing
  • Severe drowsiness or confusion
  • Fainting
  • Chest pain
  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Seizures
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Dark urine
  • Allergic reaction

Oxycodone side effects

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Itching
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation

Serious Side Effects

  • Confusion
  • Changes in heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Extreme allergic reaction
  • Addiction
  • Low blood pressure
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness

Warning Precautions

  • Do not take other opioids when using Lortab or Oxycodone.
  • Before taking these opioid medications, read the provided guidelines carefully.
  • Avoid using these narcotics if you are allergic to them.
  • Don’t perform any task after taking the pills.
  • Tell your physician and avoid taking it if you have asthma.
  • Oxycodone and Lortab are both harmful during pregnancy. So avoid it.
  • Never suddenly stop Oxycodone or Lortab.
  • These opioid medications must be used according to an individual’s age and health condition.
  • Avoid alcohol

Alternatives

The following are the appropriate alternatives to Oxycodone and Lortab for effective pain management. These are also clinically proven narcotics, but the best option may depend on the severity of pain and tolerance.

  • Tramadol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Gabapentin
  • Duloxetine
  • Pregabalin
  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Diclofenac
  • Amitriptyline

FAQs

Can I take Lortab and oxycodone together?

No, it is not recommended to take both medications together. As both are powerful opioid painkillers and act on the CNS, that’s why there are more possibilities to adverse reactions when combined. After taking both together, it also causes overdose symptoms, such as slow breathing, coma, and death. It is better to discuss with a skilled health expert before taking.

Are Lortab and oxycodone the same?

Oxycodone and Lortab are not the same, as they contain different drugs and work differently. Lortab is the combination of Hydrocodone and acetaminophen, where Oxycodone is a generic name. Oxycodone is widely prescribed for managing moderate to severe pain and Lortab is suitable for moderate and dental pain.

Which one is stronger, oxycodone or Lortab?

Many experts claim that both medications are effective in treating pain, but Oxycodone is a stronger opioid than Lortab. Oxycodone is available alone and Lortab is available in a combination of two active elements. Hence, Oxycodone is considered a more potent and stronger opioid, helps in long-term pain management.

Is it safe to switch from oxycodone to Lortab?

Switching from Oxycodone to Lortab is safe when this process is supervised by a medical professional. Never switch or stop the medications on your own because it depends on potency, metabolism and side effects. Before switching, patients should tell their doctor then they will be recommended the proper guide on how to switch safely without any withdrawal symptoms. 

Conclusion

Pain situations often become challenging and affect daily life. So, we’ve seen that both Lortab and Oxycodone are the best options to control agony. Nevertheless, while influencing discomfort and taking medicines, observe all guidelines provided by your health specialist. Hope this article will help you to distinguish between these two narcotics according to your preference.