Vicodin vs. Percocet

• Are Vicodin and Percocet the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Vicodin?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Percocet?
• What is Vicodin?
• What is Percocet?
• What Drugs Interact with Vicodin?
• What Drugs Interact with Percocet?
• How Should Vicodin Be Taken?
• How Should Percocet Be Taken?

Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) and Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) are combinations of a narcotic and a non-narcotic pain reliever used for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

Common side effects of Vicodin include:

• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• anxiety,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• drowsiness,
• constipation,
• headache,
• mood changes,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears,
• dry mouth, and
• difficulty urinating.

Common side effects of Percocet include:

• constipation,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• sleepiness,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• itching,
• headache,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• sweating, and
• decreases in the ability to feel pain.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Percocet including:

• respiratory depression,
• apnea (periodic stoppage of breathing),
• respiratory arrest,
• circulatory depression,
• low blood pressure (hypotension),
• shock, and
• death.

Vicodin is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid pain medicine, when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them. Vicodin is an opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death.

Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is a combination drug consisting of an opioid and a pain reliever and fever reducer (analgesic and antipyretic) used for the management of moderate to severe pain, usually for an extended time period.

Patients receiving other narcotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets may exhibit an additive CNS depression. When combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be reduced.

The use of MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone preparations may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone.

Who should not take Percocet?

Do not take Percocet if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

If you develop signs of allergy such as a rash or difficulty breathing stop taking Percocet and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Do not take more than 4000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day. Call your doctor if you took more than the recommended dose.

Patients should be aware that Percocet tablets contain oxycodone, which is a morphinelike substance.

Patients should be instructed to keep Percocet tablets in a secure place out of the reach of children. In the case of accidental ingestions, emergency medical care should be sought immediately.

When Percocet tablets are no longer needed, the unused tablets should be destroyed by flushing down the toilet.

Patients should be advised not to adjust the medication dose themselves. Instead, they must consult with their prescribing physician.

Do not change your dose. Take Vicodin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.

Take your prescribed dose every four to six hours as needed for pain. Do not take more than your prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time.

Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain. If you have been taking Vicodin regularly, do not stop taking Vicodin without talking to your healthcare provider. After you stop taking Vicodin, the unused tablets should be disposed of by flushing down the toilet.

Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. It may occasionally be necessary to exceed the usual dosage recommended below in cases of more severe pain or in those patients who have become tolerant to the analgesic effect of opioids. If pain is constant, the opioid analgesic should be given at regular intervals on an around-the-clock schedule. Percocet tablets are given orally.