Pain management is a crucial yet complex aspect of healthcare. Many different types of pain affect people in different ways; what works for you may not work for someone else. For this reason, many different medications are used to treat pain. When it comes to managing pain, Oxycodone and Percocet stand out as two commonly prescribed opioids to alleviate pain ranging from moderate to severe. Both drugs play a crucial role in pain management, but differ in composition and certain effects. Let’s dive into the details of Oxycodone Vs Percocet, clarifying their similarities, differences, and covering everything. This article aims to help you make an informed decision on which medication may be best suited for your needs.
What is Oxycodone and How Does it Work?
Oxycodone refers to a semi-synthetic opioid drug, is prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain. It comes from a group of drugs called narcotic analgesics. Oxycodone pill is a Schedule II controlled substance that has a higher risk of addiction and comes in two forms: immediate-release and extended-release. The immediate-release form of Oxycodone is available in a generic drug and is used to treat moderate to severe pain, whereas the extended-release form is available as the brand-name drug OxyContin and is used to manage severe or chronic pain.
This powerful medication works by binding the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and lessening the perception of pain by attaching to these receptors. This blocks pain signals and creates a feeling of euphoria in some users.
What is Percocet, and How Does It Work?
Percocet is a prescription medication and contains the combination of two ingredients: Oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller, and acetaminophen is an anti-inflammatory, which are used to reduce fever and give relief from pain.
Like Oxycodone, Percocet is an opioid drug that binds to the mu-opioid receptors and activates the G-protein receptors in the brain and the spinal cord, which blocks pain signals from the body. It also inhibits the adenylyl cyclase enzyme.
Uses of Oxycodone and Percocet
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain reliever that is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Such as: after surgery pain, cancer-related pain, severe arthritis, back pain, neuropathic pain, injury-related pain, and after dental procedures. The immediate-release form of Oxycodone is used as a fast reliever for sudden pain, whereas the extended-release form is used for long-lasting chronic pain management.
Percocet is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain, such as: fracture pain, kidney stones, pain after childbirth, and pain after dental surgery. It is not prescribed for long-term or chronic pain management.
What is the Difference Between Oxycodone and Percocet?
Oxycodone and Percocet are both strong opioids that change to user’s perception of pain, but there are some differences between them, including:
Dosages
Both medications are of different strengths. Oxycodone comes in multiple strengths, such as 30 mg, 10 mg, 80 mg, 20 mg, 15 mg, 5 mg, 60 mg, and 40 mg, whereas Percocet comes in 10-325 mg, 5-325 mg, 7.5-500 mg, and 7.5-325 mg. The potency between these two medications depends on the version of the pills you choose.
Onset of Action
Oxycodone and Percocet both contain the same main active ingredient, so they are very similar in onset. But few differences between them regarding the onset of action. The onset of action of the immediate-release form of Oxycodone is 10-30 minutes, and the extended-release form is 1-2 hours, whereas the onset of action of Percocet is 20-30 minutes.
Duration of Effect
Oxycodone IR lasts up to 3-6 hours, and Oxycodone ER lasts up to 12 hours, whereas Percocet contains acetaminophen, which lasts up to 4-6 hours. That means, individuals feel it for about the same amount of time that you’ll feel the Oxycodone in Percocet.
Medical Use
Percocet and Oxycodone are both designed for pain control. But Oxycodone is used for moderate to severe pain, cancer-related pain, and also used as a long-term chronic pain, whereas Percocet is used to treat short-term pain relief, like fractures, and pain after childbirth.
Oxycodone Vs Percocet: Side Effects
Both drugs have a high potential for addiction because they are Schedule II controlled substances. Oxycodone and Percocet have similar side effects. Get emergency assistance the right way if any of the side effects appear.
Some common Side Effects are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Fever
- Skin Rash
- Cough
- Sweating
Some severe side effects of both drugs are:
- Slow Heart Rate
- Extreme Allergic Reaction
- Seizures
- Liver Attack
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
How Long Does Oxycodone Vs Percocet Stay In Your Body?
Both medications (Oxycodone & Percocet) can be detected in various drug tests, including urine, blood, saliva, and hair. Detection time varies for individuals due to many factors like their metabolism, age, weight, and dose. Below, you will find the timeframes for how long both medicines stay in your body.
| Test Type | Detection Time Of Oxycodone (IR & ER) | Detection Time of Percocet |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | 3-4 Days | 3-4 Days |
| Blood | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
| Saliva | 1-2 Days | 1-2 Days |
| Hair | 90 Days | 90 Days |
After observing these data, it is concluded that both Percocet and Oxycodone behave similarly in terms of how long they stay in the body, as they come from the same opioid. It is advised to set in your mind that before using these opioid medications, first consult with your healthcare provider.
What Are The Risks Of Misusing Oxycodone vs Percocet?
Both drugs contain Oxycodone, a powerful opioid pain reliever, and Percocet also includes acetaminophen. It can lead to life-threatening conditions if misused, including:
Respiratory Depression:
When both drugs are misused, they can slow breathing, leading to dangerously low oxygen levels.
Overdose:
It can increase the risk of coma, brain damage, or death.
Tolerance:
Requires higher doses to achieve the same effect, escalating overdose risk.
Long-Term Health Effects:
When this medication is misused may cause liver damage, cognitive impairment, hormonal imbalances, and increased infection risk.
Dependence and Addiction:
Can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior and inability to stop use despite harmful effects.
Precautions Before Taking Oxycodone or Percocet
Before using Oxycodone or Percocet, you should follow the advice of a healthcare provider. Here are some safety measures that help you maintain overall health.
- While you are using this drug, first check your progress and consult your doctor. The doctor will see whether the medicine is working properly or not in your body. If unwanted effects are detected, Blood and urine tests may be needed to properly check out.
- If you are using an MAO inhibitor, don’t use this medicine. Keep your unused medicine in a safe and secure place and don’t share it with others.
- Don’t drink alcohol or not to drive a heavy vehicle while using this medication, otherwise, it can lead to severe side effects, even death.
- This medicine is habit-forming. Contact your doctor immediately if you feel that the medicine is not working as well. Do not use more than your prescribed dose..
- It is not safe to use both medications if you have sleep-related breathing problems. Tell your doctor about this matter, they will decrease your dose.
- Without a doctor’s approval, don’t change your dose or suddenly stop using it. This may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, and restlessness.
- Using this drug while you are pregnant may cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome in your newborn baby. Tell your doctor before using it.
- Before using this medication, discuss with your doctor if you have any anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Oxycodone vs Percocet, Which Is Stronger?
Oxycodone is often stronger than Percocet. It comes in extended–release form (OxyContin) and can be prescribed in higher doses. Percocet contains the same opioid, Oxycodone, but in lower fixed doses.
Can I Take Oxycodone and Percocet Together?
No, it is not recommended to take both together. As they both contain Oxycodone, it can lead to overdose and severe respiratory problems.
Is Percocet the same as Oxycodone?
No, Percocet is not the same as Oxycodone. Percocet contains 5 mg of Oxycodone, which is all released. Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals, and Percocet combines Oxycodone with acetaminophen, which boosts pain relief.
Summing it up
Oxycodone and Percocet work well for treating chronic pain in patients. Understanding the comparison between them will allow you to make more informed decisions and adopt safer procedures. Before using Oxycodone or Percocet, consult with a medical professional.