It’s important to know the difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone, even if you take a prescription approved by a doctor. While these substances sound similar, they have different side effects, and both can be dangerous if not taken correctly.
At Gold Bridge Treatment Center, a trusted leader of rehab facilities in Topeka, we want to ensure you take your prescriptions as recommended so you are not putting yourself at risk. To keep you safe, we have compiled information on the difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone, otherwise known as OxyContin, is an opioid-based drug prescribed to relieve severe pain and is one of the most popular pain killers. Oxycodone is prescribed as a short-term pain reliever, commonly used for someone recovering from a surgery, but it can be prescribed for long-term pain relief.
Oxycodone can become highly addictive if not properly taken or taken for an extended period. Facilities that specialize in substance rehab in Topeka suggest taking this medicine ONLY if prescribed by a doctor. It is imperative to follow their directions carefully. Oxycodone can be very dangerous and cause severe damage to your body, including:
- Changes in your heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- And in cases of abuse, an increased risk of overdose
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone, otherwise known as Vicodin, is also an opioid-based pain pill that is commonly prescribed for short-term pain relief. Like Oxycodone, hydrocodone can become highly addictive if not taken properly or if taken for an extended amount of time. If you are suffering from a hydrocodone addiction, seek help at a trusted facility specializing in drug rehab in Topeka.
Hydrocodone can cause severe damage to your body if not properly taken, including:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Uncontrollable shaking
What is the Difference Between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone?
As a leader in drug rehabilitations in Topeka, we know how easy it can be to get oxycodone and hydrocodone confused. After all, they sound very similar and are both used for pain relief. The biggest difference between the two substances is that oxycodone is available as an immediate and time-released painkiller, while hydrocodone is only available as an instant-release painkiller (except in rare cases where doctors prescribe time-release hydrocodone).
How to Tell if You Have an Oxycodone or Hydrocodone Addiction
As a substance abuse treatment center in Topeka, we know how common prescription drug addictions can be. Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are considered high-risk drugs and are both commonly abused.
Common signs of prescription pain killer addiction include:
- You cannot stop taking the drug
- Severe pain after you stop taking the medicine
- Your current dosage isn’t enough to stop your pain
- You often crave more
- You are constantly refilling your prescription
If you are suffering from an addiction to oxycodone or hydrocodone, immediately seek help at a trusted drug treatment center in Topeka.
Are You Looking for Reliable Rehab Facilities in Topeka?
If you or someone you love is battling substance abuse in Topeka, please reach out to our Gold Bridge Treatment Center staff. You can call us at 913-837-4653, or you can contact us online. We are experts in alcohol and drug addiction help and strive to be one of the best rehab facilities in Topeka.
We specialize in helping individuals make changes for a happier, healthier life. We also offer group counseling, individual counseling, and inpatient treatment services.
Our facility is located southeast of Topeka in Louisburg, KS. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.