Percocet Vs Norco: Which Opioid Works Faster And Lasts Longer? A Complete Guide

Opioids have been used as pain relievers for a very long time. They are used as the first line of treatment for someone recently undergone any major surgery, injury, or any type of unbearable pain. They help in soothing the pain and providing relaxation. The family of Opioids consists of a wide variety of medicines used for treatment. Percocet and Norco also belong to the family of Opioids and are widely recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. They are made from a combination of ingredients, and both have the same purpose, but certain factors make them differ from each other. So, what is Percocet vs Norco? Why do they differ from each other? These are the insights we will cover in this blog.

Further in this blog, we will have a complete overview of the side effects, dosage, and strength of both drugs, which is stronger and better, Percocet or Norco, and whether you can take Percocet and Norco together or not.

Comparing Percocet and Norco: What Patients Should Know Before Choosing

What are Percocet and Norco?

Percocet can be obtained with a prescription and is used for the treatment of severe to moderate pain. It is made up of two ingredients, Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. It is mostly used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain where other Opioids do not seem to work well. Percocet is available in tablet and solution form and can be taken with or without food and water.

Norco is a prescription drug consisting of the combination of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Hydrocodone alters the way our brain reacts to pain, while Acetaminophen helps in relieving pain. Together, both of these drugs act as very effective pain relievers. Norco is available in the form of a tablet and liquid. It is sometimes used as a cough suppressant due to the presence of Hydrocodone.

What’s The Difference Between Percocet vs Norco?

Despite being used for the same treatment and belonging to the same class, there are certain factors that make Percocet and Norco different from each other. Let’s discuss those factors in more detail.

Drug Interactions of Percocet vs Norco

If combining two drugs has more adverse effects than positive effects, then both drugs are said to have an interaction with each other. Similarly, in the case of Percocet and Norco, certain types of drugs can’t be taken if the doctor has already prescribed these, and vice versa. It’s important that you are aware of all those drugs so that you can stop mishappens.

Drugs that interact with Percocet are:

• Isocarboxazid
• Levoketoconazole
• Mavorixafor
• Naltrexone
• Phenelzine
• Safinamide
• Samidorphan

Drugs that interact with Norco are:

• Ambien
• Baclofen
• Clonazepam
• Lyrica
• Tizanidine

All of these drugs can have either mild or major interactions; therefore, it is always important to check with healthcare providers regarding the drugs.

Dosage Administered For Percocet vs Norco

The dosage of Percocet and Norco is not fixed and varies according to the requirements of the individual. The physician prescribes doses based on various conditions, like side effects, health conditions, tolerance level, etc. Let’s discuss about doses required for an individual in general.

Percocet Dosage

Percocet is available in various dosage forms, such as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg. So, there are different ways of taking these.

• For a 2.5 mg tablet, the recommended dose is one or two tablets every six hours or as needed.
• For the rest of the doses, it is recommended to take one tablet every six hours

Norco Dosage

Like Percocet, Norco is also available in different forms, like 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg, and hence there are various ways in which these tablets are taken.

• For the 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets, it is one to two tablets every four to six hours.
• For 7.5 mg, the dosage is one tablet every four hours.
• For 10 mg, the dosage is one tablet every four to six hours.

Can You Take Percocet and Norco together?

No, a physician never recommends taking Percocet and Norco together because these medications possess the risk of increasing opioid levels in the body. Increased Opioid level decreases the level of oxygen supply to the brain by decreasing the ability to breathe. Since both of these drugs contain Acetaminophen as the common substance, combining these increases the level of it. An overdose of Acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. Percocet and Norco are short-acting opioids; hence, combining these also won’t have much effect for the treatment of acute pain.

Which Is Stronger Percocet or Norco?

Percocet and Norco differ in their potency level due to the ingredients present in them. Percocet has Oxycodone, and Norco consists of Hydrocodone; it is a known fact that Oxycodone is much stronger than Hydrocodone, therefore making Percocet stronger as compared to Norco. Due to the high potency level, there is always a chance of getting more misuse, which is exactly the case with Percocet. This drug is used as an addictive substance and also comes under the category of controlled substances.

Side Effects of Percocet And Norco

Percocet and Norco, being opioid medications, have a wide range of side effects that can range from mild to severe. The most common and milder effects of the drug include:

• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite

These side effects can be treated at home and do not require a visit to the doctor. In addition to these effects, several other effects are more dangerous and are drug-specific, i.e., they only happen to the people taking that drug. Percocet can cause cardiovascular as well as liver problems; similarly, Norco can cause hepatotoxicity, shortness of breath, and dysphagia. You should definitely consult a physician if any of these symptoms are noticed, and consider an alternative to these drugs.

Which Is Better Percocet or Norco?

Choosing between Percocet and Norco for treatment depends on the individual. The physician prescribes the drug based on factors such as tolerance level, medical history, and the severity of the symptoms. People with low tolerance levels are prescribed Norco due to its low potency and hence fewer side effects. For people with a higher tolerance level of drugs, they are administered Percocet as they are capable of handling the latter effects. The physician may also sometimes suggest taking these drugs alternatively for people with acute pain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Percocet and Norco the same?

No, Percocet and Norco are not the same and differ from each other in factors like potency, dosages, which is better between the two, and their side effects.

Can Percocet and Norco be taken during pregnancy?

No, neither of these should be administered to pregnant women due to the risk of miscarriage and harm to the fetus. This can also result in premature birth and cause withdrawal syndrome in the babies.

Conclusion

At the end, we can conclude that both Percocet and Norco are efficient in treating the pain, but which drug to choose between them depends on the individual’s condition. Do not try to change the doses or interchange between the drugs on your own. Stick to your prescription strictly, and you will see efficient results in your condition.