Tramadol and Vicodin: A Comparison
Two powerful pain relief options
Tramadol and hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin) are powerful pain relievers that can be prescribed when over-the-counter medications don’t provide sufficient relief. These medications are often defined as short-term solutions following an injury or medical procedure.
Find out what they are, how they compare, and why they should be taken cautiously.
Tramadol and hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin): A side-by-side comparison
Tramadol acts in two ways on the body. It is an opioid analgesic. It means it attaches itself to receptors within your brain and changes your pain perception. It works as an antidepressant by prolonging the action of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Tramadol comes in several brands, such as ConZip or Ultram. Ultracet is another medication that contains tramadol with Acetaminophen.
Vicodin is a brand-name drug that contains Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, is a brand-name drug. Acetaminophen works as both an analgesic and antipyretic. Hydrocodone, Acetaminophen, and other generics are also available.
In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration moved all hydrocodone-containing products to a different category due to the possibility of overdose and misuse. You must now obtain a prescription from your doctor and then take it to the pharmacy.
Tramadol, too, is a controlled substance. The prescription can be sent to the pharmacy, but most health systems have adopted more stringent guidelines for prescribing it.
These drugs make you tired, which can harm your driving. Do not drive or operate machines while taking these drugs until you have tested your reaction.
What they do
Analgesics alter the way you perceive pain. Narcotics, also known as opioid analgesics, are potent medicines. Tramadol is also an antidepressant that prolongs the effects of neurotransmitters linked to mood. These drugs can effectively treat pain but are also highly addictive.
They’re for
Tramadol and hydrocodone/acetaminophen are prescription-strength pain relievers. These medications can be prescribed after surgery or an injury. These medications also effectively treat the pain caused by cancer and other chronic diseases such as arthritic. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen can also help reduce fever.
What they are and how to get them
Tramadol comes in many forms.
- Instant-release tablets in 50-milligram strengths
- Extended-release capsules and tablets, available in strengths of 100 mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 300mg
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is also available in many forms and strengths. Some of these include:
Tablets
All hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets now have limited amounts of Acetaminophen in them. A liver injury can occur if you take too much Acetaminophen.
The strengths available are 2.5 mg to 10mg hydrocodone and 300 mg-325 mg acetaminophen.
Oral solutions
They have also been reformulated to reduce their acetaminophen content. The available strengths range between 7.5 mg of hydrocodone/325mg acetaminophen in 15 milliliters to 10mg hydrocodone/325mg per 15 ml.
What to do with them?
Your doctor will determine the first dose based on your condition, the severity of the pain, and other factors. To minimize side effects, they may begin with the lowest amount possible. You can adjust the dose as necessary.
Don’t take extra Acetaminophen with hydrocodone/acetaminophen medication. Extra Acetaminophen may increase your risk of liver damage and provide minor pain relief.
It may be necessary to take your medication at regular intervals. It is better to take the medication before the pain becomes unbearable.
Be careful when taking a capsule with an extended release. Do not chew, split or dissolve the tablet. The extended-release capsules are usually taken one time per day.
Common side effects
Tramadol can cause several side effects.
- Flushing
- dizziness
- congestion
- sore throat
- Drowsiness
- headache
- Itching
- constipation
- Loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
The majority of these side effects will disappear within a couple of days.
Tramadol may cause more severe side effects, including:
- seizures
- Tramadol can cause mood disorders (such as Depression) and increased suicide risk.
- Hypersensitivity reactions include swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, and skin eruption.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical care or call 911.
Common side effects of hydrocodone/acetaminophen can include:
- dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
The majority of these side effects will diminish over time.
Serious side effects of hydrocodone/acetaminophen can include:
- Confusion or mood disorders
- low Blood Pressure
- Respiratory Depression
- Gastric obstruction
- Hypersensitivity reactions can include skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, and trouble breathing.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical care or call 911.
