Percocet vs. Norco Drug
Percocet and Norco drug are medications prescribed to patients with moderate to moderately severe pain commonly associated with injury, surgery, or dental procedures. Although these painkillers may be used to treat similar conditions, there are a few small differences in their chemical composition and how they impact addiction.
Percocet and Norco drug are both combination drugs that contain opioid painkillers and acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer). This combination allows the drugs to effectively treat different types of pain simultaneously. The opioid found in Percocet is oxycodone, while in Norco drug is the opioid ingredient is hydrocodone. Published research indicates that Percocet and Norco drug treat pain equally.
Percocet and Norco drug have half-lives of approximately 4 hours. Both drugs are used to treat the acute onset of pain and can be expected to provide pain relief for anywhere between 4-6 hours.
Taking Percocet or Norco can help you feel happy and relaxed. These drugs have similar common side effects that include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Impaired motor skills
- Euphoria
Studies have shown that Percocet is more likely to cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and headache. Other research shows that people taking Norco drug experience constipation and stomach pain more frequently than people using Percocet.
Both drugs depress the central nervous system and can lead to more serious side effects if taken at higher dosages. In a double-blind study, results concluded that a combination of oxycodone and ibuprofen caused the best pain relief with the fewest adverse effects. Overdose of either drug can result in dangerous symptoms that can include decreased breathing, low blood pressure, organ failure, and even death.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is the brand name of an opiate pharmaceutical drug that is usually prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Percocet is also prescribed to individuals suffering from chronic pain. It contains oxycodone hydrochloride, which influences the brain’s perception of pain, and acetaminophen, which inhibits pain-related chemicals in the brain.
Percocet Drug Addiction may induce serious side effects, and it is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Prescription painkiller abuse is a widespread problem in the US and around the world. About 52 million Americans older than 12 have used prescription medications nonmedically at some point in their lives. Many become addicted, and that process happens slowly. Some people don’t notice the moment at which they shift from recreational abuse to intense addiction, but when addiction takes hold, it can be serious.
Due to the potential for abuse and addiction with Percocet, the drug’s manufacturer, Endo Pharmaceuticals, states in the prescribing information for Percocet that it is normally reserved for those who are tolerant to other opioids or those who haven’t obtained pain relief from other sources.
An individual can overdose on Percocet if the drug is taken more often than prescribed, if tablets are crushed or chewed, or if it is combined with other sedatives, such as alcohol or sleeping pills. Overdose is considered a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, serious health effects and even death can occur.
Long-term Percocet drug addiction impacts negatively an individual’s long-term health, as well as their psychological and emotional wellbeing. Thankfully, comprehensive addiction treatment can help individuals safely withdraw from this prescription drug and stop the abuse of all substances.
What Is Norco Drug?
Norco drug is a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). Hydrocodone is a potent opioid that relieves moderate to severe pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent painkiller used to enhance the effects of hydrocodone.
Supplied in tablet form, Norco drug is most often prescribed in two strengths: either 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone combined with 325 mg of acetaminophen. Before the FDA lowered the level of acetaminophen allowed, Norco had the lowest amount of acetaminophen for any hydrocodone drugs. Currently, it has the highest amount of acetaminophen allowed (325 mg) — slightly more than the 300 mg found in Vicodin.
According to the scientific research ‘Hydrocodone’, published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Hydrocodone is used to relieve severe pain. Hydrocodone is only used to treat people who are expected to need medication to relieve severe pain around-the-clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications or treatments.
Hydrocodone extended-release (long-acting) capsules or extended-release tablets should not be used to treat pain that can be controlled by medication that is taken as needed. Hydrocodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Addiction to Percocet and Norco drug
Percocet and Norco drug interact with opioid receptors in your body, altering the way you feel and respond to pain. Like other opioids, these drugs both have a high potential for abuse that can lead to addiction. Percocet is more powerful when compared to Norco drug.
Not surprisingly, there is a higher risk of abuse with Percocet, as is generally the case with more potent opioids. As such, Percocet and Norco drug should only be taken as instructed by your doctor. You should take these drugs only for as long as they are prescribed, in the amounts prescribed, and no more frequently than prescribed.
Some of the common signs that someone has a dependence on opioids are:
- Changing social groups
- Lack of interest in activities
- Isolation from friends and family
- Poor hygiene
- Dramatic mood changes
- Missing work or appointments
- Hyperactivity
- Being tired
Treatment Options
Addiction to Percocet or Norco drug should be treated with the assistance of substance abuse professionals. Due to the harmful physical and psychological symptoms you can experience during withdrawal, it is recommended to undergo detox in a medical facility or detox center where you will be safe and comfortable. Certain medications can be given to you during detox to help minimize cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, you will transition to a facility for rehab. Treatment programs commonly consist of individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, and alternative therapies. Behavioral therapy is often an important part of treatment and it will help you address the underlying causes of your abuse to Percocet or Norco drug.
This will provide you with the coping tools needed to prevent future relapse. Aftercare treatment is also an important part of successful long-term recovery. You will also benefit from participation in addiction support groups, many of which hold meetings at local hospitals, places of worship, and community centers.
Reclaim Your Life From Percocet and Norco drug
Percocet or Norco drug addiction are chronic diseases that can cause major health, social, and economic problems that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up Treatment Center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from Percocet or Norco drug addiction with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.
Sources
[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine – ‘Hydrocodone’ (medlineplus.gov)
[2] We Level Up Treatment Center – Harmful Effects of Norco
[3] What is the U.S. Opioid Epidemic? – www.hhs.gov
[4] Opioid addiction – U.S. National Library of Medicine (medlineplus.gov)
[5] Opioid Overdose Crisis – National Institute on Drug Abuse (www.drugabuse.gov)
[7] We Level Up California – Prescription Drug Addiction (www.welevelupca.com)