Opioid addiction, including addiction to prescription painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone, has led to a staggering loss of life and widespread suffering. Those living with addiction to one of these substances, long-term use or otherwise, are inherently more likely to forgo addiction treatment and ultimately lose the battle for their lives. Consider this fact. More than 111,000 people have lost their lives due to drug overdose in the US as of the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, approximately 3.8% of US adults live the struggle of opioid addiction, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, reports the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
These drugs sound similar and carry many similarities, but the difference between oxycodone and norco can easily be confused with the difference between OxyContin and Hydrocodone or a myriad of other names and brands. Remember that there are always many different names for every medication and its potential combinations. Regardless, the risk of addiction is still present and can also lead to physical dependence, addiction, and a range of adverse effects.
At the root of the issue, they are different and are independently responsible for destroying whole lives. Both have similar effects and it’s inaccurate to describe one as the solution to the question, “which is stronger- oxycodone or hydrocodone?” Rather than getting into the weeds of nuanced names, let’s take a closer look at what these medications are and their role in the ongoing opioid epidemic.
What Are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone?
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are prescription opioid drugs used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. They’re so named because they mimic the effects of the natural compounds within the opium poppy plants. Some are synthetic, while others are made from opium itself. Both drugs in this comparison come from parts of the opium plant, but they don’t necessarily occur naturally. These drugs target specific opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which is why they are effective in managing pain but also carry a high risk of addiction.
For example, oxycodone is made from a chemist-induced reaction with thebaine, and as a result, its effects on the body mimic a state of euphoria stronger than that of the opium plant. Hydrocodone on the other hand is made from codeine, which is another compound within the opium plant, but its side effects are slightly less than that of oxycodone, albeit very minor.
Oxycodone was built to be a replacement with a low-risk profile compared to hydrocodone, but obviously, we know a different truth exists today. They are most often prescribed to manage acute pain or chronic pain in patients who need to take pain medication over a long period of time. They are generally prescribed only after other pain medications have proven ineffective in managing their severe pain.
Hydrocodone Versus Oxycodone: Two Medications With a Major Impact
Hydrocodone impacts the central nervous system and prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. It can be found as a single-ingredient substance or a combination drug—it’s most commonly prescribed as a mixture of hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen. It is the active ingredient in the well-known painkillers Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab and can be combined with ibuprofen to manage pain and reduce fever and inflammation. It can also be combined with a decongestant to manage differing ailments.
Oxycodone changes how your brain and body respond to and perceive pain. Like hydrocodone, it is available in a single-ingredient substance or combination medicine. It is the active ingredient in OxyContin and Percocet. It also appears to have a stronger impact on the perception of the mind of the person taking the drug compared to hydrocodone. Yet, hydrocodone is more readily accessible than oxycodone.
Further, a core difference between hydrocodone and oxycodone is that oxycodone is more potent than hydrocodone, so a lower oxycodone dose is needed to produce the same effects as hydrocodone. Due to that fact, it’s essential to recognize that treatment for such an addiction, but in particular an oxycodone addiction, warrants medical intervention. Moreover, treatment may be covered under your existing insurance coverage too, but before we dig much further, let’s consider the side effects of using either of these medications inappropriately.
Hydrocodone Versus Oxycodone Side Effects
Both medications, because they derive from similar forms and substances, have similar common side effects. The effects of hydrocodone may appear less severe than the effects of oxycodone, but again, every person may respond differently to the drug. In general, both affect opioid receptors in the brain to treat and block moderate to severe pain. However, they do come with some side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Swelling
- Muscle spasms
- Tremor
- Tachycardia
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Depression
- Agitation
- Seizures
This isn’t a complete list. For instance, some may experience sudden increases or decreases in blood pressure, while others only notice some side effects. But, the latter half of the list tends to be associated more with oxycodone dependence and opioid use disorder. Still, it all is subject to the person’s metabolism, history with the prescription, and whether opioid medications are being used for pain relief or another habit forming intent.
Once a person has developed a physical dependence on hydrocodone, or oxycodone for that matter, they often turn to non-prescription drugs like heroin as a substitute after their prescription runs out. Heroin is cheaper and often more accessible–significantly as authorities have increased the conditions under which a doctor prescribes these prescriptions due to the risk of opioid abuse itself.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Similarities
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are both labeled as Schedule II drugs, which means they are considered dangerous and addictive and are therefore regulated by the DEA. A Schedule II substance is just one step below illegal drugs.
