Every individual must have taken painkiller drugs at least once in their lifetime. Painkiller drugs are also called analgesics. Tramadol and Vicodin are often taken to get relief from pains like headaches, stomachache, muscle soreness, post-surgery pain, etc.
There are two types of oral analgesics, one is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, and the other one is a prescription-only pain reliever. OTC drugs can be bought from the drugstores without any prescription, but prescription medicines require a doctor’s prescription to buy.
Tramadol and Vicodin, both are prescription pain-relieving drugs, taken by the people of the United States to ease the pain. In this article, we will learn some comparisons of Tramadol and Vicodin drugs.
COMPARING TRAMADOL AND VICODIN
Tramadol
Tramadol is a narcotic medicine to provides short-term relief from mild to severe pain. Usually, it is not recommended for chronic pain. Tramadol is a brand-name drug and is also available in generic form. It is sold under various brand names like Conzip, Ultram ER, Ultram, etc.
Tramadol is approved by the FDA for prescription use only and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance for its chances of misuse and abuse.
Vicodin
Vicodin is an opioid drug used to treat mild to severe pain. It is a discontinued brand of medicine in the USA. However, its generic form is available under the names acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
Vicodin is not fully approved by the FDA in the USA, due to many warnings and restrictions. The reason for its ban is, that it contains acetaminophen which can damage the liver and has a high chance of misuse and addiction.
Mechanism of Drug Action
Tramadol
Tramadol acts as a pain reliever by blocking the pain signals from reaching the brain. Tramadol binds with the μ-opioid and forbids the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, resulting in a synergetic effect. This process helps in getting rid of pain.
Vicodin
Vicodin is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone which results in a synergetic analgesic effect. Hydrocodone provides primary analgesic effects and acetaminophen provides antipyretic and additional analgesic effects. This process helps in relieving the pain.
Uses
Tramadol
Tramadol is mainly used to treat pain from post-injuries or surgeries. Sometimes, it may be prescribed to people with chronic pain when weaker analgesics don’t work. It is used to provide relief from severe pain when other drugs don’t work.
Vicodin
Vicodin is used in treating pain that has severe intensity of pain and requires analgesics. It helps with postoperative pain; trauma pain like burns or broken bones; pain caused during cancer; chronic pain like neuropathy etc.
Doses and Dosages
Tramadol
IR oral tablet – 50 mg
ER oral tablet – 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg
ER oral capsule – 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg
For chronic painkillers (ER tablets and ER capsules)
The recommended initial dose for adults is 100 mg once per day. The highest dose in a day can be 300 mg as per the patient’s condition.
For mild to severe pain
The prescribed starting dose for adults is 25 mg, once every day and the maximum dose can be 400 mg per day. The doctor may prescribe the dosage depending on the patient’s health condition.
Vicodin
Vicodin – 5 mg/300 mg
The usual dosage for adults is 1-2 tablets every 5-6 hours as per the severity of the pain. The maximum dose should not exceed 6 tablets in a day.
Vicodin ES – 7.5 mg/300 mg
The starting dose for adults is 1 tablet every 4-6 hours as per the patient’s medical condition. Daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets.
Vicodin HP – 10mg/300 mg
The recommended dosage for adults is 1 tablet every 4-6 hours. The maximum daily dosage is 6 tablets.
Side Effects
Tramadol
Common Side Effects of Tramadol
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Headache
- Constipation in geriatric patients
- Itching and rashes
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Joint pain
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
Serious Side Effects of Tramadol
- Night sweats
- Feeling hot
- Painful urine (also blood in the urine)
- Seizures
- Low appetite
- Pain in the bladder
- Excessive gas
- Trouble sleeping
- Congestion in the ears
- Loss in sexual activity
Vicodin
Common Side Effects of Vicodin
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Foggy brain
- Dizziness
- Pain in urination
- Constipation
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Itching and skin rash
- Headache
Serious Side Effects of Vicodin
- Shallow breathing
- Coma
- Allergies (swelling in the face, hives, etc.)
- Cardiovascular damage
- Hearing impairment
- Reproductive problem
- UTI (urinary tract infection)
- Kidneys problem
Precautions
- When combined with alcohol, both Tramadol and Vicodin can increase the level of CNS and respiratory problems. Therefore, alcohol should not be consumed when on either of these drugs.
- Avoid taking either of these drugs with MAOIs, Quinidine, and antidepressant drugs, as these can cause serious side effects.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take these drugs.
- Both Tramadol and Vicodin are prescription medicines and should not be consumed without professional advice, as these drugs can cause serious side effects and may result in overdosing.
- One should not take these medicines for longer periods because both Tramadol and Vicodin are habit-forming and consuming Vicodin for longer periods can damage the liver.
- If an individual experiences any serious aftereffects after consuming either of these drugs, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider immediately.
- Make sure to read the label on the box of either medicine carefully to avoid any side effects.
