Percocet vs Hydrocodone, What is The Significant Difference?

What Is Hydrocodone?

It is a frequently prescribed pain relief medication falling under the opioid category. It binds to brain and spinal cord receptors, thereby reducing pain sensations.

To increase its effectiveness, hydrocodone is often combined with acetaminophen. Although primarily available in tablet or capsule form for oral consumption, pure hydrocodone is typically restricted to hospital settings and may sometimes be administered via injection for a quicker response.

While remarkably efficient in alleviating pain, hydrocodone is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Therefore, it’s crucial to use this medication strictly as directed by a healthcare professional and store it securely to prevent misuse.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a powerful pain medication categorized as a Schedule II opioid.

Much like Hydrocodone, it interacts with specific pain receptors in the central nervous system to alleviate pain sensations in individuals. Although often used under proper medical guidance, it holds a high risk for abuse and addiction, especially among those who misuse it for non-medical reasons.

How Are Hydrocodone and Percocet Different?

The primary difference between the opioid elements in hydrocodone and oxycodone lies in their strength. Oxycodone is recognized as more potent than hydrocodone, thereby rendering Percocet stronger than Hydrocodone.

Regulatory Restrictions and Changes:

Both medications are subject to regulatory limitations. In early 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a cautionary advisory, urging healthcare professionals to exercise restraint in prescribing narcotic pain relievers like Vicodin and Percocet, especially for patients reporting chronic pain.

In 2014, changes were implemented in prescribing practices, constraining physicians’ authority to authorize refills for prescriptions containing hydrocodone.

Prescription Patterns:

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in 2013, prescriptions for combinations containing hydrocodone, such as Vicodin, totaled a staggering 136 million. In contrast, oxycodone-based prescriptions were filled 58.8 million times in the subsequent year.

Prescribing Preferences:

Despite an overall surge in prescription rates for all opioid pain relievers, physicians tend to recommend hydrocodone-based drugs significantly more frequently than their oxycodone-based counterparts.

Usually found in tablet or capsule form, oxycodone may also come in a liquid solution for injection either intravenously or intramuscularly. Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are available in various formulations and strengths.

How Are Hydrocodone and Percocet Similar?

Hydrocodone and oxycodone, both Schedule II semi-synthetic opioids, share several similarities. Prescribed for alleviating moderate to severe pain, they possess similar chemical structures. Their action involves binding to opioid receptors in the brain, disrupting pain signals, and affecting breathing and digestion. Both drugs carry a high risk of addiction and should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider.

Apart from potential positive effects such as pain relief and inducing a sense of euphoria, these medications may have adverse side effects, including:

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Hives.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Swelling in the face, including lips and tongue.
• Difficulty breathing.

Learn More:

• Vicodin vs Norco, What’s The Difference & How Do They Compare?
• How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
• What is Norco? Norco Drug For Severe Pain Information
• The Dangers of Hydrocodone Addiction, Symptoms & Treatment
• Hydrocodone Side Effects, Uses, Addiction and More
• Is Oxycodone Addictive
• What Is Oxycodone?
• Oxycodone Side Effects
• Opiate Withdrawal
• Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
• Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
• Tramadol vs Oxycodone: Which is Better? Side Effect Comparison
• Oxycodone Dosage Guide, Precautions, and Max Dose
• Oxycodone Vs Oxycontin. Differences & Similarities, Abuse & Treatment Options

Percocet and Hydrocodone Addiction

Because it contains oxycodone, which seems to have a more considerable abuse liability potential than hydrocodone, Percocet is more likely to be abused.

Percocet and hydrocodone, extensively prescribed painkillers in the United States, possess a notably high risk of fostering dependency. Classified as opioids, these medications interact with the brain’s reward system, triggering sensations of euphoria. By obstructing or altering the brain’s opioid receptors and pain signals, they induce pleasurable feelings.

The addictive nature of these drugs manifests swiftly, often leading to dependency. Moreover, prolonged use can result in tolerance, compelling individuals to escalate their doses to attain the same pain relief.

This cycle of escalating dosage establishes both physical and psychological reliance on the drug, making discontinuation a formidable challenge.

Disturbingly, statistics from the United States Department of Justice indicate that a staggering 13 million Americans, some as young as 12 years old, abuse oxycodone. The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) also highlights that 6.9 million individuals aged 12 and above in the U.S. misuse hydrocodone. These figures underscore the severity of the issue.

As opioid abuse escalates across the nation, it becomes imperative to comprehend the associated risks and exercise caution when utilizing these drugs. Vigilance in recognizing signs of addiction or overdose is crucial to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

Cautions for Percocet and Hydrocodone Usage

Consultation Prerequisite:
Before initiating the use of these potent pain medications, it is imperative to consult your doctor regarding your medical history and any existing health conditions.

Precautions for Specific Conditions:
Individuals with asthma or breathing issues may need to avoid these medications entirely. Similarly, due to the heightened risk of increased constipation, those with blockages or constipation difficulties should consider avoiding oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Effectiveness of Percocet and Hydrocodone

Pain Relief Efficacy:
Both Percocet and hydrocodone stand as potent pain relievers, highly effective in managing pain.

Comparative Study:
A study conducted in 2005 comparing the efficacy of both drugs revealed their equal effectiveness in treating pain induced by fractures. Participants reported equivalent pain relief 30 and 60 minutes post-medication intake. Notably, individuals using hydrocodone experienced constipation more frequently than those using Percocet.

Potency Comparison:
In a 2009 study, the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen proved to be 1.5 times more potent than hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen when administered at equal doses.

Cost Considerations of Percocet and Hydrocodone

Brand and Generic Availability:
Both medications are available in brand-name and generic forms, with generics typically being more cost-effective. Considering the cost-saving potential, opting for generic alternatives might be preferred.

Consultation Before Switch:
Before transitioning to generics, consulting your healthcare provider is crucial. Generic versions might contain differing ratios of active and inactive components.

FDA Standards for Generics:
Generic medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintain the same strength of active ingredients but might deviate in inactive components.

Cost-Reduction Measures:
In instances where brand-name drugs are necessary but cost-prohibitive, exploring prescription drug insurance and available coupons could significantly alleviate expenses. Your pharmacist can provide insights into potential savings and eligible offers.

1.6 Million

An estimated 1.6 million people in the US were reported to have opioid use disorder in 2019, indicating a diagnosed addiction to opioids.

Source: NCBI

18%

In 2019, only about 18% of people with opioid use disorder received specialty treatment for their addiction.

Source: NSDUH