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are very similar and effective in how they treat pain. However, some believe that oxycodone is a bit stronger. Both drugs are highly addictive, even when taking the correct, prescribed dosage. Most narcotics have the same side effects: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. They also both create a sense of euphoria, which triggers the reward system in the brain. Each time this happens, the brain starts to rewire itself to want more of whatever is creating the sense of pleasure, even if it causes long-term problems for the person. As a result, they seek stronger medications, such as extended-release tablets or extended-release formulations, that usually have a higher concentration of the active ingredient.
These opioid analgesics amplify the effects of other medications that slow brain function. For example, if opioids are combined with alcohol, barbiturates, or muscle relaxants, brain function will be restricted to such a degree that it could lead to impairment of breathing. Mixing oxycodone or hydrocodone with alcohol is especially dangerous.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Differences
Both Hydrocodone and Oxycodone work in similar ways, but it’s not a simple question of Oxy vs Norco for an ailment. Plus, the ability to understand what type of drug is oxycodone and its impact means you have first to recognize that while similar, they have different properties.
Yes, they both stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain to increase pain tolerance and reduce the perception of pain. They aren’t technically capable of activating on the pain itself, but the person thinks the medication relieves it. This is a Catch-22 situation because it’s not the same as resolving the pain. Instead, being under the influence of such medications increases the risk of dangerous behaviors, including causing additional injury to the problem that precipitated the pain and need for the prescription in the first place.
Oxycodone is available as both immediate and time-release narcotic painkillers. Hydrocodone is an instant-release painkiller when in its most common form (mixed with acetaminophen). However, when it is prescribed by itself it also has a time-release formula. Another difference between the two is that hydrocodone has a higher chance of producing the negative side effects of stomach pain and constipation.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Addiction and When to Get Help
Doctors generally prescribe these two drugs as a last resort when other drugs do not keep the pain under control. They do this because, even when taken as prescribed, they pose a high risk of dependence and addiction. However, there is some debate about which causes a more severe dependency. For instance, the internet is littered with questions along the lines of “Which is stronger, oxycodone or hydrocodone,” or “What are the differences between Oxy and Norco.”
Still, both mean that a person has likely already gone past the point of dependency. And the most frightening factor is knowing that this could happen with little to no warning or visible signs of a problem. As a result, there are few things all people and caregivers should do to reduce their risk of developing an addiction to opioid medications, including:
- To be a responsible patient and avoid addiction, only take these drugs as prescribed.
- Keep an open and honest dialogue with your doctor while taking these (or any other) prescribed medications.
- Don’t suddenly stop taking them, as that will likely result in you experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Don’t crush, snort, or inject any substance containing hydrocodone or oxycodone.
- If you feel as though you are starting to become dependent on any substance, contact your doctor right away.
Treatment for Opioid Dependency of Hydrocodone or Oxycodone
The treatment options for hydrocodone versus oxycodone vary, but both begin with recognizing a need for professional intervention. As highly addictive opioids that impact basic neural function, withdrawals from these medications without supervision can be life-threatening.
Initial treatment begins with detoxification, or detox, and is a medically assisted process to minimize side effects and maintain the body’s equilibrium with a safe and effective process. Next, a residential treatment stay may be necessary to continue rebuilding equilibrium and providing healthy coping skills to overcome the triggers that result in a desire to abuse prescription painkillers. After residential treatment, continuous outpatient rehabilitation can help people maintain sobriety, and over time, they’ll be able to help others themselves as part of an effective alumni program, much like that of New Choices Treatment Centers.
For some individuals, medication-assisted treatment using drugs like buprenorphine or methadone may be recommended to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms as part of a comprehensive opioid addiction treatment plan.
