Medical Advice

Percocet Vs Hydrocodone Key Differences, Effectiveness, and Risks

Percocet Vs Hydrocodone Alt Text

It is critical to compare the differences between the two opioids, such as Percocet vs Hydrocodone. Both come to in a particular way when it is comes to safety and controlling efficient pain. Although these medicines are most of the time recommended for different properties and cure possible risks. So, the opioid addiction treatment is the main thing for people to know the difference between Hydrocodone and Percocet. This situation occurs so that they can make decisions. And also know how to care for those who are struggling with the opioids addiction. So let us dig into this blog topic and explore more about them. 

Key Factors to Know About Percocet vs Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone and Percocet are two opioid pain relievers that treat serious pain. The use of both drugs in relieving pain is almost the same. But compared to Hydrocodone, Percocet is thought to be a stronger opioid. This article will tell you about, which will go over the parallels and discrepancies between Hydrocodone and Percocet as painkillers, and know them gradually. 

What Does Percocet Work For?

Percocet tablet is an opioid pain reliever that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen, which can both reduce pain in a quick time. The work of oxycodone in the mixture is in the opioid receptors to help to stop the pain signals. By taking the pain of those cuts, though, any minor aches or pains are hidden in the background.

What Does Hydrocodone Work For?

The drug Hydrocodone is an opioid pain reliever that works by binding to active receptors. Hydrocodone is the combination of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is an extended-release (ER) tablet for serious pain enough to require daily, basis for long-term opioid treatment. It takes action on the central nervous system and changes how the body realizes the pain.

What are the differences between Percocet and Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone versus Percocet has some differences in terms of form, potency, and side effects. So, the difference between these two opioids is mentioned below.

  • Active Ingredients: Hydrocodone is mixed with paracetamol and several chemical components between two separate opioids. However, as Oxycodone has a stronger opioid impact than acetaminophen, Percocet binds with both of them.
  • Potency: Between these two drugs, Percocet is mainly considered as more potent than Hydrocodone due to Percocet have oxycodone, that provide strong pain relief at a small dose.
  • Effectiveness: In effectiveness, Percocet is more effective than Hydrocodone to treat acute and chronic pain .
  • Side Effects: Percocet and Hydrocodone have some similar side effects such as constipation, vomiting, etc, but Percocet may have a higher risk for serious side effects.
  • Addiction Potential: In comparison with both medications, neither is lower in addiction potential. Both are higher risk of abuse, but Percocet is higher risk potency for make it more to be abused.
  • Prescribing Uses: Hydrocodone tablets are mostly used for long-term pain management. On the other hand, Percocet is typically used for short-term pain relief following any kind of surgery.

Hydrocodone vs Percocet Side Effects

Constipation is another side effect of both opioids; users are more likely to have it. While oxycodone drugs like Percocet are more frequently linked to lethargy, sleepiness, and dizziness, Hydrocodone use also frequently causes stomach discomfort.

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sedation
  • Itchy skin
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Abdominal pain

Percocet or Hydrocodone use and abuse can also increase the risk of:

  • Tolerance
  • Opioid dependence
  • Opioid addiction
  • Respiratory depression
  • Trouble urinating
  • Fertility problems
  • Opioid overdose
  • Death

Physical Dependence and Addiction

Drug addiction and physical dependency are the two dangerous effects of using Hydrocodone or Percocet. Although the phrases opioid dependence and opioid addiction are frequently used synonymously, they are two different conditions that can coexist. Physical dependence on opioids is referred to as opioid dependence. It is caused by a chemical variance conduct on by repeated that show to opioids. Even if you take Hydrocodone or Percocet to manage, so it become dependent on them because opioids change the brain.

Safety Precautions

Before you use Percocet or Hydrocodone, always keep one thing in your mind that safety and precaution need to go along with you. If you use any of these opioids medicine, stay away from heavy machinery and do not operate them. Do not mix them with alcohol or elase show some side effects. Take the medicine as the doctor prescribed at the same time to avoid any kind of risk. If you do not take them after use, then dispose of them safely to avoid misuse. 

Effectiveness of these Drugs

There are a little differences between Percocet and Hydrocodone in terms of potency and efficiency. Both medications are quite successful at reducing moderate-to-severe acute pain. However, the duration of action of Hydrocodone and Percocet may vary depending on the formulation. Percocet and immediate-release Hydrocodone medications both provide pain relief for up to six hours, but the benefits of extended-release Hydrocodone last at least twelve hours.

Drug Interactions of Percocet and Hydrocodone

How the medications work in the body than other alternatives is called drug interaction. Uncertain effects down the real effectiveness of both drugs and even an increased chance of side effects might result from interactions.  Getting suggestions from your doctor about which medications to avoid when taking Hydrocodone is serious. These are some medicinal interactions between Hydrocodone and Percocet:

  • Alcohol
  • Opioids
  • Antibiotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Anxiety medications
  • Seizure medications

(FAQs)

Which Is Stronger, Hydrocodone or Percocet? 

Both are pain relief medications. If Comparing which is stronger than anser is Hydrocodone is. Hydrocodone is a little bit stronger than Percocet due to potency and efficacy. In a significant injury, doctors most of the time prefer Hydrocodone because of its immediate relief and long-term effectiveness.

Can I Take Percocet and Hydrocodone at the Same Time?

Don’t take Percocet and Hydrocodone at the same time it causes serious side effects. After close supervision from your healthcare provider for a specific medical condition, like cancer pain, you can be directed. So, after combining these two opioid medications, the risk of side effects and even the possibility of death increases.

Conclusion

The conclusion for this blog topic, Percocet vs Hydrocodone, is to remember that these drugs may be suggested in many situations when comparing them for pain management, mostly due to their variety of formulations. Taking an example, Hydrocodone is mostly prescribed for ongoing pain management. And Percocet is prescribed for serious to high-level pain, which opioid does not work alone. So, lowering the risk of opioid dependence and addiction can minimize the treatment, but you must take either one of these medications.