What are the differences/similarities between oxycodone and hydrocodone?

Question

I have three herniated disks (L4, L5, & L5/S1), the doc prescribed oxycodone for now, they do not help much at all unless i take two. They are the 5mg oxycodone/325 acetaminophen...doc wants me to have surgury but I am only 24 and own/operate landscaping company without health insurance...any suggestions?

Answer 1

I had spinal fusion surgery back in December but before that I tried everything to avoid the surgery including physical therapy, injections and chiropractic treatments. To manage the pain I took percocet (oxycodone) 5/325 and then gradually had to increase to 10/325 before we decided surgery was necessary. I continued to take percocet 10/325 3-4 times a day until I got to the point that it was only taking the edge off of the pain. I am now trying Vicodin ES (7mg. hydrocodone w/750 mg. tylenol) but I have to take 2 to get relief from the pain. I honestly think they work about the same...but sometimes a change in the formulation can really help especially if your body's gotten used to one (in theory). For me, I'd have to say the percocet works better.

Now, I do have to tell you that I have a little bit of an extenuating circumstance because I just found out that my hardware broke and the fusion probably failed so that explains why I'm still in such pain, but I did want to just give you my thoughts on the difference between the two meds.

Also to the comment about getting addicted...I worried about this for a long time but if used correctly and not taken too frequently I think they can be a very important part of recovery and treatment. They allowed me to progress through physical therapy and to psychologically deal with constant and debilitating pain (they still are). If I hadn't controlled my pain at all I probably would have fallen into a deep depression and just given up. So they, narcotics, have their place, just don't abuse them! I'm frankly more worried about taking too much acetominephan at this point. My poor liver....

Also, do not underestimate how long it will take to recover from the surgery. Now, you have youth on your side (I'm 48 - still considered young) but it's a VERY big deal if they do a fusion. If you're lucky enough to have the lapriscopic variety - I had a friend who had that done and had great success and was back at work in about 4 weeks and was so glad she had the surgery...

Best of luck! I can certainly sympathize.

Answer 2

I couldn't find info regarding Oxycodone, but I know it is a narcotic, prescription is requred (street vending is punishable by law), and it's strong.
Here's what I found on Hydrocodone.There are three types:
Hydrocodone w/ Acetaminophen aka Vicodin- "Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non- narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Hydrocodone w/ Ibuprophen aka Vicoprofen-
Vicoprofen is a chemical cousin of the well-known painkiller Vicodin. Both products contain the prescription pain medication hydrocodone. However, while Vicodin also includes acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), Vicoprofen replaces it with ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil).
Vicoprofen relieves acute pain. It is generally prescribed for less than 10 days, and cannot be used in the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.*
Hydrocodone Chlorphaniramine aka Tussionex- Tussionex Extended- Release Suspension is a cough-suppressant / antihistamine combination used to relieve coughs and upper respiratory symptoms of colds and allergies. Hydrocodone, a mild narcotic similar to codeine, is believed to work directly on the cough center. Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, reduces itching and swelling and dries up secretions from the eyes, nose, and throat."

* I don't normally disagree with such a well- known reference as what this was taken from, but I presently, after having a spinal cord stimulator implant, take Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen for general pain (what the stimulator can't and won't cover). I HAVE osteoarthritis in my 3-5 vertabrae, and I recommend this prescription medicine highly. FYI: Only to make a final point, I have taken Hydrocodone-Ibuprofen since 1-2-07. Except for having to half it and take it with food due to stomach sensativity, as of this writing, I have had no problems. That kinda dispells the 10 day recommendation from the book. Should a doc prescribe this, follow their rules. I'm only sharing my story.

Answer 3

I am sorry you have these problems at such a young age. I have always had a lousy back, even in my 20's, and have had two back surgeries in my 40's, and am a chronic pain patient. That means I hurt badly enough 24/7/365 to warrant daily medication to just do normal simple things. For three years I have taken 10 mg hydrocodone and 800 mg. Skelaxin three times a day on a schedule. For breakthrough /worse pain, I take them up to 5 times a day. Every so often, mostly out of curiosity about addiction, I go OFF the meds completely for at least one week. I tell my doctor whenever I do this. The only trouble I have is that I HURT. ALOT. My doctor says I am not addicted, because I require the meds in order to live a normal life. It is the PAIN that prevents me from that, so the meds are necessary.
Some people "play" with pain meds for fun and they get themselves into trouble if they keep this up. Also some people have an addictive personality and narcotics are not a good choice for these people.
It depends on your situation. For now, I suggest you wear a back brace whenever you work. Find a good chiropractor. Get massages. Soak in a bath with epsom salts. These have magnesium and do help sore muscles. Consider that as you age your back will probably get worse, and you may have to change your line of work. I was a zookeeper and a wildlife rehab. facility manager before back surgery. Needless to say, I can no longer do the physical work that these professions require. It took me years to get over the anger and depression of not being able to do what I was once so good at. Watch out for depression. It is far more painful, IMO, than my back on a really bad day.
Good luck, and wear a brace!!!

Answer 4

Oxycodone (also known as Oxycontin and ingredient of Percocet and Percodan when combined with acetaminophen-tylenol or aspirin) is a much stronger narcotic pain reliever (analgesic). It is much more highly addicting than Hydrocodone (as known as Vicodin, Lortab, Hycotuss, Hycodan). There is no codeine in either of these, however codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone as well as other are semi-synthetic products of opium.

Answer 5

Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are both narcotic pain killers. If you remain on them, you will become addicted and you will need to keep increasing your dosage. This is not a good way go for very long. I haven't had your kind of back problems so there isn't anything I can further suggest other than follow your doctors advice.

Answer 6

Ok for one just because you are taking them DOESN'T MEAN YOU WILL BECOME ADDICTED!!! Some people where do they get there info???? If you have never used them for a long period of time DON'T ANSWER THE QUESTION!!!!! So basically you are taking 10 mg percocet ( brand name). That's not even than much..... Infact I have to take ALOT more to feel the relief and NO I'M NOT AN ADDICT!!!!!!!!!!