Overcome Hydrocodone or Oxycodone Addiction With New Choices Treatment Centers
Addiction to hydrocodone versus oxycodone isn’t all that different, but both cause irreparable harm to your psyche, physical health, and life. When you are dependent on the drug, your body has become so used to the drug that it can no longer function normally without it. Unfortunately, addiction to either hydrocodone or oxycodone only worsens when left untreated. Start by realizing there is no such things as the lesser of two evils in this conversation. Both require treatment. Also, realize that no matter what point you may find yourself at or a loved one living with addiction experiencing, seek help. There is no shame in seeking help. At New Choices, our caring team of professionals are ready and willing to help you at every step. Speak with a New Choices admissions team member to learn more about how we can help you begin the journey toward sobriety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are hydrocodone and oxycodone?
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are prescription opioid painkillers used to treat moderate to severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and reducing the perception of pain.
What’s the difference between hydrocodone and oxycodone?
The main differences between hydrocodone and oxycodone are their potency and source. Oxycodone is more potent than hydrocodone and is derived from thebaine, while hydrocodone is derived from codeine. They also have different brand names and may vary in their side effects.
Are hydrocodone and oxycodone addictive?
Yes, both hydrocodone and oxycodone have a high potential for abuse and addiction, even when taken as prescribed. They can cause physical dependence, meaning that the body adapts to the presence of the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.
What are the signs of hydrocodone or oxycodone addiction?
Signs of addiction may include taking larger doses than prescribed, craving the drug, spending significant time obtaining and using the drug, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing to use despite negative consequences.
How long do hydrocodone and oxycodone stay in your system?
The length of time hydrocodone and oxycodone stay in your system depends on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Generally, they can be detected in urine for 2-4 days, in saliva for 1-4 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
What are the treatment options for hydrocodone or oxycodone addiction?
Treatment for hydrocodone or oxycodone addiction typically involves a combination of detoxification, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Professional treatment programs, such as those offered by New Choices Treatment Centers, can provide comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.
Can I quit hydrocodone or oxycodone cold turkey?
Quitting hydrocodone or oxycodone abruptly can be dangerous and lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. It is essential to seek professional help and undergo a medically-supervised detoxification process to ensure safety and comfort. Text us now for help.
How can I support a loved one struggling with hydrocodone or oxycodone addiction?
Supporting a loved one with addiction involves encouraging them to seek professional help, offering emotional support, and creating a safe, drug-free environment. Educate yourself about addiction and treatment options, and consider joining a support group for families of individuals with addiction.
Still have questions? Text us or submit a comment.
Wouldn’t want to use either one
I’d you had knee replacement you’d be begging for some!!!
How’s your healing going? I had my knee replacement today. Ugh….so painful
You’re right on that, worse pain ever is having knee replacement surgery.
I am in my early 50 and have been on Norco for years from a failed back surgery as well as knee and hip surgery. I feel like the only thing I ever read is how addicted they are. Not the benefits for people like myself who could not work with out them. I changed insurance and was told I needed to get some kinda of nose spray for an overdose! I was embarrassed just picking it up. Not looking for any nasty comments, just wanted a different side to this article.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Unfortunately, I have to agree with you. It feels like the main focus regarding these medications is to warn of the dangers. When we look at the numbers of people who become addicted to these medications as well as the current death rate from overdoses it makes sense why there is so much attention given to the dangers these medications can pose to someone. These medications can and do serve a valid purpose for people such as yourself. By the nature of our mission and the very reason we are in business our perspective naturally leans towards what we see the most of which is unfortunately the addictive nature of these medications. Thank you for your contribution and we will certainly consider your suggestion in our future content.
You are so right! I’ve been on oxycodone for years for the same reasons and never have abused it. I had to get narcan nose spray too. $50!!!! I’ve had it in my med cabinet for 6 years now! If you think the only problem is the addiction then you have no idea what living in chronic pain is like!
I have been on Hydrocodone for the last 3 years and for me personally the benefits considerably out weigh the risks. Even though I know my body has become dependent on it does not mean I am an addict, it means it serves a purpose. In my opinion an addict is someone that has a choice because it is not for pain control but for the effects of the drug. Any type of drug that alters the chemical reaction in your brain from THC to hernion is addictive. I have to take HYDROCODONE for my quality of life. Without it I would not be able to enjoy a simple conversation, time with my family, etc. If I had the choice I would prefer to have a life without pain or PTSD so I did not have to take Hydrocodone or any medications I am on. But I was not blessed with that option I was dealt with the cards in my hand and I have to play them to the best of my ability. The dangers of Hydrocodone or any brain altering medication as well as the addiction is real, but having s support person and having a pain management doctor is what drives the success of these medications. There are times I feel guilty or question my ethics because I take these Medications but that is not reality that is the stereotype of what people relate these medications to. As far as the Narcane, it is not just for the person that is prescribed the medication it is for others that may abuse it. In closing, for anyone that is in similar position I want you to feel you are not a “druggy” or addict, you are a human being in pain that wants to have a quality of life. So when you look in the mirror try to smile because you have control over something you did not ask for. Thanks for reading and I hope this helps at least one person.
