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Vicodin vs Tramadol: Which Is More Potency & Effectiveness For Pain Relief?

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Vicodin vs Tramadol

Pain relievers, as the name suggests, are used for relieving all types of pain, ranging from moderate to severe. These are considered to be the first line of treatment for any individual suffering from pain. Opioids are commonly used pain relievers that block the pain signals for us and provide relief. Vicodin and Tramadol are two of the opioids that are widely used. They interact with the central nervous system and provide relief to the body. This blog focuses on Vicodin vs Tramadol to provide you with all the necessary information regarding how these two differ from each other.

Further in this blog, we will be discussing which is more potent, Vicodin or Tramadol? Can you take both drugs together? Which is stronger? And alternatives to the drugs.

Comparing Vicodin and Tramadol: Dosages, Drug Interactions, Risks, & Alternatives

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is the brand name for Hydrocodone and is mostly utilize as a pain reliever. This drug consists of a combination of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen, which acts on the central nervous system to make the body feel calm and relaxed. Vicodin belongs to the category of Schedule II drugs and has the highest potential for addicting people. The law strictly prohibits selling or buying Vicodin illegally because it is a controlled substance.

Several dealers try to sell Vicodin illegally under the street names such as:

  • 357s
  • Fluff
  • Hydros
  • Idiot Pills
  • Lorris
  • Norco
  • Scratch
  • Tabs
  • Vicos
  • Vics
  • Vikes
  • Watsons

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. This drug can be very helpful for treating severe pain, which requires opioids for treatment. Tramadol is available to use in the form of capsules, tablets, and solutions. The extended-release form of the drug can be used for long-term treatment. Tramadol belongs to the category of Schedule IV drugs, and continuous exposure to it can cause dependency and addiction. Some dealers try to sell Tramadol illegally under names like Chill Pills, Trammies, and Ultras.

What’s The Difference Between Vicodin and Tramadol?

Vicodin and Tramadol both belong to the same group of drugs as well as have the same uses. But despite these, both drugs are not the same and have a wide range of differences between them. Various factors contribute to making these drugs apart from each other. Let’s discuss all those factors in more detail.

Dosages of Vicodin vs Tramadol

Every drug has a specific required number of doses that must be followed strictly to achieve the desired outcomes. The doses are not fixed and differ from patient to patient. The initial doses of any drug are very low to help the body adjust to it. Its amount can be adjusted later, depending on the individual’s status.

Tramadol Dosage

  • The initial dose of Tramadol is 25 mg once daily, which can be increased up to the maximum dose of 400 mg divided throughout the day.
  • The doses can be taken with or without food, and the extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole.

Vicodin Dosage

  • The average dose is 1 to 2 tablets or capsules every 4 to 6 hours.
  • For a liquid solution, the dose is 15 ml every 4 to 6 hours.

Side Effects of Vicodin vs Tramadol

Vicodin and Tramadol have various side effects that are noticed in individuals taking them. The most common symptoms are:

  • lightheadedness
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sedation
  • constipation
  • abdominal pain
  • rash
  • itching
  • addiction

In addition to these milder side effects, there are several other drug-specific effects noticed in individuals taking the drug. People taking Vicodin can face impaired judgment, which can be very harmful to their daily lives. Similarly, people taking Tramadol can have seizures and serotonin syndrome.

Drug Interactions

Vicodin and Tramadol do not go well with some of the other drugs. If they are taken together, it can result in an interaction that would be harmful to the body. So it is important to be aware of those drugs so that we can avoid mixing them and causing problems for the body. 

Drug Interactions of Vicodin

Drug Interactions of Tramadol

Which is Stronger, Vicodin or Tramadol?

Vicodin is considered to be stronger than Tramadol because it consists of Hydrocodone, which is a highly potent substance. Hydrocodone can directly bind to the opioid receptor to provide relief from pain, while Tramadol can’t associate directly with those receptors. The presence of Hydrocodone also makes Vicodin a Schedule II drug with a high risk of dependency and addiction. A very few amount of this drug can also make the body dependent, so Vicodin must be used carefully.

What is Better, Vicodin or Tramadol?

Choosing which drug is better for your treatment is highly subjective because it solely depends on the condition of the patient. Vicodin, being a high-potency drug, is better for people with acute pain. This provides instant relief to the sudden sensation of pain and helps to feel calm. Tramadol can be a better option for people who have to take medicines for a long time. Everybody won’t be able to handle the high-potency Vicodin because the aftereffects are a lot to deal with, so for such people, Tramadol is a better option

Can You Take Vicodin and Tramadol Together In The Same Day?

No, it is generally advised not to mix Vicodin and Tramadol, and use them on the same day, because there is a high risk of increased sedation. Patients with breathing problems should strictly avoid taking this combination because the mixture can cause respiratory depression, which can even lead to death. Doctors can prescribe the combination in very rare cases for not more than 7 days to avoid getting addicted. The prescribed dose by the doctor must be followed strictly because accidental overdose can lead to coma and even death.

Alternatives to Vicodin and Tramadol

There are various alternatives available for people unable to take any of the drugs. These alternatives work in the same way and provide relief without any side effects. Let’s discuss the other alternative options available for Vcodin and Tramadol.

Alternatives to Vicodin

  • Hydromorphone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Tramadol
  • Acetaminophen
  • Methadone
  • Aspirin
  • Morphine
  • Duloxetine
  • Oxymorphone

Alternatives to Tramadol

  • Ibuprofen
  • Acetaminophen
  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Naproxen
  • Gabapentin

Safety Measures Before Taking Drugs

You must abide by certain safety measures to avoid any health issues after taking the drug. Let’s discuss those.

  • Store the drug in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
  • Teach the children about the risks associated with the misuse of drugs and store the drugs where they can’t reach.
  • Check for the allergies associated with the drugs.
  • Make sure that you are always taking the prescribed amount and strictly avoid overdosing.

Conclusion

We can conclude that both Vicodin and Tramadol can be effective pain relievers; however, they can differ in potency which which influences the type of patients they are used to treat. Do not ever try to overdose on these drugs or try taking them in combination. Additionally, follow the doctor’s advice strictly and inform them immediately if you feel any discomfort after taking the medication.

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