Are Oxycodone and Percocet the Same Opioid Pain Medication?

Opioid pain medication works in the CNS, and it alters the pain receptors and changes the body’s response to pain. Both Percocet and Oxycodone are the same family drug, and both are opioid analgesics that treat moderate to severe pain medication.

Percocet is the brand name. On the other hand, Oxycodone is a generic and active ingredient in numerous opioid Pain Relief Medications. To help you understand the drug, it is essential to understand the drug correctly, when you should take it, and a few differences that differ from the same generic drug.

Percocet Vs Oxycodone effectiveness

Percocet contains Oxycodone and acetaminophen, and it is a powerful painkiller that effectively treats and tackles moderate Vs Severe pain. It belongs to the class of drugs called analgesics and opioids combos.

On the other hand, Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opiate derived in the lab. It is an effective pain relief medication for managing moderate to severe pain of varying degrees, acute to chronic.

The action duration of both drugs is 15 to 20 minutes, and the effect of the drug starts to begin within 15 minutes, the peak level reaches 40 -60 minutes, and the active duration of the drug is around six to seven hours. Both are FDA-approved medications and are safe for short-term use as there is a high risk of drug abuse and misuse. The action mechanisms of both drugs are similar as both act on the CNS and change the body’s response to pain. Different variants of Oxycodone and Percocet available are as follows: 

• Oxycodone 30mg 
• Oxycodone 80mg 
• Oxycontin 80mg (extended-release tablet)
• Percocet 10/325mg

As per the intensity and severity of the pain, your doctor will adjust the dose, and extended-release tablets are used for managing chronic and round-the-clock pain management.

Side effects of Oxycodone AND Percocet

Unlike other drugs, Pain Relief Medication may have some side effects. These side effects may appear initially at the start. As the body becomes accustomed to these side effects they will vanish and will no longer trouble you. Here are some side effects that you may have are as follows:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache 
• Motor skill
• Constipation 
• Unusual drowsiness
• Upset stomach
• Sleepiness 

Severe side effects include:

• Fever chills 
• Skin rash and itching 
• Vomiting blood
• Painful urination cough 

Percocet contains acetaminophen, which may affect the liver and cause side effects, including upper abdominal pain, tarry stools, and black yellowing of the skin and eyes.

In severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention and rush to the nearest health center.

Both drugs are similar yet different; therefore, it is pertinent to consult your healthcare provider. He will prescribe you an accurate dose that will help effectively manage pain.

Dosage of Percocet Vs Oxycodone

• The dose of the drug will vary from individual to individual, and the exact amount will depend on the following factors:
• Age 
• Response of treatment
• Etiology of pain 
• General health
• You can take it with or without food, and in case of nausea and vomiting, the best bet is to take it after food.
• Do not crush, pound, or chew the tablet, as doing so would release the tablet at once and would be lethal.

Takeaway

Oxycodone and Percocet are opioid medications recommended for short-term use, and extended use of the drug may result in intolerance. Both are habit-forming and may result in addiction; therefore, the risk of addiction is slightly more. Always take the medication in moderation.