At Suncoast rehab, we often encounter people who are addicted to all sorts of opiates. And, it’s easy to lump all opiate addiction together. However, different people get addicted to different types of opiates. Also, some opiates are artificially made in a lab – and some are processed directly from the opium poppy. Finally, different opiate medications can contain other medications as well – like acetomeniphin (brand name: Tylenol) – which can change how addictive a particular medication is.
In this post, we wanted to go over the difference between two commonly abused opiates: oxycodone and hydrocodone.
First, let’s look at the similarities between these two drugs:
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both addictive opioid pain medications. Because they have a similar root – the opium poppy – they have similar side effects. Some of the side effects they both share are: nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, slowed heartbeat, seizure, confusion, dizziness, weakness, fainting, addiction, and death.
Additionally, there are several medical conditions that are affected negatively by use of either drug. These are: asthma, sleep apnea, liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure, underactive thyroid, Addison’s disease, emotional problems, history of drug addiction, and spine curvature.
Finally, hydrocodone and oxycodone are both schedule II narcotics – meaning they are both likely to be abused and both require a prescription to get them.
Next, let’s look at the differences between these drugs:
Oxycodone is a much heavier drug. It can be prescribed by itself. Hydrocodone can’t. It was created to be mixed with other, less potent drugs. One of these mixes is hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin). This mix is currently listed as a schedule III drug, which means that it’s easier to obtain and is considered less addictive than hydrocodone in its pure form. This difference may change soon, though. The FDA is working to make hydrocodone a schedule II drug – even if it is mixed with Tylenol.
However, because hydrocodone is currently a schedule III drug when mixed with other drugs, a prescription for Vicodin or other hydrocodone drugs can be called or faxed in to a pharmacy. A prescription for Oxycodone has to be in “hard copy” form for a pharmacy to dispense it.
Oxycodone is most often used for moderate to extreme pain. Hydrocodone is most often used for minor to moderate pain, or as a cough suppressant.
Because hydrocodone is usually mixed with other drugs, there are additional side effects. For example, when hydrocodone is mixed with acetaminophen to create Vicodin, additional side effects include unusual thoughts or behavior, urination problems, additional stomach and intestinal difficulties, kidney or liver issues, and jaundice. There is also a tendency toward mood changes, ringing in the ears, anxiety, and more.
Because these drugs have differences, people can respond differently when on them. However, our treatment program has been proven effective with addiction to both hydrocodone and to oxycodone. Contact us today for a confidential conversation about our drug free program to find out more. Call us at (877) 850-7355.
Refs: Drugs.com, nmshealth.com, DEA
