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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Hydrocodone can last longer than extended-release oxycodone. The reason for this is the half-life, which refers to how long it takes your body to clear half of a single dose.The half-life of hydrocodone is seven to nine hours, while oxycodone is only 4.5 to 5.6 hours. Although oxycodone is more potent than hydrocodone, it doesn’t translate to better pain control. Hydrocodone and acetaminophen are as effective in treating pain as oxycodone.Differences in Side EffectsAlthough oxycodone is considered the stronger of the two, they both produce similar side effects to each other and other opioids. These include the following:Nausea and vomitingConstipationDizzinessSedationLightheadednessInsomniaItchingHeadacheWeaknessDry mouthMotor skill impairmentLethargyShallow or light breathingOxycodone is more likely to lead to dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. It can also cause headaches and extreme euphoria. Hydrocodone is more likely to cause stomach pain and constipation. Severe but less common side effects of these two drugs include:SeizuresPainful urinationConfusionFeeling like you might pass outRapid heartbeat that causes heart failureWhich Medication Is Right for You?Both drugs are extremely effective at treating acute and chronic pain. Unfortunately, each drug’s reputation has been dragged through the mud. The opioid crisis has been a stain on our society and how these medications are viewed. In most cases, chronic pain patients bear the brunt of the crisis as they’re less likely to receive access to medicines. However, the differences between the two are minimal, and choosing the right one for you is a decision you and your doctor must have. They might determine neither drug will be effective for your pain.A doctor will base their decision on your personal medical history. They likely will weigh the pros and cons of these medications and discuss their addictive tendencies. Since researchers and medical professionals find hydrocodone less powerful compared to oxycodone, they might start you on hydrocodone first to see how your body tolerates the drug. If it doesn’t work, they might consider something stronger. If it does work, they’ll find a dose that’s right for you.Dependence and AddictionWhile these drugs effectively treat pain, the risk of addiction and dependence is real. This is why doctors will discuss the pros and cons before prescribing to make sure you understand the reality. Opioid medication creates a pleasurable response in the brain that triggers the reward system. When this occurs, it’ll rewire the brain to want opioids over anything else. You’ll start taking more and more to keep this feeling going.Dependence differs
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