The similarities and differences between oxycodone vs hydrocodone depends on who is making the comparison. Another determination regarding oxycodone and hydrocodone potentially depends on why a person is making a comparison. The reasons for taking either of the drugs likely depends on whether you ask a doctor, a person taking the medication for pain relief, or someone that abuses the drugs. Discover facts about oxycodone vs hydrocodone. Also, learn how to receive treatment for substance use disorder, along with other addiction services at Casa Palmera.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication doctors prescribe for pain. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) indicates that there are several methods that people use to take the drug, other than as prescribed. A person that is addicted to oxycodone sometimes take more pills than prescribed, take the pills more often, or crushes them and sniffs the oxycodone. Some individuals dissolve it with water and inject it.
The DEA lists several side effects or consequences of oxycodone abuse, including:
- Severe liver damage
- Addiction
- Coma
- Death
A Healthline article explains that oxycodone possibly causes drowsiness and dizziness.
What is Hydrocodone?
Comparing oxycodone vs. hydrocodone requires taking a look at what hydrocodone is. Also, we must examine the potential effects of a hydrocodone substance use disorder and the consequences of addiction. Hydrocodone, like oxycodone, is a pain reliever that is available only by prescription. It is also an opioid. Sometimes individuals combine it with other medications.
Some sources indicate that hydrocodone is the most commonly misused opioid in the US. For instance, some side effects and consequences of hydrocodone abuse include:
- Stomach pain
- Cold or clammy skin
- Slowed heartbeat
- Seizures
- Shallow breathing
- Coma or death
A WebMD article explains that hydrocodone misuse, like oxycodone misuse, does sometimes lead to addiction. The caring, professional staff at Casa Palmera helps you through your treatment for opioid addiction.
Facts about Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. But both of the drugs frequently lead to addiction when misused.
Is there a preference among individuals with an opioid use disorder for oxycodone vs. hydrocodone? Some sources describe a distinct preference.
An assistant editor for Pharmacy Times revealed the results of a study where individuals abusing opioids were asked several questions to compare oxycodone vs. hydrocodone. Some findings included the fact that oxycodone was considered a ‘better’ high compared to hydrocodone, which is often mixed with analgesics like acetaminophen. More than 55 percent of the respondents preferred oxycodone. Less than 20 percent of the respondents indicated a preference for hydrocodone.
The DEA reclassified hydrocodone with little effect on those that were already addicted to the drug. A Healthline article indicates that the number of prescriptions for hydrocodone dropped in the years since the reclassification of hydrocodone. However, people cannot get refills of the drug, those with an addiction to hydrocodone likely know where to get it.
Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Treatment
Casa Palmera welcomes you to our substance abuse treatment programs. The medical detox starts you on your way to treatment for your addiction to oxycodone, hydrocodone, or other opioid drugs. Once you complete detox, the treatment staff helps guide you through the treatment process, based on your treatment plan.
For example, some treatment options focusing on evidence-based practices include:
- Talk therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Dual diagnosis therapy
Clients receive education in relapse prevention and possibly engage in experiential therapies. So contact us today to learn about your insurance benefits. Start taking back your life from the devastating effects of oxycodone vs. hydrocodone.
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