When dealing with severe pain, finding the right relief is crucial. Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are often prescribed, but which is best for you? Consider this information before consulting your doctor.
Drug v Drug:
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are opioids prescribed for severe short-term and chronic pain. Because of their extended-release formulas, these prescriptions are meant for regular and measured treatment of pain, unlike over-the-counter pain relief, which can be taken on an as-needed basis.
While the chemical differences are slight between these drugs, hydrocodone appears to cause dependency more often than oxycodone; this is most likely due to the way the drugs are recommended and prescribed by doctors.
Because these drugs are opioids, they may be habit-forming; anyone with a history of drug abuse or addiction should consult their doctor about alternative pain relief options.
Sometimes, these drugs are taken in combination with other medications. Oxycodone is most often combined with acetaminophen, and hydrocodone with antihistamines to suppress a cough.
Side Effects
Addictive opioid pain medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone have a variety of side effects. Both can cause constipation, dizziness, drowsiness and shallow breathing.
The most common side effects of oxycodone are:
- Lack or loss of strength
- Unusual relaxed or calm feeling
The most common side effects of hydrocodone are:
- Dry mouth
- Tremors, muscle spasms, back pain
- Confusion, tremors, drowsiness
- Cold symptoms
- Itching
- Headache
- Swelling in the hands and feet
Overdose is possible with oxycodone and hydrocodone. Symptoms of an overdose are:
- Loss or change in consciousness
- Chest pain
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Drug Safety
These potentially addictive drugs should not be taken by anyone with a history of drug abuse or addiction, nor by anyone to whom they are not prescribed.
Do not take oxycodone or hydrocodone with alcohol, and avoid driving or operating machinery. Both are pills, and should also not be crushed for inhalation or injected into the veins, which can result in death.
People with asthma, breathing problems or stomach blockage should avoid taking hydrocodone, which can make these ailments worse.
Serotonin syndrome is also a serious condition associated with oxycodone and hydrocodone when mixes of medications cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body. Using certain antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medications, sleeping pills and sedatives, and prescriptions to help with mental illness, migraines and nausea could cause this, so consult with your doctor before adding any new medications to your regimen.
Switching or Stopping?
If you want to switch between these drugs, consult your doctor, as the dosage may differ. Do not buy or accept these drugs from anyone but a registered doctor.
Do not stop taking either oxycodone or hydrocodone suddenly, or without consulting your doctor. Doses should be tapered when you decide to stop. If you show symptoms of addiction, seek treatment.
When you stop treatment, find a drug take-back program by asking your pharmacy or doctor. Do not keep leftover pills, and never sell them.
Setting a safe regimen with either oxycodone or hydrocodone is something that should be done with your doctor. Both drugs are available as regular and generic, and you can save money on your prescriptions with coupons from HelpRX.
