This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Percocet and hydrocodone for pain relief.
Getty Images /Tom Kelley
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid pain medication.
Getty Images /Tom Kelley
How Does Percocet Work?
Acetaminophen helps with minor aches and pains while boosting the effects of oxycodone.
What Is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is an opioid medication often prescribed to treat pain.
How Does Hydrocodone Work?
Hydrocodone is a mu-opioid (-opioid) receptor agonist, which means it activates the mu-opioid receptors.
It can also bind with different opioid receptors at higher concentrations.
By doing this, hydrocodone blocks pain signals from being sent throughout the body.
This alters how pain is perceived by the brain.
The dosage combines two active ingredients, oxycodone and acetaminophen, with different strengths.
Hydrocodone is available in ER formulations.
The following table summarizes the dosing information for Percocet and hydrocodone.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about substance dependence.
Both medications should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Acetaminophen is a component of Percocet.
Therefore, it’s important to consider acetaminophen interactions.
Doing so can increase your risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Taking more of a drug than prescribed or recommended carries a high risk of overdose.
Possiblesymptoms of overdoseinclude:
If you are prescribed an opioid treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend naloxone.
Naloxone can reverse the overdose effects of Percocet, hydrocodone, or similar medications.
Always call 911 in the event of an overdose, even if naloxone is administered.
When an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone hydrochloride should be administered as soon as possible.
OTC options include Narcan (4 mg/spray) and ReVive (3 mg/spray).
Percocet vs. Hydrocodone: Which One Works Better?
Percocet and hydrocodone are similar narcotic medications used to manage pain.
Both medications have similar effectiveness in relieving pain, although oxycodone is considered to be stronger than hydrocodone.
Ultimately, the best medication will depend on your specific needs and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Summary
Percocet and hydrocodone are medications used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
They work by acting on opioid receptors in the body, which changes how the body responds to pain.
However, Percocet also contains acetaminophen, a nonopioid pain reliever, which adds to its analgesic effects.
Both medications come in different strengths and have similar side effects and interactions.
Your dosage will depend on your tolerance and condition.
Alternative treatments for pain relief include physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, and yoga.
Always consult a healthcare provider before trying new herbal or dietary supplements.
No, it is not recommended to take a sleep aid with Percocet or hydrocodone.
Doing so may increase your risk of severe side effects like breathing problems.
The author would like to recognize and thank Leen Alyaseen for contributing to this article.
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