Nowadays people are worried because of severe pain. There are many painkillers available in the market but two of the most prescribed are Norco and Vicodin. Both are hard medications made with a combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone which are two low-dose pain relief substances, which have to be prescribed by a doctor. If you have been experiencing severe pain for a long time you can try both of the Norco and Vicodin drugs now. These are offered in tablet and capsule forms.
This blog will present several factors that define the differentiation of these two drugs, such as side effects and interactions. Both medications are the same but some major differences are shown below:
Norco Vs Vicodin: differences between Norco and Vicodin
Hydrocodone acts on some opioid receptors and changes how the brain reads and transmits pain signals. Acetaminophen helps with pain by a different mechanism from relieving fever. There are several Norco forms, including tablets and oral solutions.
Vicodin is an effective pain medication that works with chronic pain conditions. It is available in tablet form and combines other drug brands that have pain relief prescriptions. The drug contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a powerful analgesic while acetaminophen acts as a weaker addition to assist in the effectiveness of hydrocodone. Take this medication orally exactly as directed by your healthcare or physician. You may take the pill with or without food. You may take the pill with food if you feel nausea.
This is specifically intended for the treatment and yet is prescribed very evenly between Norco and Vicodin. On establishing the strengths of hydrocodone and acetaminophen from the two drugs, Vicodin comes in 2 forms: hydrocodone 5 mg and 7.5 mg whereas Norco may contain hydrocodone dosage as high as 10 mg. In this case, Norco would be considered stronger in terms of treatment. Both medications have been prescribed for short-term use only, the only difference being the strength of hydrocodone.
| Factors | Norco | Vicodin |
| Active Ingredients | Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen | Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen |
| Hydrocodone Content | 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg | 5 mg, 7.5 mg |
| Acetaminophen Content | 325mg 300mg or 500mg | (depending on the formulation) |
| Formulations Available | Tablets (various strengths) | Tablets, capsules (various strengths) |
| Legal Status | Schedule II controlled substance | Schedule II controlled substance |
Side Effects of Norco usage
Norco is a prescription pain relieving drug with two active components which include ‘Hydrocodone’ which is a narcotic and ‘Acetaminophen’ which is a pain reliever medicine that does not work as a narcotic. Norco has its benefits, but it can cause several side effects in a patient. These can vary from mild side effects to serious complaints, considering the safety of the drug and the intensity of the pain treated.
Here are the potential side effects of hydrocodone
- Restlessness or Drowsiness
- Dizziness or Light-headedness
- Diarrhea or Loss of Appetite
- Liver Injury
- Indigestion
- Serious Joint Pain
- Dependence or Addiction
- Constipation
- Anaphylaxis
- Headache
- Difficulty in Speaking
Vicodin Side Effects
Vicodin is a prescription medication that contains two ingredients hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid analgesic). Vicodin is helpful in managing moderate to severe pain but, it has its share of side effects. These can be severe or mild and include:
Common Side Effects Vicodin pills
- Lethargy or Hypersomnia or Sedation
- Vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastro Intestinal disorders
- Migraine
- Sticky throat
- Gustatory And Olfactory Processes – Receptor Physiology
- Heat Bumps
- Intense Mood Changes (highly overjoyed or altered state of feeling)
Serious Side Effects of Vicodin tablets
- Bradycardia
- Reduced cardiac output
- Convulsions
- Sleep Apnea (lower respiratory rate)
- Extreme Sleepiness or an inability to remain conscious
- Anaphylactic Reaction stomach ache (anaphylactic reaction, blisters on the tongue, lips and throat)
- Acute Hepatitis (specially when consuming alcohol)
- Persistent Disorientation
Norco And Vicodin Interaction
Both Norco and Vicodin work quite similarly because they contain hydrocodone. These medications bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and the spinal cord, resulting in reduced pain perception. So, Norco and Vicodin both affect the central nervous system to relieve pain.
The active ingredient in both medications hydrocodone, is enhanced in potency by the presence of acetaminophen.
Taking Norco and Vicodin drugs together or when Vicodin is combined with Norco not being prescribed can lead to an increased risk of acetaminophen overdose and subsequent liver damage. Liver damage caused by acetaminophen can lead to liver failure and death in severe situations.
Both medicines include an opioid (hydrocodone), which increases the risk of developing an addiction, dependence, or overdosing on the drug. Excessive use can result in respiratory depression, which slows down breathing and could ultimately cause death.
Conclusion
This blog is not meant to substitute the original and professional data that mentions the facts but it covers the significant points as well which is important to know. Because purpose, effects, and ingredients are described, it may help you out in making your choice as to which one among the many suits you. Both Norco And Vicodin are the safest medications but taking an overdose may be harmful to the health.