Many individuals experience pain due to several reasons, like arthritis, injuries, or surgery, which can create uneasiness. Managing these situations is not a big thing because two remarkable medications Vicodin and OxyContin are available on the market that play a key role in pain management. Though both are popular pain-relief drugs, that’s why users may be confused about many queries, which is better, Vicodin vs OxyContin, is Vicodin and OxyContin are the same. Targeting these questions, we provide an article through which you can better understand all things.
Hence, this article focuses on providing all possible information on Vicodin vs OxyContin, including their difference and similarities. After reading this topic mindfully, you can make a better choice according to your pain type
Brief Comparison Between Vicodin and OxyContin: Potency and Effectiveness
Overview of Vicodin
It is an opioid pain medicine prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains two ingredients: Hydrocodone, an opioid pain reliever that binds to opioid receptors and changes the brain and nervous system’s response to pain. After that, it is capable of producing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. On the other hand, a non-opioid painkiller, acetaminophen can enhance the pain-relieving effects and can also reduce fever.
Understanding OxyContin Medication
This drug is an extended-release version of Oxycodone and is often referred to as a semi-synthetic opioid. Physicians could suggest OxyContin as a pain reliever for intense pain situations such as injuries, neuralgia, cancer or even bursitis. Despite being listed as a Schedule 2 controlled substance, the medication is given to adults and children over 11 years only, in a condition of strict monitoring by a primary health care professional. The effect of OxyContin is to attach to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Then it reduces the perception of pain and alters the emotional response to pain.
Difference Between Vicodin and OxyContin
As discussed above, we have concluded that both drugs are similar but not completely equal. There are several factors that come up with their differences. In this section, you’d better acknowledge these two opioids and also understand how they apart from each other. Let’s compare the following table.
| Feature | Vicodin | OxyContin |
| Ingredients | Hydrocodone+acetaminophen | Oxycodone |
| Formulation | Immediate-release | Extended-release |
| Duration of Effects | 4 to 6 hours | ~12 hours |
| Uses | Moderate to moderately severe pain: dental procedure, injury | Chronic, severe pain: cancer pain |
| Dosing schedule | Every 4 to 6 hours | Twice daily |
| Risk of addiction | High | Very high |
| Drug class | Schedule II | Schedule II |
| Approved for | Short-term pain relief | Around-the-clock pain management |
Can I take Vicodin and OxyContin together?
There is no biological proof to take Vicodin and OxyContin together. As they both belong to the same category, it is highly possible to increase the severe side effects. Experts are not prescribed to take them together but it is only possible to combine both when you are taking one and switch to other. As we know, Vicodin contains two ingredients and OxyContin contains one element, which enhances the risk of serious drowsiness, slow breathing, overdose, high addiction, and liver problems while they used combiningly.
Side effects of Vicodin and OxyContin
Every medicine has some minor and major side effects. The improper use or overdose can cause side effects that may be fatal. Before using these medications, you should be aware of any side effects. Here, we provide all possible side effects associated with OxyContin and Vicodin.
Side Effects of Vicodin and Vicodin
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Stomach problem
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Dryness in the mouth
- Urine infection
- Confusion
- Unusual thought
- Cold sweats
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
Which is Better, Vicodin or OxyContin?
Better depends on the type and severity of pain in individuals. Some patients may benefit from Vicodin while others may experience relief with OxyContin. While pain is less, in that situation, Vicodin is preferable. On the other hand, treating long-term pain or controlling severe chronic pain, Experts may prescribe OxyContin. So, before starting these drugs, visit a certified medical professional as they may examine your health condition and see the severity of pain, then suggest which is better for your health.
Precautions
- It is better not to use both medicines while suffering from breathing disorders, pancreatic issues, asthma, or kidney problems.
- Eating grapefruit or grapefruit juice is not safe during the therapy.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Always visit your doctor and check up on your improvement.
- It is hazardous to drive or operate any heavy vehicles.
- Take both medications exactly as directed without chewing or breaking.
- There is no clinical proof to use it during pregnancy. Before taking, don’t forget to visit a medical specialist.
- Without a doctor’s permission, never change your dose. As it may lead to withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety and restlessness.
Conclusion
We covered all the significant points throughout the entire article. In the end, we conclude that both drugs are suitable for managing pain but in different conditions. Don’t take both blindly as thinking both are useful for controlling pain. If you are suffering from severe pain, definitely visit a pharmacist before using any remedy. They guide properly and safely monitor any adverse reactions related to them.
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