Dear Charles…I just read your comments regarding Hydrocodone and I can’t thank you enough for your taking the time to address an issue that makes me feel lesser than because I need pain management which includes this drug. When you said “if this helps one person” well, that one person is me. You said everything I have felt, said, and have been living for years. I hope you are doing well. Happy New Year and God bless. 🙂
Ik your comments relating to Oxycodone/OxyContin was posted last year 2021 But I just came upon it now Thank you so much for what you said…. About choices or not I’m having to take this drug. There are so many misconceptions about people like us suffering from Chronic pain that HAVE to take this for some relief to Function on a Daily Basis!! I’m so Disgusted w people who Judge us & Frown upon us when they know we’re taking this medication! I have been Clean & Sober for 29 years & believe me it was very very hard for me to decide whether to take this on a daily basis or Not!! I’m so glad I did (Regardless of the Snickers I get from some people) But it does help me in having the Dignity to be able to have “Some Quality of Life” w/o shame from others!! As you know we will NEVER be able to go back & function like we used to & so desperately want to( I Believe!)I take this medication as Prescribed by my Dr @ the Pain clinic I’ve been going to ever since I had FAILED BACK SURGERY & FIBROMYALGIA brought on by the Vascular Dr who screwed up my leg during surgery ( there was NEVER a problem w my leg before the surgery!). So thank you again for what you posted & Educating some people who don’t have a clue what this medication does for us & to be able to at least live Somewhat of a Normal Life daily!!!
I was placed on Percocet after major surgery in 2005 due to nerve damage. In 2016 I was taken off the the combo (percocet) and placed on straight Oxycodone and have been there since! Due to an auto accident in 2012 in which I suffered back damage I had mobility problems that the Oxycodone has partially covered. I believe that I should have a larger dose (10mg now as has been) as it is now attempting to do “Double Duty” (and failing!). Due to the hysteria regarding abuse/addiction getting the increase is impossible as doctors are threatened and coerced into keeping patients where they are so many like myself are forced to accept a little relief/respite VS total relief. I know some people that have no relief and have gone to heroin (cheaper and available just about anywhere!) And that is very SAD! Kind of a game of Russian Roulette that can only eventually have one outcome! Needing and using Oxycodone isn’t wrong or evil as long as you control it, BUT when it controls you the you MUST seek help or suffer a poor outcome in life.
Thank you for all of your comments. I’ve been on hydrocodone for about 15 years. I’ve had a disc fused in my neck and they want to fuse the disc in my back. But I’ve had so many problems with the fusion in my neck I want to wait as long as I can for the one in my back. If it wasn’t for hydrocodone I wouldn’t be able to work because of the pain. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t have pain. People that don’t have pain they don’t understand what we go through. Our lives are completely different from theirs. The medication helps us get up and do our daily tasks and go to work. So I think the people that make the medication and I do not have have respect at all for the people who abuse it and bring bad a bad name to the medication and make the rest of us suffer.
I have Lupus and severe Osteoarthritis throughout my entire body. Degenerative disc disease is also causing my entire spine to literally cave in on me. I had to have C-4-C-7 fused 3 yrs ago and am now looking at more fusions further down. On top of this I have Asthma and Anxiety and Depression. Months of physical therapy, both water and gym did nothing. I take 10 mg of Hydrocodone 4 times a day. 120 pills a month. I tried Omega 8 gummies with THC to see if it would help but I have bad reactions with THC even in low doses, so here I am. I have had horrific flares and have run out early a few times. I went days without it. The pain was bad and I had to take 4 Tylenol every 4 hours. I was taking 16-20 Extra strength Tylenols a day. I would have no quality of life without Hydrocodone. I have been on it for 4 years. I really dislike all the attention addiction is getting because lawmakers end up making it harder and harder for people like me to get the relief I need. My Dr. has told me how hard the DEA comes down on him. I want the DEA to talk to ME! Maybe stories like mine and others need to be heard as well. There needs to be a happy medium so that I’m not treated like a criminal.
