Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone: What’s the Difference?
Key Takeaways
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are opioids, which means they work by blocking pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.
They can be very effective for moderate to severe pain. However, both medications can be addictive and should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Serious side effects like slowed breathing can occur if taken incorrectly.
In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between hydrocodone and oxycodone to give a better understanding of what might be more suitable for you. Still, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking any of these medications.
Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone: Key Differences
We created a table comparing hydrocodone and oxycodone:
Hydrocodone | Oxycodone | |
Potency | Less potent; 7.5 mg ≈ 5 mg of oxycodone | More potent; 5 mg ≈ 7.5 mg of hydrocodone |
Side Effects | Drowsiness, constipation, nausea; more associated with tiredness | More likely to cause drowsiness and constipation |
Formulations | Often combined with acetaminophen | Available in both combination (e.g., with acetaminophen) and single-ingredient formulations |
Duration of Action | Immediate-release formulations | Extended-release (e.g., OxyContin) provides longer-lasting pain relief |
Potential for Abuse | High potential for abuse and addiction | Slightly higher abuse liability compared to hydrocodone |
Prescription rates | Historically more frequently prescribed in the US | Prescription rates have decreased due to opioid abuse concerns |
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are powerful opioids that should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never adjust your dosage without consulting a healthcare provider.
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How to Choose Between Hydrocodone and Oxycodone
When choosing between hydrocodone and oxycodone for pain management, it’s important to emphasize that this decision should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Your doctor is your partner in pain relief. They can assess the type and severity of your pain and recommend the most suitable medication.
Your medical history and current conditions are crucial factors in choosing the safest option. These allow your doctor to consider potential side effects and drug interactions, and regular check-ups with them help ensure the medication is effective.
What Do Doctors Consider When Prescribing Hydrocodone or Oxycodone?
When determining whether to prescribe hydrocodone or oxycodone, doctors take into account several factors:
- Pain severity: Oxycodone is generally considered more potent than hydrocodone, so it may be preferred for more severe pain.
- Medical history: The person’s overall health, any pre-existing conditions, and history of substance abuse are important considerations.
- Potential side effects: While both medications can cause similar side effects, some people may tolerate one better than the other.
- Time of effectiveness: Extended-release forms of oxycodone can provide longer-lasting pain relief compared to immediate-release hydrocodone formulations.
- Individual response: Some people may respond better to one medication over the other.
Important Safety Considerations for Both Medications
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are strong medications for pain, but they can also cause side effects and be addictive. Your doctor needs to carefully consider these risks before prescribing them.
Since these medications affect people differently, there’s no single best choice. Your doctor will pick the one that works best for you and your specific pain.
Here are some other things we strongly recommend keeping in mind:
- See your doctor regularly to make sure the medication is working and to avoid any problems.
- Always take these medications exactly as prescribed.
- Never take more or less than your doctor tells you.
- Don’t switch medications without talking to your doctor first.
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Hydrocodone or Oxycodone Addiction and Dependence
Hydrocodone and oxycodone both carry significant risks of addiction and dependence. They’re powerful opioids with a high potential for physical and psychological dependence, classified as Schedule II controlled substances.
Even when taken as prescribed, people can develop dependence on these medications in a short period of time.
Signs of Dependence and Addiction
Some signs to watch out for include:
- Building tolerance, which means needing higher doses to get the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use, like intense cravings, gastrointestinal issues, sleep problems, runny nose, chills, sweating
- Taking the medication more frequently or in larger doses than prescribed
- “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Mood swings, alternating between euphoria and fatigue/depression
- Inability to stop using despite wanting to
- Spending excessive time obtaining or thinking about the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities and relationships due to drug use
- Continuing use despite negative consequences
Resources for Help and Support
If you observe potential hydrocodone or oxycodone addiction, here are some resources for help and support to begin with:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Contact 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment referral and information service
- FindTreatment.gov: Locator for substance use treatment facilities
- Buprenorphine practitioner & treatment program locator: Find providers authorized to treat opioid addiction
- Local support groups: This includes groups like Narcotics Anonymous
- Professional addiction treatment centers: They offer detox, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment
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- “Hydrocodone and Oxycodone: How They’re Different, How They’re the Same, and Why It Matters.” Caron.
- “What Are Opioids?” American Society of Anesthesiologists.
- “Opioids.” Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- “Opioid Crisis: Addiction, Overprescription, and Insufficient Primary Prevention.” The Lancet Regional Health, 2023.
- “Hydrocodone.” US Drug Enforcement Administration, 2019.
- “Hydrocodone.” StatPearls Publishing, 2024.
- “Pain Pills/Opioids Frequently Asked Questions.” UConn Health.
- “How People Obtain the Prescription Pain Relievers They Misuse?” SAMHSA, 2017.