Are there significant differences between hydrocodone vs. oxycodone?
What Are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone?
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are semi-synthetic opioids. This means that they are lab-created substances that are derived from naturally occurring parts of the opium poppy plant:
- Oxycodone is derived from thebaine, an alkaloid that shares some chemical similarities with morphine and codeine.
- Hydrocodone may be derived from either thebaine or codeine.
In the United States, both drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances, and they are available only on a prescription basis.
Uses
Hydrocodone and oxycodone both have analgesic (pain-killing) properties. They are typically prescribed to treat people who are experiencing moderate to severe pain, either acute or chronic.
In addition to pain relief, the drugs’ other effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Elevated mood
- Easing of tension
These types of effects have unfortunately made oxycodone and hydrocodone popular as recreational substances.
Data collected during the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NS-DUH) indicates that about 8.7 million people ages 12 and older intentionally misused prescription painkillers in the previous 12 months. Among those who misused these medications:
- About 4 million people (46.9% of the group) told researchers that they had misused hydrocodone.
- About 2.6 million (30.4%) said they had misused oxycodone.
Brand names
In addition to being sold as a generic, oxycodone is marketed under several brand names, including:
- OxyContin (oxycodone)
- Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
- Percodan (oxycodone and aspirin)
Hydrocodone was previously sold in combination with acetaminophen under brand names such as Vicodin, Lortab, and Norco. These medications have been discontinued in the U.S., but the hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination is still available as a generic.
Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone: Similarities and Differences
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are quite similar, but they are not identical.
Similarities
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are:
- Semi-synthetic opioids that can be derived from thebaine
- Used on a prescription basis to treat moderate to severe pain.
- Among the most commonly prescribed pain relievers in the U.S.
- Often misused, either to self-medicate or for recreational purposes
- Classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the U.S.
Also, misusing either of these substances can expose a person to considerable harm, including risk of addiction, overdose, and death.
Differences
Discussions of the differences between hydrocodone vs. oxycodone often focus on potency and side effects.
Oxycodone is typically thought of as the stronger of these two medications. However, some researchers have challenged this general perception:
- An April 2005 study in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine reported that “oxycodone and hydrocodone have similarly potent analgesic effects in the first hour of treatment for [emergency department] patients with acute fractures.”
- An October 2014 study in the journal The Oncologist, which assessed hydrocodone’s effectiveness at alleviating pain in cancer patients, found that it may be “twice as strong as morphine and just as strong as oxycodone.”
- A November 2015 study in Academic Emergency Medicine was unable detect “a clinically or statistically significant difference in analgesic efficacy” between equal amounts of oxycodone and hydrocodone when combined with acetaminophen to treat acute musculoskeletal pain in adults.
Reports of differing side effects indicate that hydrocodone is more likely to cause drowsiness, while oxycodone is more likely to cause constipation.
There is also one significant use-related difference between hydrocodone vs. oxycodone. A prescription cough suppressant that contains hydrocodone and homatropine is sold as a generic and under the brand name Tussigon. Oxycodone does not have cough-suppressing properties.
Hydrocodone and Oxycodone: Safety Concerns
It’s possible to use hydrocodone and oxycodone without incurring harm, but these substances are by no means risk-free. Safety concerns when using either of these medications include the risk of addiction and overdose.
Addiction
Using hydrocodone or oxycodone for any reason can lead to addiction. The likelihood of becoming dependent on the drugs may be highest among those who intentionally misuse them, but even people who follow their doctor’s orders can become addicted.
Potential warning signs that a person has developed an addiction to oxycodone or hydrocodone include:
- They take the drug more often or in larger doses than directed by their doctor.
- They continue to use the drug even after their pain dissipates.
- They lie about their symptoms, or visit multiple doctors, in order to get additional prescriptions.
- They try to buy, borrow, or steal medications that were prescribed to someone else.
- They acquire the drugs via illicit means, such as from street-level dealers or unlicensed online pharmacies.
Overdose
In 2023, the U.S. recorded 105,007 drug overdose deaths. 13,026 of these deaths (or more than one of every 10) involved hydrocodone, oxycodone, or another prescription opioid.
This represents a decline from 2017, when prescription opioids contributed to 17,029 overdose deaths. But it is still significantly higher than 1999, when there were 3,442 overdose deaths involving prescription opioids.
Signs of hydrocodone or oxycodone overdose include:
- Extreme confusion and disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to be awakened
- Slow heartbeat or faint pulse
- Slow, shallow, or otherwise labored breathing
- Skin that is cool and clammy to the touch
- Blue or purple color near lips and fingertips
If you are with someone who exhibits these symptoms after using hydrocodone, oxycodone, or any other opioid, call 911 immediately and stay with them until help arrives.
Even if you are able to revive the person with naloxone (Narcan), you should still call 911 because they need to be assessed by a qualified medical professional. Narcan’s effects wear off after about 90 minutes, which means that the individual may still be in danger.
Learn More About Treatment for Hydrocodone or Oxycodone Addiction in Georgia
Valor Behavioral Health is a premier provider of customized, age-appropriate treatment for adults and adolescents who have become addicted to hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other substances. We also serve clients who have been experiencing anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health concerns.
Treatment options at our outpatient rehab in Atlanta include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program. Our team will work closely with you to identify the full scope of your needs, then select the specific programs and services that can help you build a foundation for successful recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