Well said Sir,the DEA should talk to you as well as others who have major pain issues Drugs like Hydrocodone and Oxycodone are the only way for those with severe pain to control it. I’m sorry but Tylenol just doesn’t cut it for pain above a certain level. In general our society could learn a lot from p,aces like Amsterdam where drugs are decriminalized….Having to use drugs to control pain is not a criminsl issue nor is using drugs for pleasure a criminal issue…People really need to snap to that FAC!!!!Some like to alter their consciousness and that should not be viewed as a criminsl act,that’s just Ridiculous in fact by making drugs illegal that is what causes them to become so valuable thus increasing crime as people jump on the bandwagon of selling drugs for profit!!!Why is it viewed as ok to get drunk on Alcohol I can’t reach himintheUS it drugs use is considered a criminsl a t ,a major double standard is at play here and it’s time for that to change!!
You sir are correct. America created ALL the drug crime, violence, and cartels when we passed the controlled substances laws. Human beings have consumed mind altering substances for as long as humans have walked on this planet and will continue to consume them until human life no longer exists on this planet. America ranks #1 in the world for people in prison yet we are 5th in population. It’s time for change. Drug cartels, drug cartel violence, and od deaths would end, courts and prisons would save millions of tax payer dollars and could put more resources to those true violent crimes like rape, child sex crimes, human trafficking, domestic violence, thousands of new jobs created, billions in new tax revenues that could be used for treatment centers thats open to ALL people seeking help if drugs became legal, sold in stores like alcohol, and not sold in specialized dispensaries like medical pot, with the huge markups, that are all about profits.
I have lower back problems for 40 years I qualified for disc replacement at UCLA about a year and a half ago due to Covid it did not happen long story short in a lot of pain doctor finally sent me pain management I get a 90 10 mg Percocet A month not really helping with the pain I told the doctor I am going to lose my job as a Plumber making $35 an hour he told me get another job and wouldn’t give me anything stronger
There are serious issues other than if a medication is addicting that need to be looked at. People such as myself that have serious medical issues that cause so much pain that it ruins every aspect of your life. First, when doctors are scared to treat patients they make comments such as, “there is no reason for you to be having such a pain response,” and sending people to psych doctors and putting them on psych meds that are very dangerous (may cause social thoughts) instead of listening to the person that lives in that body. Second, after people that are in terrible pain are treated like this for long periods of time and get no help or any hope in sight to relieve the pain they are in danger of depression and suicidal thoughts. Third, once you have been in debilitating pain for any amount of time with NO one “believing” you including doctor your support group gets smaller and smaller causing real life issues such as divorce, loss of job, loss of family and friends and daily living activities. If you can get a doctor to listen and run tests such as CT and MRI then you have to get them to even acknowledge there is something rare going on and it is and has been eating your spine (bone erosion) and completely compressed nerves. At that point you have been treated like a drug seeking, malingerer for years all the while you should have been provided real pain relief and looking for a specialist that could have helped stop the progression of what was really going on. DOCTORS HAVE BEEN MADE AFRAID TO TREAT PATIENTS THAT ARE IN PAIN! When will there be a study to show how many people have committed suicide due to doctors not helping them and sending them to psych meds they didn’t need? How about a study to show how many years people are denied proper care because of the “fear of addiction”? How about a study of how much daily life someone has to lose our how many times you have to leave a doctor sobbing needing help before the people we should be able to trust, DOCTORS, are allowed to treat us over some government agency created to put restrictions on a doctor patient relationship? Shame on anyone that thinks any government agency knows what is best for a patient. Get the government of of our health care!
