They are two of the most frequently prescribed painkillers, and they both pose some of the same dangers, but they’re not identical drugs. What are the differences between hydrocodone vs. oxycodone?
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What Are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone?
Before we get into the differences between hydrocodone vs. oxycodone, let’s take a moment to review some basic facts about them and highlight some of their similarities.
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are both semi-synthetic opioids. This means that they are lab-created drugs that were synthesized by altering natural elements of the opium poppy plant. Oxycodone is derived from thebaine, while hydrocodone may be derived from either thebaine or codeine.
Effects
As with other opioids, hydrocodone and oxycodone are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This means that the drugs slow the delivery of messages between the brain and other body parts.
When a person takes either drug, they may experience effects such as:
- Improved mood
- Relaxation
- Easing of pain
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Decreased heart rate and respiration
The strength and potential dangers posed by both drugs have led to them being classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States. Schedule II is reserved for drugs that have been determined to “a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.”
Brand names
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are present in several brand name prescription painkillers, usually in combination with either acetaminophen or aspirin:
- Medications containing oxycodone include OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percodan, and Percocet.
- Meds with hydrocodone include Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab.
Both drugs are also available as generics in the U.S.
Misuse
The pleasurable effects of using hydrocodone or oxycodone have made them popular as recreational substances. Their addictive properties can also lead to misuse among people who take them on a prescription basis to treat legitimate medical concerns.
Regardless of what causes a person to misuse hydrocodone or oxycodone, the impact can be devastating. Once a person has become addicted to either substance, highly distressing withdrawal symptoms can make it extremely difficult to stop using them without professional help.
Also, as we will discuss a bit later in today’s post, the misuse of these two prescription painkillers has played a significant role in the overdose crisis that has plagued the U.S. over the past few decades.
Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone: Key Differences
As you may have gathered from the information above, these two medications are quite similar. However, there are a few key differences between hydrocodone vs. oxycodone.
Potency
Oxycodone is the more potent (stronger) of the two drugs. Experts estimate that, on a milligram-per-milligram basis, oxycodone is about 1.5 times stronger than hydrocodone.
Addiction risk
According to a December 2019 study in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, hydrocodone poses a 9% greater risk of addiction than oxycodone does. Among patients who receive multiple prescriptions, hydrocodone use has been linked with a 17% greater likelihood of addiction.
FDA approval
Both medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate-to-severe pain, but hydrocodone is also FDA-approved for use in prescription cough medications for patients ages 18 and above.
Side effects
Both medications can cause the same side effects, but the risk varies slightly between them in some areas. Hydrocodone poses a greater risk of drowsiness and sedation, while oxycodone is more likely to cause nausea and constipation.
Risk of Addiction and Overdose
Two of the greatest dangers posed by hydrocodone and oxycodone are addiction and overdose.
Addiction
The clinical term for an addiction to hydrocodone or oxycodone is opioid use disorder. Someone who has developed this condition may have symptoms such as:
- Using the drugs in a larger amount or for a longer period of time than they originally intended
- Developing strong urges to use hydrocodone or oxycodone
- Failing to fulfill their obligations at home, in school, or at work due to hydrocodone or oxycodone use
- Using hydrocodone or oxycodone in circumstances that pose a clear physical hazard, such as by taking these drugs in combination with other mind-altering substances
- Continuing to use hydrocodone or oxycodone after experiencing physical, psychological, or social problems that were either caused or worsened by their prior use of the drugs
- Reducing their participation in important activities because of hydrocodone or oxycodone use
- Needing to use larger amounts of the drugs to experience their effects (which is known as developing tolerance)
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when abruptly curtailing their use of hydrocodone or oxycodone
- Having a persistent desire to quit using the drugs, but being unable to stop
Other potential warning signs of opioid use disorder include:
- Sudden shifts is mood, attitude, and energy
- Diminished sex drive
- Unintentional weight loss
- Significant downturn in performance at work or in school
- Unexplained financial problems
- Trying to buy, borrow, or steal hydrocodone or oxycodone that had been prescribed to someone else
- Neglecting their appearance and personal hygiene
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Being secretive or deceptive about how they’ve been spending their time
Overdose
The annual number of opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. has escalated dramatically throughout the 21st century, fueled in part by increased use of hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other prescription painkillers.
Symptoms of opioid overdose include:
- Profound confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to be awakened
- Making a snoring or gurgling sound
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Low heart rate and faint pulse
- Blue or purple coloring near lips and fingertips
- Skin that is cool or clammy to the touch
Anyone who exhibits these symptoms after using hydrocodone, oxycodone, or other opioids is in crisis and needs immediate medical attention. In the absence of a timely and appropriate response, opioid overdose can be fatal.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 13,026 in 2023. The annual rate peaked in 2017, when the CDC recorded 17,029 deaths in this category.
Find Help for Addiction to Hydrocodone or Oxycodone in Tampa Bay
If you have become addicted to hydrocodone, oxycodone, or any other substance, Tampa Bay Recovery Center is here to help.
Treatment options at our rehab in Tampa Bay, FL, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and virtual (online) care.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
