What Is The Difference: Percocet Vs. Vicodin?

By
Aanchal Rao
-
52
What Is The Difference: Percocet Vs. Vicodin- DATOS

Vicodin and Percocet are two types of medicine for pain, and they both have acetaminophen in them. But, Vicodin has hydrocodone, while Percocet has oxycodone.

Vicodin and Percocet are the names of these medicines. Percocet comes in both brand name and generic versions. Vicodin only comes as a generic, but people might still call it Vicodin when they talk about it.

Both drugs are quite alike, causing similar side effects and carrying a significant risk of addiction if used for a long time.

Here, we’ll explain how Vicodin and Percocet are different. We’ll also tell you how to use them, the right amount to take, and what side effects they might have.

What are Percocet and Vicodin

Percocet and Vicodin are both medicines that help with strong pain. They can ease pain from things like surgery or accidents and some long-lasting pain.

The big difference between them is that Percocet has oxycodone, while Vicodin has hydrocodone.

Both also have acetaminophen in them. The amount of acetaminophen can be different in Percocet and Vicodin.

Percocet can have 325 mg of acetaminophen, and Vicodin might have 300 or 325 mg of it.

This amount of acetaminophen is like what’s in extra-strong Tylenol, which comes in 500-mg pills. Adults can take up to two of these pills every 6 hours safely. But, it’s important to follow the instructions on the product you’re using, as they can be different.

Instructions

To use Vicodin or Percocet safely, listen carefully to what your doctor says. It’s also really important to:

  • Take the smallest amount that works: Just use the medicine to make your pain better, and don’t take more than what the doctor says is okay.
  • Use the medicine for what it’s meant for: A doctor gives you Vicodin or Percocet to help with specific problems. Only take it for that reason. Don’t use it later or give it to a friend.

Follow the instructions on the label exactly: Don’t:

  • Cut the pills in half
  • Take the pills too soon
  • Take more than you’re supposed to

Tell your doctor about any other stuff you’re using: Vicodin and Percocet can act differently if you’re taking other things. Before the doctor gives you a prescription, let them know if you’re using:

Other medicines

  • Vitamins or plant-based supplements
  • Any fun drugs, even alcohol

Be careful about mixing things: Don’t use Vicodin and Percocet together or with anything else that has acetaminophen. This can really hurt your liver, and it might be deadly.

Stop constipation: Opioids can make you get constipated. To stop this from happening, do these things:

  • Drink lots of water
  • Eat foods with lots of fiber
  • Exercise often
  • Think about using a stool softener

Get help fast if you think you’re addicted or took too much: If you think you’re getting addicted to an opioid or you took too much, it’s super important to get help from a doctor right away.

Dosage

How much Vicodin or Percocet you should take depends on what your doctor says. Normally, doctors tell you to use these painkillers only when you really need them, not all the time.

Maximum daily dose

People usually use Percocet and Vicodin every 4 to 6 hours, or less if you don’t need it as often.

When you’re using these drugs, don’t use anything else with acetaminophen in it. The most you should take in a day, according to the FDA, is 4,000 mg.

To make sure you don’t take too much acetaminophen, the people who make extra-strong Tylenol say you shouldn’t take more than six pills a day, which is 3,000 mg.

Risk of Taking Too Much

In the United States, there’s a big problem with people taking too many opioids and dying. In 2018, 67,367 people passed away because they took too many drugs, and nearly 10% of those deaths happened because of a synthetic opioid that’s not methadone.

Both Vicodin and Percocet can get you hooked and be really unsafe if you take too much. The acetaminophen in these drugs makes them even riskier. If you take more than 3,000–4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a day, it can damage your liver and even cause death.

Do they mix with other medicines

Both Percocet and Vicodin can have problems when used with drugs that slow down your brain and body, like:

  • Other opioids
  • Alcohol
  • Sleeping pills
  • Calming medicines
  • Allergy pills
  • Some anxiety meds

Don’t use Percocet or Vicodin with any other medicine that has acetaminophen. Also, remember that birth control pills, beta-blockers, and a few other drugs can make acetaminophen work stronger.

Also, acetaminophen might make loop diuretics less effective. People usually use these drugs to treat high blood pressure or swelling.

Furthermore, both Vicodin and Percocet can affect an enzyme in the body called cytochrome P450 3A4. This can make the body break down the drug faster or slower. This might lead to a higher chance of side effects.

Important Cautions

Both medicines come with serious warnings. They’re about the high chance of getting addicted and:

  • Higher Risk of Accidents and Injuries: Both Vicodin and Percocet can make you feel sleepy and not able to focus well. This means you might have more accidents or injuries. So, don’t drive or use heavy machines when you’re taking these drugs until you’re sure it’s safe.
  • Higher Risk of Low Blood Pressure: In some people, opioids can really lower blood pressure and make it dangerous. If you’ve had low blood pressure before or you’re getting treatment for it, tell your doctor.
  • Higher Risk of Liver Damage: Taking a lot of acetaminophen can badly hurt your liver. Even if you don’t have too much hydrocodone or oxycodone in your body, an overdose of acetaminophen can be deadly.

Side Effects

The effects that Vicodin and Percocet can have on your body are alike. The most usual effects from these and other strong pain pills might include:

  • Feeling more pain as time goes on, making you want more pain medicine.
  • Feeling mixed up in your thoughts.
  • Getting very tired.
  • Feeling down or sad.
  • Having a dry mouth.
  • Feeling itchy or sweaty.
  • Having trouble going to the bathroom.
  • Feeling sick and throwing up.

Lower levels of testosterone, which could affect your desire for sex or how well you perform in bed.

Serious Effects

When people take really big amounts of these opioids for a long time, they can get serious problems. Some of the most dangerous ones are:

  • Taking too much, which can lead to death.
  • Getting hooked on the drug.
  • Having allergic reactions.
  • Dangerously low blood pressure.
  • Breathing very slowly.
  • Accidents, like falling and getting hurt or having car crashes.

Before a doctor gives you a prescription, they should talk to you about these serious effects and other risks.

Summary

Vicodin and Percocet are strong pain medicines. They help with pain that’s moderate to really bad, like after an accident or surgery.

Percocet comes in both the fancy and generic versions. But Vicodin’s fancy version is no longer available, so you can only get the generic one.

Like other strong pain pills, both Vicodin and Percocet can make you really want them, which is bad. To avoid this, only take them as your doctor says and see your doctor for regular check-ups.

Both Vicodin and Percocet can have bad effects and mix with other medicines, stuff you take for health, and even fun drugs like alcohol.

If you don’t feel good while taking these drugs, talk to your doctor. If you get really bad effects or took too much, get medical help right away.

Check Out: What Is The Difference: Percocet Vs. Vicodin?

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR