Table of Contents
Key Points
- Percocet and Vicodin are brand names for narcotic painkillers with an opioid component.
- Percocet is oxycodone, an opioid, with acetaminophen, while Vicodin is hydrocodone, an opioid, with acetaminophen.
- These drugs have similar benefits, side effects, risks, and addiction potential, but there are some important differences between them.
Percocet and Vicodin are both brand names for prescription opioids. Though the latter has been discontinued, generic equivalents are still available. While these drugs are similar, they have some important differences.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is the brand name for a prescription medication that contains oxycodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen. The drug is used to treat moderate to severe pain by acting on specific opioid receptors to provide pain relief. The acetaminophen is added to the opioid to improve its pain-relieving effectiveness.
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that’s synthesized from thebaine, an opium alkaloid. It’s only effective as a pain reliever, not for cough suppression.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a prescription drug that contains hydrocodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that binds to opioid receptors to provide relief for mild to severe pain. Like Percocet, the acetaminophen in Vicodin is used to improve the opioid’s pain-relieving effects.
Hydrocodone is semi-synthetic but derived from codeine, giving it cough-suppressant properties.
Similarities and Differences Between Percocet and Vicodin
Percocet and Vicodin have different opioid drugs, but they treat pain effectively. They also have similar half-lives of about 3-4 hours and may relieve pain for 4-6 hours.[1,2] There are other similarities and differences to consider:
Side Effects
The side effects are similar between Percocet and Vicodin, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, itching, and drowsiness. However, constipation seems to be more common with hydrocodone.[3] On the other hand, Percocet is more likely to cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and headache.[4]
Both drugs can cause physical and psychological dependence. Percocet and Vicodin both bind opioid receptors and depress the central nervous system. At high doses, both drugs can cause dangerous side effects, including overdose with depressed breathing, low blood pressure, organ failure, and possible death.[5,6]
Efficacy
For cancer-related pain, several studies have found that oxycodone and hydrocodone – the active opioid medications in Percocet and Vicodin, respectively – have similar effectiveness.[7] For acute pain, such as pain related to a fracture, there’s no difference in effectiveness between the two drugs.[8] The drugs have similar side effects, but constipation was more likely with hydrocodone.
For chronic non-cancer-related pain, research doesn’t support the use of opioids over other drugs.[9] A meta-analysis showed no significant difference in pain relief between opioids and other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The analysis doesn’t support the use of opioids as a sole form of treatment, as a combination approach has the most effectiveness for chronic pain.
Dosage
Percocet is available in four different strengths:[10]
- 2.5mg oxycodone/325mg acetaminophen
- 5mg oxycodone/325mg acetaminophen
- 7.5mg oxycodone/325mg acetaminophen
- 10mg oxycodone/325mg acetaminophen
- There are generic versions of Percocet.
When Vicodin was available, it came in:[11]
- 5mg hydrocodone/300mg acetaminophen
- 7.5mg hydrocodone/300mg acetaminophen
- 10mg hydrocodone/300mg acetaminophen
Generic forms come in similar dosages.
Addiction Potential
Percocet and Vicodin are opioids that affect the way the body feels and responds to pain. These drugs are often misused and have a high addiction potential. Percocet is more potent than Vicodin, meaning that there may be a higher risk of misuse associated with its use.
Both of these drugs are indicated for the short-term treatment of pain and should always be taken as prescribed. Always take these drugs as instructed at the exact dose and frequency. Taking higher doses or more frequent doses increases the risk of opioid dependence and dangerous side effects.
Long-Term Use
Both Vicodin and Percocet are intended for short-term use, except in cases of cancer-related pain that isn’t relieved using other treatments. Vicodin, Percocet, and other opioid pain relievers should not be used long-term for chronic pain relief not associated with cancer or cancer treatments because of the risk of addiction, dependence, and abuse.
Opioid Overdose
Though opiates have been approved for pain relief for nearly 70 years, the past two decades have seen a sharp rise in overdose deaths and opiate toxicity. In 2023, for the first time in US history, fatal overdoses peaked above 112,000 deaths.[12] Most of these deaths were attributed to fentanyl, but the risk is there for any opioid.
Overdose is a concern with both Percocet and Vicodin. The symptoms of opioid overdose include:[13]
- Lethargy
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Slow heartbeat
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
- Itching
- Flush skin
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and wait until help arrives. You can administer naloxone if it’s available, which may reverse the overdose while you wait for medical attention.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioids build tolerance and dependence quickly, which is when your body becomes used to the presence of a drug and needs it to function. If you stop taking it suddenly, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Percocet and Vicodin have similar withdrawal symptoms:[14]
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Increased tearing
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Though opioid withdrawal isn’t necessarily life-threatening like alcohol or benzo withdrawal, complications can arise. Withdrawal is intense, possibly leading to relapse to relieve the pain.
Opioid Abuse and Addiction
As opioid medication, both Percocet and Vicodin have the risk of dependence and addiction. An addiction to opioids is an opioid use disorder (OUD), a type of substance use disorder characterized by chronic opioid use that causes problems or distress.
The criteria for an OUD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include:[15]
- Taking higher amounts of opioids or for a longer period than intended
- Spending a lot of time seeking opioids, using opioids, or recovering from the effects
- Having cravings or a strong desire to use opioids
- Unsuccessful efforts to control or stop using opioids
- Struggle at home, work, or school
- Continuing opioid use despite interpersonal problems
- Giving up once-loved activities to pursue – or because of – opioid use
- Reckless behaviors like driving under the influence of opioids
- Increased tolerance for the drug
- Experiencing opioid withdrawal syndrome
- Taking opioids or related substances to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms
Treating Addiction to Opioids
Opioid addiction can be extremely difficult to overcome, especially without treatment options. The intense cravings and pain in withdrawal can be enough for relapse to relieve the symptoms.
The first step in treating opioid addiction is often medical detox. Detox provides a medical team to monitor your health, manage your symptoms, and prevent complications while the drug clears your system. In some cases, medications like methadone and buprenorphine may be used to help with cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Once detox is complete, it’s important to enter an addiction treatment program in an inpatient or outpatient setting. While the treatment is individualized, opioid addiction may be treated with individual and group counseling, medication, and behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Percocet vs. Vicodin: Which Is Right for You?
Percocet and generic forms of Vicodin can be effective in relieving moderate to severe pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. However, these drugs are not without risks and serious side effects, including a risk of overdose or addiction to Vicodin or Percocet. It’s important to speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of these medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these two medications.
OCEAN RECOVERY EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
The internet contains a vast amount of misinformation, but when it comes to your health only peer reviewed, research centered data matters. At Ocean Recovery, all content published throughout our website has been rigorously medically reviewed by a doctorate level clinician, and cross checked for medical accuracy. Our editorial process helps our readers trust that the information they are consuming is factual and based upon scientific data. Your health is our top priority, find out more about how we safeguard the integrity of information on our website. Read More About Our Process