Well, let’s all give a “Thank You” to the news media for the screaming headlines about opioid drug abuse. And the only result seems to be reflected in the comments here. Honest, hard working people with GENUINE PAIN are not drug abusers. I remember the sensational headlines when 30 or so people died because of “Fentanyl Abuse” it turned out the people who died were heroin addicted who mixed fentanyl with heroin because, as one who’d survived related “We heard it was really dangerous” Yes, it was, it KILLED them. These are the morons that get the attention, and the people just trying to live get cut off at the knees. And in the end, the heroin addicts don’t suffer, THEY can ALWAYS get drugs. I am aware that a LOT of the people involved are elderly, why hasn’t AARP taken THIS up as a cause? Unless you’re extremely lucky, you will all be where we are now. Let’s make some noise instead of playing victim. Write to AARP, your Senate rep, your congressman, anyone who will listen. The gay community has proven what can be done if you’re together in numbers, visible and vocal. They’re supposed to represent us. We are not less because we are ill. Together, we can do it.
I was on oxycodone for 14 years because of RSD ,my Dr retired and I got a new Dr, well he walked in and said I only allow 10mg day. He didn’t care that I needed 10mg 4x a day to, I’m in more pain than I had before. I also suffer from restless legs syndrome. I think it’s time to start a class action lawsuit I’m 72years old and I can’t keep living like this.
Do oxycodone and hydrocodone both show up on a urinalysis as the same drug?
I have taken Hydrocodone and Tramadol for 27 years after being crushed between 2 cars from a hit and run driver. It would be nice to rid myself of the drugs. I still function normally and also drink. I realize my liver is not liking it.
I’m so–ooo thankful for seeing many of the comments above. I’ve been taking hydrocodone for about 25 years now, all due from being hit by a car while riding a bicycle and being airborne 50 some feet, landing on my head on the pavement and left with multiple herniated, building discs in my neck and back. Now that I’m much older, I have more severe damage with Epilepsy, arthritis throughout my entire body, degenerative disease in my spine and feet, migraines, carpal tunnel and much more. My pain is every day and when I used to take Tylenol it never touched my pain. So I had to take the next step of pain injections and hydrocodone. Of course my family gets concerned about me, but I don’t have a choice unless I want to suffer in bed all day with that pain. And on my good days, I choose not to take my hydrocodone. But that’s only if I choose not to leave my house and only if I don’t. So many thanks to those who shared their thoughts.
I have MS, Migraine headaches and just had back surgery a month ago. I have been on and off opiods for nearly a decade. I still feel a stigma towards them. Myself personally. I wish I didn’t have to take them, but Tylenol does nothing! I was
In the hospital with pancreatitis from a surgery I had and had to have a very frank discussion with my doctor about the pain relief I was not getting from the 5 mg of oxycodone every 6 hours. He finally bumped me to 10 mg every 6 hours. That was better. I went home on a reducing dose, which a successfully completed and a month later had a herniated disc in my back. I lived in that pain for months while trying physical therapy and other things before someone did an MRI and saw I had a herniated disc pressing on my nerve root between l2-l3. I had back surgery at the end of September and still today, the pain is worse than ever. I was told to walk, which I am doing, but it is getting harder and harder. I have been taking muscle relaxers and they have given me the worst Tinnitus ever. I went home from back surgery with hydrocodone, which I actually prefer to oxycodone. It’s does not make me feel as weird, yet looks after the pain.
We have had Narcan in the house for years, it’s replaced every couple of years.
Sometimes I feel like an addict, but I don’t get high from these meds, it just takes my pain away. My daughter a nurse said, I don’t get high because I am an addict, and I said that it is just the opposite. I don’t feel any euphoric feeling, but just that I can get out of bed and play with my dog… it’s a bonus. Tylenol does nothing but give me a headache. I only take the hydrocodone if I feel pain, it takes about 10-20 minutes and it’s gone. I might go a day or two before I have to take another. No one likes to be constipated all the time.
I am so lucky I have an understanding spouse. He is a migraine sufferer and knows pain as well.
Thanks for letting me vent.
So many comments that are absolutely dead on . Doctors have taken the cowards way out instead of caring for their patients . Unfortunately, we have to find other avenues of relief . I keep in mind that they ( doctors ) will someday be in our positions and I hope they recieve the same treatment . Just venting
My heart goes out to each n everyone suffering out there..When u wake up in excruciating pain after surgeries n no one listens ..it’s hell..Luckily my Orthopedic surgeon is a great doctor ..who although conservative in his distribution of meds ..At least listens..n prescribes what I need..🙏
It is so unfortunate that once again I’m minority of people that abuse this drug or cannot tolerate the drug without becoming addicted, run it for the millions of people who can’t live day today without the pain relief of this drug.
