This reduces the pain you feel and makes movement and everyday activities easier. Both Vicodin and Percocet come in brand-name and generic versions. The brand-name versions come in tablet form. The generic versions of come in tablet and liquid forms. Both Vicodin and Percocet have been shown to be highly effective in treating pain.
In a study comparing the drugs, researchers found that they both worked equally well for short-term pain management. Another study showed that they work equally well in treating acute pain caused by fractures. However, a different study found that oxycodone, the drug in Percocet, was 1. Generic versions of drugs generally cost less than the brand-name versions. Because generic versions are available for both Vicodin and Percocet, most insurance companies require that you be prescribed the generic version.
The active ingredients in the generic versions of these drugs are the same as in the brand-name versions. Which means their effects should be the same. At the time this article was written, GoodRx. Costs for the generic versions of these drugs were similar to each other and much lower than for the brand-name versions.
Because Vicodin and Percocet are both opioid pain medications, they share similar side effects. Common side effects of Vicodin and Percocet can include:. While both drugs are likely to cause constipation, oxycodone has been associated with causing this side effect in more people compared to hydrocodone. The long-acting form of oxycodone may cause less constipation than the immediate-acting form.
Severe but less common side effects can occur with Vicodin and Percocet medications. If you have any of these side effects, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. These side effects may include:. Both Vicodin and Percocet affect your mental and physical abilities, such as judgment and reflexes.
Vicodin and Percocet are powerful drugs, so you should be aware of the risks involved with taking them. Even if you take them exactly as prescribed, Vicodin or Percocet may become habit-forming. In other words, these drugs can cause physical or mental dependence. For this reason, doctors are cautious when prescribing them. There is also the risk of a withdrawal response when stopping these drugs.
If you take either drug for more than a few days, talk to your doctor before you stop. Your doctor can help you taper off the medication slowly. This reduces your risk of withdrawal. Be sure to take these drugs exactly as your doctor prescribes to reduce your risk of both dependence and withdrawal problems.
Like most drugs, Vicodin and Percocet can interact with other medications. This means that when used with certain other drugs, these medications can cause effects that can be dangerous. Before you take Vicodin or Percocet, tell your doctor about all other medications you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Vicodin and Percocet interact with many of the same drugs. For more information, visit the interaction sections for Vicodin and Percocet.
If you have certain health conditions, taking Vicodin or Percocet could increase certain risks. Before taking Vicodin or Percocet, be sure to tell your doctor if you have constipation or intestinal blockage.
Opioid analgesics can cause increased constipation, so ask your doctor if you should avoid taking them. You should not drink alcohol while taking either Vicodin or Percocet.
Combining alcohol and these painkillers can cause extreme dizziness or drowsiness, and can even be deadly. In some cases, taking one of these drugs with alcohol can cause liver damage. This is true if you drink more than three alcoholic drinks per day, have alcoholic liver disease, or have a history of alcohol abuse. Vicodin and Percocet are opioid pain medications that are similar in many ways. Some of the main ways in which they differ are strengths and cost. If your doctor feels you need Vicodin or Percocet for your pain, they will choose the drug for you based on several factors.
These factors include your health history and how your body has reacted to pain medications in the past. If you have questions about your prescription or about either of these drugs, be sure to ask your doctor.
Be aware of reduced tolerance: Be aware of changes in your health or your weight. Be aware after a period of abstinence, for any reason. If you start again your tolerance will be lower. Start low, go slow if you have picked them up without a prescription. If you see a doctor, talk to them about overdose risk. Look is their chest moving? If they are breathing even a little, but are not responsive, you can help with rescue breathing.
Stick with them for a few hours and keep an eye on them, because there is always the chance that a real overdose could develop. Signs of an overdose include slow or shallow breathing, pale and clammy skin, snoring or gurgling while asleep and unresponsiveness to yelling or physical stimulation. If you suspect that someone may have overdosed call Additional steps you may take include rescue breathing and giving narcan, if available.
Call right away: Give them the address, tell them your friend is not breathing, stay calm and follow their instructions. Narcan may save their life but must be given quickly. They may need more than one dose. UConn Health. Search University of Connecticut. A to Z Index. What are opioids? What is an overdose? What are some common opioids I may have heard of? What are some addiction warning signs to watch out for?
Taking opioid medications for the feeling of pleasure or euphoria or for emotional escape People suggesting that you cut back or quit using the medications Taking the medications other than orally such as crushing and snorting, or injecting Having cravings when not taking the drugs Seeking early refills of prescriptions, prescriptions from other doctors, or drugs from other sources What are some tips for patients with pain medication? Do not increase your dosage without consulting your doctor Be aware of potential interactions with other substances, such as alcohol, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines, and sleep aids Do not sell or give your medications to others, or accept medications from other sources than a pharmacy Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including over-the-counter medicines and street drugs Tell your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse, an addictive personality, or are experiencing any of the warning signs of addiction What are some of the signs of an opioid overdose?
Blue lips, fingernails, or toenails Very slow or no breathing Faint pulse or no pulse Pale and clammy skin Unresponsive to calling their name or to pain Snoring or gurgling noises while asleep or nodding out How can I prevent an accidental overdose on prescription opioids?
Mixing Drugs Drugs with the same effects opiates and other depressants such as alcohol : Drugs with the same effects compound respiratory depression. Drugs with opposite effects like speedballs : If the upper wears off or prevents you from feeling the effects of the downer, you might end up doing more of the downer than you can handle.
Using Alone, By Yourself This is one of the most common reasons for overdose deaths. Lowered Tolerance Any period of abstinence, even one day, can lower tolerance. Coming out of jail, detox, drug treatment, a sober house, etc. Personal health and history of overdose: Any respiratory troubles such as smoking, COPD, emphysema, asthma, sleep apnea, respiratory infection, or other respiratory illness make it harder to breathe, and make it likelier that your breathing will stop.
Being sick, tired, or not having eaten increase overdose risk as well. Having overdosed in the past is the greatest predictor of a future overdose! How should I respond to an opioid overdose? Try waking them up: Yell their name, rub chest bone with your knuckles. Rescue Breathing Make sure nothing is in the persons mouth. With one hand on chin, tilt head back, pinch nose closed.
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