The black box warning on Hydrocodone warns of the possibility that this drug could be misused. The F.D.A. mandates a black-box warning for drugs with severe or life-threatening risks.
Both drugs can cause side effects, which are more severe if you have chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), kidney or liver problems, or chronic obstructive respiratory disease.
Warnings, side effects, and interactions
The following adverse effects are possible with both tramadol and hydrocodone/Acetaminophen. You may have an allergic reaction if you experience swelling in your tongue or throat. Use of opioids should be done with caution if:
- kidney failure
- liver disorder
- Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD),
- Dementia or Other Brain Disorders
It can be difficult to urinate when taking opioids, especially if you have benign prostate hyperplasia.
Inform your doctor if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding. These drugs may harm your baby’s development and can pass through breast milk.
You may also experience confusion or hallucinations. Seizures, rapid pulse, and shallow breathing are also severe complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. Overdose of opioids can cause breathing problems and eventually coma.
It is essential to monitor your condition if you have heart disease or hypovolemia (a drop in blood volume).
Warning about the black box
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen has a black box warning about the dangers of Acetaminophen, especially at high doses. Acetaminophen can cause acute failure of the liver. If you have had liver disease, tell your doctor.
When taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen, check the labels of other Acetaminophen drugs. Acetaminophen can also cause rare but fatal skin reactions. Consult your doctor if you experience skin blisters or rash.
Tolerance and dependency
You may become tolerant of these drugs if you use them for a prolonged period. You’ll have to take a higher drug dosage to get the same relief. They can cause addiction, so they should be taken very carefully.
You may experience symptoms of withdrawal if you stop taking opioids. You can avoid withdrawal by having your doctor help you gradually taper off the drug. If you’ve had a history of drug abuse, you are more likely to develop dependency.
Interactions
Tell your doctor all the medications and supplements that you take. Some medicines and supplements may interact dangerously.
Tramadol can interact with other drugs. Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you currently take.
Tramadol should not be combined with these drugs:
- alcohol
- azelastine (Astepro)
- buprenorphine
- Butorphanol
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- eluxadoline (Viberzi)
- Nubain (nalbuphine)
- orphenadrine
- Thalomid (Thalomid).
You may be able to take tramadol and these drugs together. If you take any of these medications, talk to your doctor.
- antibiotics, including erythromycin (E.E.S., Clarithromycin, Biaxin and other antibiotics
- Anticholinergic Drugs (Antihistamines for Urinary Spasms and Other Drugs)
- digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Other opioids
- M.A.O. Inhibitors
- quinidine
- St. John’s Wort
- Certain antidepressants
- Some antifungals
- Some H.I.V. drugs
- Muscle relaxants
- Sleeping pills
- Triptans are used to treat migraine headaches.
- Anxiety and psychiatric medication
- warfarin
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen has several drug interactions. Tell your doctor about all your drugs and supplements before taking the medication.
These drugs shouldn’t be taken with hydrocodone/acetaminophen:
- alcohol
- azelastine
- buprenorphine
- Butorphanol
- conivaptan (Vaprisol)
- eluxadoline
- idelalisib (Zydelig)
- orphenadrine
- Thalidomide
These are some of the drugs that interact with hydrocodone/acetaminophen, but you may still be able to take them together. Talk to your doctor before taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen if you are taking any of these drugs:
- Antidepressants
- antihistamines
- C.N.S. depressants
- C.N.S. stimulants
- Magnesium sulfate
- Other opioids
- seizure medications
- Sleeping pills and sedatives
- sodium oxybate
- Warfarin
Avoid alcohol while taking opioids. Other sleep-inducing medications, such as cough and cold formulas, can contain ingredients that may interact with opioids. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are currently taking.
Which is the best?
These drugs are only available on prescription, so your doctor may recommend one based on your symptoms and overall health. If you have pain with a fever, hydrocodone/acetaminophen is the more likely choice.
Tell your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions or take other medications.
