Vicodin and Percocet are two opioid painkillers. Studies suggest these drugs may be similarly effective short-term, but Percocet may be stronger at equal doses.

Vicodin and Percocet are two powerful prescription opioid medications used to treat pain. Vicodin contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen

.Read on for an in-depth comparison of these two medications, including how well they work, how much they cost, and what side effects they may cause.

Vicodin and Percocet are opioid narcotic medications. Morphine also belongs to this class. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies opioids as Schedule 2 drugs. This means they have a high risk of abuse and could lead to a physical or psychological dependence (addiction).

Vicodin and Percocet are both prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. For the most part, they should only be prescribed to treat acute or short-term pain caused by an injury or surgery. However, in some cases, these drugs may be prescribed to treat chronic or long-term pain due to conditions such as arthritis or cancer.

Opioids work by interfering with the way pain signals are sent through your central nervous system (CNS) to your brain. 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.

Vicodin:

  • Vicodin tablets: 300 mg of acetaminophen with 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg hydrocodone
  • Generic tablets: 300 mg or 325 mg of acetaminophen with 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg hydrocodone
  • Generic liquid: 325 mg acetaminophen with 7.5 mg or 10 mg hydrocodone per 15 mL

Percocet:

  • Percocet tablets: 325 mg of acetaminophen with 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg oxycodone
  • Generic tablets: 300 mg or 325 mg of acetaminophen with 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg oxycodone
  • Generic liquid: 325 mg acetaminophen and 5 mg oxycodone for every 5 mL

Vicodin or Percocet is typically taken every four to six hours as needed for pain.

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 1.5 times more potent than hydrocodone, the drug in Vicodin, when prescribed and taken at equal doses.

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.com reported that the brand-name version of Percocet was much more expensive than the brand-name version of Vicodin. 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:

  • drowsiness
  • shallow breathing
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • mood changes, such as anxiety, agitation, or depression
  • dry mouth
  • problems with coordination or using your limbs during certain tasks, including playing sports and driving
  • constipation

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.

Serious side effects

Severe but less common side effects can occur with Vicodin and Percocet medications. If you have any of these side effects, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. These side effects may include:

  • trouble breathing
  • seizures
  • low blood pressure
  • rapid heartbeat
  • painful urination or trouble urinating
  • confusion
  • allergic reaction, with symptoms such as itching, hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your tongue or throat

Both Vicodin and Percocet affect your mental and physical abilities, such as judgment and reflexes. You shouldn’t drive or use heavy machinery if you’re taking either medication.

Vicodin and Percocet are powerful drugs, so you should be aware of the risks involved with taking them.

Dependence and withdrawal

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.

Drug interactions

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.

Other conditions

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.

Alcohol

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. Questions to ask your doctor might include:

  • Would one of these drugs benefit me more than the other?
  • Should I be concerned about becoming addicted to this drug?
  • Is there a non-opioid pain medication I could use instead?
  • If I have side effects from this drug, which ones should I call you about?
  • For how long should I take my opioid pain medication?
  • How will I know if I am becoming tolerant or addicted to this drug?