Millions of people in the United States take prescription pain relief drugs. People may take pain-relieving medications to manage chronic conditions, after surgery, or to reduce pain in other situations.

Many prescription pain relievers contain opioids. These drugs have a high risk of addiction. People who take opioid pain relievers may quickly develop an addiction to them. Abusing these drugs increases the risk of physical dependence and addiction.

This article will explore the differences between Percocet and Vicodin, which are two common prescription painkillers. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of Percocet
• The effects and dangers of Vicodin
• The differences between Percocet vs Vicodin
• How to recognize and treat opioid addiction
• Where to find comprehensive opioid abuse treatment

If you or someone you love struggles with painkiller abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is Percocet?

Percocet is an FDA-approved prescription medication. It is a painkiller that contains oxycodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). This oxycodone-acetaminophen combination effectively relieves moderate to severe pain.

Percocet is a potent and highly addictive medication. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has the risk of addiction and an accepted medical use. People who take Percocet must follow their doctor’s instructions.

Doctors may prescribe Percocet to help patients manage pain after surgery or during treatment for chronic conditions. Doctors typically prescribe opioid painkillers for short periods to reduce the risk of dependence. However, people can still develop addiction, even when taking Percocet as prescribed. 

The Effects and Risks of Percocet

Percocet can cause unwanted side effects, including:

• Mood changes
• Constricted pupils
• Dry mouth
• Itching
• Sweating
• Drowsiness
• Constipation

Physical dependence is one of the most significant risks associated with Percocet use. People who take this potent painkiller may begin to abuse it by:

• Taking a larger dose than prescribed
• Taking doses more often than prescribed
• Ingesting Percocet differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
• Taking it for longer than prescribed

People may also abuse Percocet by taking it recreationally (without a prescription). Percocet abuse increases the risk someone will become addicted to it. 

Heavy or prolonged Percocet abuse can change how a person’s body and brain function. These changes make it very difficult to stop taking it. Most people need treatment and ongoing support to stop and avoid relapse.

Percocet slows central nervous system (CNS) activity. People who abuse Percocet are at risk of an overdose. Signs of an overdose include:

• Confusion
• Cold, clammy skin
• Shallow or slow breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Blue skin or lips

An overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone near you exhibits symptoms of an overdose. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a prescription painkiller doctors may prescribe to manage short-term pain after surgery and other conditions. Vicodin contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid, and acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. 

The Effects and Risks of Vicodin

Like Percocet, unwanted side effects are possible when taking Vicodin. Common side effects include:

• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Itching
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Constricted pupils

People are also at risk of a life-threatening overdose when taking Vicodin. Like Percocet, people who abuse Vicodin may develop opioid use disorder or addiction. 

What is the Difference Between Percocet and Vicodin?

Percocet and Vicodin are similar in many ways, including:

• Both are used to treat pain
• Both are synthetic opioids
• Both contain a combination of an opioid and acetaminophen
• Both have the potential for short and long-term health complications, including liver damage and overdose
• Both carry a high risk of physical dependence
• Both are FDA-approved prescription drugs

However, there are some crucial differences between these drugs. First, Percocet contains oxycodone, which has a higher risk of addiction. People who take drugs containing oxycodone may be more likely to abuse them or develop dependence. 

Percocet (which contains oxycodone) is more potent than Vicodin. It may be more effective at relieving moderate to severe pain. 

Finally, Percocet is available in a generic and brand-name form. Vicodin is only available in name-brand form. 

Recognizing and Treating Opioid Addiction

Opioid use disorder can change the way a person thinks, acts, looks, and feels. Recognizing these signs can help you or a loved one get life-saving treatment. 

Signs of opioid abuse and addiction include:

• Running out of prescriptions early
• Legal, social, or financial issues
• Changes in appearance, sleep patterns, or appetite
• New or worsening mental health symptoms
• Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
• Taking a prescription medication recreationally
• Doing dishonest or illegal things to get more opioids
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking opioids

Opioid addiction treatment includes medical detox services, behavioral therapies, counseling, education, and other therapies to address the roots of substance abuse. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of opioid abuse or addiction.

Find Opioid Abuse Treatment

If you or someone you love struggles with opioid abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Abusing prescription or illicit opioids can have severe consequences. Seek treatment as soon as you notice the signs of a problem.

Find compassionate, holistic treatment programs at Moving Mountains Recovery. Contact our specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.