The Potency of Hydrocodone Vs Oxycodone: Exploring the Differences 

When it comes to Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, the two most commonly prescribed medications for relief from chronic pain, the differences are subtle. There is a slight difference in composition and the symptoms may vary as well ( slightly). 

Otherwise, the two painkillers often labeled as highly addictive are the primary culprits and the leading cause of overdosing and addiction cases. Many unsuspecting Americans are dying due to overdose and misuse compared to those who have found relief from pain. Considering the fury these drugs have unfurled let us begin with a grim reminder – the statistics.  

Statistics: A grim reminder of the devastating impact of opioids 

Today there are 3.8% of American adults are struggling with opioid addiction including prescription drugs like hydrocodone and oxycodone. ( National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics). Many are on the streets after having left successful careers and their families. Others could be experimenting with deadlier drugs like heroin – also an opioid. 

Overdoses are common. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky to get a new lease of life. Mortalities are higher among those who abuse the drugs. The opioid epidemic had become a national concern by 2017 and had led the US Department of Health and Human Services to declare it a public health emergency. However, recent findings show a glimmer of hope. 

From 111,000 people who lost their lives in 2022, the CDC reports that the numbers have come down to 107,500 in 2023 – a slight 3% decline. However, that does not in any way reflect the way painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone have inflicted damage to the American way of living.

Hydrocodone VS Oxycodone: Painkillers that thrill and then kill 

Hydrocodone and oxycodone both come under a class of drugs called opioids. Prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone act by triggering certain receptors of the brain and the spinal cord. 

As a result, certain chemicals are released and a sensation or a feeling akin to euphoria is aroused.

This euphoric feeling takes away the sensation of pain. But it comes at a huge cost. The unsuspecting user soon craves higher quantities of the drug. 

And that is when they fall unsuspecting into the trap ( if they are not careful enough). 

As with any drug, when medications (both hydrocodone and oxycodone are prescription drugs that are procured only with a valid prescription) are abused or used for recreational purposes, they become damaging and heighten the risk of addiction and overdose.

Let’s see how these two drugs are different and similar. 

Composition: However, composition-wise, hydrocodone has one of its active ingredients codeine. Combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen it lessens pain. Oxycodone, another semi-synthetic opioid-like hydrocodone has thebaine, as its active ingredient. 

Potency: Hydrocodone is less potent than oxycodone, hydrocodone is often prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain. Oxycodone on the other hand is used for severe pain.

Side Effects: As Schedule II drugs, both Hydrocodone and Oxycodone are liable to abuse. Do not think for one second whether hydrocodone is stronger than oxycodone or oxycodone is stronger than hydrocodone, both are equally dangerous and cause a range of symptoms that are not hard to miss. The side effects of overuse and addiction to both oxycodone and hydrocodone are similar. As a regular abuser of the drug (oxycodone and hydrocodone) the side effects of abuse include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Nauseous
• High BP
• Vomiting
• Respiratory issues.  

Of the two, tiredness could be the more likely side effect of hydrocodone while gastrointestinal issues like constipation could be due to oxycodone. 

However, remember the side effects or the symptoms of hydrocodone and oxycodone addiction differ among people. 

First-time users and long-time abusers of the drug could be impacted differently. Their weight, metabolism, and psychology also play a key role in the kind of symptoms they display. 

Lastly, the form in which the medications are released – whether it is instant release or sustained release, the amount or dosage, and the kind of things that one takes with the medication (alcohol and other drugs) also play a significant role in the kind of symptoms that are visible.    

So, the question today is not which is stronger oxycodone or hydrocodone, or is hydrocodone the same as oxycodone, the crucial question is how do you recognize the signs of addiction and how important it is to check-in at a residential center for treatment and detox instead of going cold turkey.   

How do you recognize the signs of Oxycodone or Hydrocodone addiction?

Remember any drug whether it be oxycodone or hydrocodone begins with a dependency. Some of the symptoms of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Addiction are not hard to miss. Both result in psychological and physical dependencies. For example, there is an insane obsession with the drug. People using the drug could sweat more than usual, and display physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate. Psychologically, the impact of these drugs on the person’s mental state is harsher as they could suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and dependency. 

Overdosing and withdrawal symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms are equally overbearing and painful. Therefore is it always recommended that a person checks in at the nearest residential center instead of going cold turkey. Quitting on one’s own is not recommended. The more you wait the more you lose out on precious time. Whether it is you or someone or a close family member,  reach out to thereahabsupport.com at the earliest or call us at 949.325.7994