For treating acute or continuous pain, OxyContin and Percocet are two popular formulations in the USA. These two pills are used in same purpose, but in different conditions. It means the pills have some similar characteristics for which the pill can be used in same cases. But while using any one of the pills the should aware of OxyContin Vs Percocet differences. Because it will help to decide which one is better according to your condition.
In this article, you will learn about the detailed information about OxyContin and Percocet characteristics, as well as their associated negative factors for optimal use. If you want a medication with the least side effects and the best results, then know its chemical properties briefly in below.
Characteristics of OxyContin Vs Percocet Differences
OxyContin and Percocet are generally prescribed when other opioid and non-opioid pills don’t work well. Both pills are FDA approved and tested safe for human use, but they are misused substances due to it’s sedative properties. So you can’t buy OxyContin and Percocet without prescription in all over the USA. If you want to buy OxyContin and Percocet without prescription legally, then visit newlifemedix.com. It is a trusted online pharma store where you can get the medicines at the best price.
General Information about OxyContin and Percocet
Both OxyContin and Percocet are narcotic drugs often prescribed for pain relief after major surgery or after some chronic conditions like back pain or headaches. OxyContin has active ingredient oxycodone, and Percocet has combination of Oxycodone and acetaminophen as an active ingredient. So whenever you use the pill, fix the amount of dose carefully and do not alter the prescribed medicine for others.
Here, OxyContin is a Schedule II controlled substance, which is an extended-release version of Oxycodone. As it is an extended-release formulation, it is used for long-term pain management. Some serious conditions like cancer, arthritis, and injury related pain needs around the clock solution for managing the pain.
Percocet is an oral pill available in tablet form as the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. The case in which acetaminophen doesn’t work alone, Oxycodone combined with it forms a high-quality composition to cure pain effectively. Percocet is also categorized into a Schedule II controlled substance due to its calming effect. So it needs proper guidance to be used.
Working Mechanism Of Percocet and OxyContin
Both pills contain Oxycodone, so let’s know first how oxycodone works for you. Oxycodone calms the opioid receptors in brain which control the transmission of pain signals. Oxycodone specifically affects the mu-receptors in the brain. By binding to these neurotransmitters, it blocks the transmission of pain signals. As a result, the patient will feel less pain. The major idea behind this is that Oxycodone alters the perception of pain instead of affecting the source of pain.
Here, OxyContin, containing Oxycodone, slowly releases over a long period and gives around the clock pain relief solution. Similarly, Percocet relief pain but not for a long period. It additionally contains acetaminophen which works as fever reducer.
Key Differences of OxyContin Vs Percocet Opioids
Comparision of both pills holds an important role for choosing any one of the pills. Understanding the contrasts between pills will help the physician as well as the patient with their drug interactions and overdose symptoms. Due to their common active component and uses people are confused about are OxyContin and Percocet the same? Or can i switch from OxyContin to Percocet? To know the answer of these questions, let’s know their disimilarities in below.
- Both pills are different in composition, for which they are used in different conditions. Oxycodone is common to them, and Percocet contains an extra element, acetaminophen.
- OxyContin and Percocet are mainly differ in formulations. Percocet is available in immediate-release form, and OxyContin is a well-known extended-release form of Oxycodone.
- OxyContin and Percocet are both Opioids, but OxyContin is an Opioid agonist, whereas Percocet is an Opioid analgesic and antipyretic.
- Onset action of Percocet is faster than the OxyContin. OxyContin takes 15-30 minutes to start working while Percocet starts its onset within few minutes.
Risk Factors to Be Considered for OxyContin and Percocet
Percocet and OxyContin are effective for managing chronic and acute pain. As they affect the Central nervous Opioid receptors, which may cause negative effects. It is important to know those risk factors to know how to avoid or taking precautions for them.
Drug Interactions
Whenever you are prescribed or want to take the OxyContin and Percocet pills, know their possible drug interactions. Do not take those pills that harm you when taken with these pills.
What drugs interact with OxyContin and Percocet?
- Benzodiazepines(Such as Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin)
- Other opioids (Oxycodone, Vicodin, Norco, Hydrocodone)
- Anticonvulsants (Lamictal, Zonisamide, Gabapentin)
- Muscle relaxants ( Zanaflex, Soma, Lorzone)
- Sleeping pills (Lunesta, Ambien, Restoril)
- SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants
When you take these drugs with OxyContin or Percocet, it can cause serious sedation or breathing problem to you. The aspects are not same for every one the symptoms may differ but the drug interactions must cause any harmful effect to you.
Addiction and Dependence
In their working mechanism you known that they do not affect the source of pain rather than alters perception of pain. So if the pills are used for a long period it can cause dependence to the pill. The patient will need the pill even for a minor pain condition. Gradually, it converts to addiction in which the patient the pill at any cost.
Some creep people misuse the pill by snorting, which may cause serious respiratory depression. Whenever you use the pill be ware all of these and do not use for a longer duration.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare in using OxyContin and Percocet, but can be caused if used carelessly. Always follow the doctor’s guidance to take the pill. Know the possible side effects to take precaution without being panic when it happens.
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Withdrawal Symptoms
- Lightheadedness
- Cough suppression
- Slow breathing
- Dizziness
- Trouble in Cardiac function
- Sleepiness
Conclusion
OxyContin and Percocet are very effective pills for pain management. If you want to know which is best in OxyContin and Percocet, then multiple factors should be considered. When the patient needs a pill for acute pain management, then the Percocet will be good for them. But when the patient needs long-term pain management, OxyContin will fit for them. Other factors like age, metabolism, other medical issues, weight, and lifestyle of the patient will affect the effectiveness of pill. So take the pill under the supervision of a physician for an optimal result.