When it comes to opioid pain medication, there are different combinations of active ingredients and different brand names. Percocet and Vicodin are two opioid painkillers that can be prescribed for serious acute or chronic pain. But what is the difference between Percocet vs Vicodin?
Vicodin vs. Percocet: What’s the Difference?
Both Percocet and Vicodin are opioids used to treat moderate to severe pain. They are both carefully monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The composition of each drug is different, so they have varying effects. Percocet contains oxycodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain reliever). Vicodin contains hydrocodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen. Thus, they both contain a different active opioid ingredient along with acetaminophen, which is branded as Tylenol. It is generally believed that oxycodone is more powerful than hydrocodone. In the same vein, Percocet is a stronger opioid medication than Vicodin, and is used for more severe pain. This also means it has a higher addiction potential and threat of overdose.
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Check Your CoverageRisks of Opioid Medication
Opioid pain medications are powerful substances with high addiction potential. In the United States, using Percocet and Vicodin without a prescription is illicit use. They are closely monitored by the DEA as Schedule II Controlled Substances. Schedule II drugs are medications with beneficial use when used properly as prescribed by a healthcare professional but with a high risk of physical and psychological dependence. Opioid pain medications are closely monitored and only prescribed when needed because of the damage they can cause if abused. Schedule II substances cannot be refilled, yet it’s common for people to misuse, share, or sell prescriptions such as oxycodone and hydrocodone for recreational use. The risk of overdose is even higher for those who smoke or inject prescription pain medication.
Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a serious condition. The most severe form is opioid use disorder (OUD), a brain condition where an individual cannot quit on their own. Notably, opioids are addictive because they work on the opioid receptors in the brain to target the reward system. Over time, your brain chemistry adapts, and your system requires more substances to function normally.
Potential for Deadly Overdose
Opioid overdose can be life-threatening. OUD leads individuals down the path of constantly needing more opioids because the pleasurable effects wear off with tolerance. If you overdose on opioids, your central nervous system may slow down to dangerously slow breathing levels. The lack of oxygen leads to brain damage, and within 1-3 hours after the dose, you can die. Markedly, overdose can happen regardless of whether your opioids are natural, like morphine, or come from prescription medications, like Percocet.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamPain Management Without Opioids
There are other ways besides opioids to treat pain, including mental health pain that often leads individuals to self-medicate with drugs. At our treatment center, we provide holistic treatments that help the whole system heal, from mind, to body, to spirit. Addressing the root causes of your pain gives you greater understanding how to proceed. Traditional therapy for mental disorders and substance use addiction are another alternative to self-medication. Further, your physical pain can be improved with physical therapy, massage therapy, and alternative pain management treatments.
Find Help for Opioid Abuse
If you struggle with opioid abuse, there’s no time to waste in getting help. It can be hard to know where to look, but the best path forward is professional drug rehab. We will help you detox from opioids in our safe medical facility. Through a proven combination of traditional and holistic therapy and counseling, we’ll help you heal your pain and overcome OUD. Taking Vicodin and Percocet for acute pain can lead to dire consequences even if you take them as prescribed due to their addictive nature. If you need help, call us today!
