Living with chronic pain can be incredibly challenging and a lifestyle that causes a significant decrease in overall quality of life. For this reason, or even to help address moments of high-intensity pain – such as when recovering from surgery – opioid pain medications are often prescribed.
Oxycodone and hydrocodone, two commonly prescribed opioids, have many similarities in their effectiveness on the body, but both rank high in their addiction potential. To avoid the possibility of abuse, it is crucial to take medications like these under the close supervision of a medical doctor to reduce the risk of addiction as much as possible.
What is oxycodone?
Oxycodone is an opiate (narcotic) analgesic and works in the body by changing the way the brain and body respond to pain. It produces pain relief, respiratory depression, and sedation, as well as pleasure, euphoria, and relaxation due to the release of dopamine, which opioid drugs cause.
“Oxycodone immediate-release tablets, capsules, and oral solution are used to relieve severe, acute pain (pain that begins suddenly, has a specific cause, and is expected to go away when the cause of the pain is healed) in people who are expected to need an opioid pain medication and who cannot be treated with other pain medications. Oxycodone extended-release tablets and extended-release capsules are used to relieve severe pain in people who are expected to need pain medication around the clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications.”
Oxycodone works in the body by interacting with the central nervous system (CNS) to help alleviate pain sensations. It should not be used on an as-needed basis like other over-the-counter pain relievers; however, these medications are strong and potentially addictive, so oxycodone is best used for short-term management of acute pain or long-term in low doses for severe chronic pain.
In addition to its pain-relieving properties, oxycodone has other effects on the body including:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vertigo
- Feeling sleepy or fatigued
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Itchiness or rash
Additionally, oxycodone has a high risk for addiction, and a possible side effect of taking this drug includes developing a tolerance for the substance and a physical dependence. When this happens, the body requires higher doses of oxycodone to continue managing pain at the same level as before and often experiences symptoms of withdrawal when the medication is stopped.
What is hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone works similarly to the way oxycodone works by changing the way the central nervous system responds to pain. “Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication that is classified as a schedule II drug. This medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used for pain management. Hydrocodone is primarily used to treat severe chronic pain that requires opioid analgesia and is not effectively treated by nonopioid alternatives.”
Hydrocodone is combined “with other medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines, to address coughs and symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold.”
As a schedule II drug, hydrocodone has “a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous.” For this reason, those utilizing the pain-relieving properties of hydrocodone are advised to do so with the utmost caution.
Side effects of hydrocodone include:
- Dry mouth
- Muscle tightening and aches
- Back pain
- Headache
- Struggling to fall or stay asleep, while simultaneously feeling tired
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Sweating
- GI upset, including nausea and constipation
Because hydrocodone is meant to be used for an extended period and not just for short-term management of pain, it is important to always keep in close communication with your doctor to ensure proper dosing and frequency.
What is the difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone?
There are many similarities between the two opioids in that the DEA has categorized them as both a schedule II substance with approved medical use, but a high chance of abuse. They also work on the central nervous system by altering the body’s pain perception.
One key difference between these two drugs is the potency – hydrocodone does not tend to be as potent as oxycodone. Additionally, while oxycodone is most often prescribed to help manage acute pain (such as the kind one would experience after surgery), hydrocodone is not usually recommended as a treatment for short-term pain management.
Individuals may be prescribed one or the other for the management of pain depending on how their body metabolizes and responds to the medications, especially in the absence of other effective treatments.
Are you seeking addiction treatment?
If you or a loved one is feeling the negative effects of long-term pain management from opioids or is nervous about the impact short-term opioid use is having on your life, consider contacting Bluff August to learn more about our individualized treatment programs and addiction help.
With a highly accredited staff, multiple levels of care provided and personalized treatment plans offered, you will feel supported and sustained in your recovery journey.
To learn more, contact Bluff August by calling 844-242-0806.