I had my right knee replaced 4 weeks ago. I was given Oxycodone in my hospital recovery. When I was sent home, I was prescribed Hydrocodone. Take the laxitives folks… Both make my face and body itch and I hate the dreams and night sweats that I have on these narcotics.
Great Post! While hydrocodone and oxycodone are similar in their classification as opioids and their effectiveness in managing pain, they have differences in their chemical structure, potency, and available formulations. It is crucial for healthcare providers to carefully consider a patient’s individual needs and medical history when prescribing these medications, and for patients to take them exactly as prescribed to minimize the risk of dependence, addiction, and other adverse effects.
Reading all these comments, my heart goes out to you all! I’ve had two operations on my left side due to one buldging and one herniated disk. In July 2023 heard a pop in my back, ended up with one squished and three buldging disk. My pain dr. Did a kyphoplasty on my squished disk after 2mths. NO pain since! Now as of this date, I’ve been in severe pain due to the 3 +buldging disk! I’ve asked for shots or operation but he acts like he doesn’t hear me. I’ve been on pain medication for 3yrs now. So ti¹¹½q¹red of nothing being done. During the waiting period, my left arm became numb. Like it’s been said, why can’t we all get together and get a petition telling our stories and try to get help for us all. So our Dr’s, PA’s won’t be afraid to really help us. Oh my lower back spine is almost non-existent. So if anyone wants to try and help us with our symptoms let me know!! I’m all for helping! Thank you all. Praying for you all! God bless!!
Sadly, the statistics are pretty wrong about prescription overdoses. The fentanyl .. is the epidemic of overdoses ! I wish they would quit picking on doctors and throwing them in prison for improving someone’s quality of life. I myself had to jump through hoops with pain management they Urine tested me they still do to see if I have it in my system. You feel like a criminal! China needs to be punished for shipping fentanyl to Mexico and US! So many people are dying from it. But also people on Hospice are sadly going with out pain medication and die in pain! It’s really sad to watch this as I am in health care myself. Or when some people have surgery, some Surgeons refuse to prescribe pain medication after a painful surgery and just tell people to take Tylenol or advil. It’s a shame that people that are are truly in chronic pain have to go with out. And some commit suicide because they can’t take the pain and you don’t see statistics on fentanyl overdoses and statistics on taking their own life due to chronic pain . I hope the Government starts looking into that. There is a a page on Facebook for every state called Don’t punish pain! And they are advocates for people suffering in pain but cannot get pain pills anymore due to legit pain they are having .Doctors are being put in prison for prescribing what’s this world coming to? SMH thanks for letting me rant .
75yr old very active single female with chronic pain for years! I can relate to all of these comments. I’m very fortunate not to have an addictive gene/personality. I have a pain Mgmt Doctor, who knows my history and together we decide if physical therapy, acupuncture would help me along with my 10/325 mg hydrocodone. I love to garden, still mow my own lawn, take care of my home, and play physical games with my 6 yr old great grandson!! In other words, living a full life. I want to continue to do all the things I’m doing now for as long as I am able. My BIGGEST pet peeve is when my prescription is due for a refill and the pharmacy tells me that they don’t have any and don’t know when they will get in more!! And it isn’t just one pharmacy, it’s all of them!! I just went 11 days WITHOUT my medication. Thank you Fentanyl abusers, who started all this mess we are in! And who is in charge of deciding that a pharmacy has given out too much hydrocodone? The Government?? If I have a prescription from a pain Mgmt physician, it is not the pharmacist nor ANYONE else to make a diagnosis and decide my prescription cannot be filled. I’ve been told that I don’t look my age and because my pain is being managed, I’m very active and can walk without assistance. I feel as some of you feel that they think I shouldn’t be on this medication. It’s very frustrating!!
I have been on hydrocodin for 30 years the. Went to Percocet for 2 years. I have a feeing it’s making me extremely tired the pain meds always gave me energy to live a normal life. I have fibromyalgia back pain . Pain through out my body my whole life. My question is can the Percocet make you fatigued and depressed . I was never tired or depressed on hydrocodin. Can I change back to hydrocodin ??? I know it’s not as strong , can you go back and forth???? I take no more than three 10 mg a 24 hours or when needed.