Oxycodone and Norco are opioid medications commonly used to manage pain. Both of these drugs, like heroin, are derived from the opium plant, but they are legally produced by pharmaceutical companies and strictly regulated by the federal government. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, reducing a person’s perception of pain. When taken in accordance with a prescription, they are effective in managing acute or chronic moderate to severe pain, but they also have a high potential for misuse and dependence and come with the risk of many negative side effects and health hazards.
If you’ve been struggling with the misuse of oxycodone, Norco, or other addictive substances, contact Guardian Recovery to learn more about how professional treatment can help you break free from addiction and promote long-lasting abstinence. Our comprehensive rehab programs and personalized treatment plans are designed to provide individuals with the tools, skills, and support they need to overcome substance misuse and navigate the world with a new, healthier, sober perspective on life.
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What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a painkiller prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It can be found as a generic drug or under the brand names OxyContin or Percocet. It’s chemically similar to other semi-synthetic prescription opioids and is derived from thebaine, a naturally-occurring alkaloid in the opium poppy plant. Oxycodone was first developed by German chemists in the early 20th century in an effort to create a less-addictive form of morphine but did not experience widespread use as a painkiller until the 1990s. It is now one of the most regularly prescribed opioids in the world and is used to manage a wide variety of pain conditions.
OxyContin, developed by Purdue Pharma in 1995, is the most well-known brand name for oxycodone. (1) Unfortunately, its potent effects have been blamed for fueling the opioid epidemic, which has resulted in a massive number of overdose deaths due to the misuse of prescription painkillers and illicit drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl.
What Is Norco?
Norco (hydrocodone) is the brand name for a combination painkiller medication that includes the opioids hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Like oxycodone, hydrocodone was first synthesized in the early 19th century by German chemists and was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1943. (2) Other drugs similar to Norco include Lortab, Vicodin, and various generic versions. It’s been used for decades as a treatment for moderate to severe pain and is one of the most frequently prescribed analgesics in the United States. Although Norco is considered relatively safe, using it in excessive amounts or with other substances can lead to adverse effects that can be severe and even fatal.
How Are Oxycodone & Norco Similar & Different?
Oxycodone and Norco have a similar mechanism of action in the central nervous system (CNS) and are both associated with sedating and rewarding effects that can lead to misuse and addiction. Both drugs come with greater risks when combined with other substances that reduce activity in the CNS, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids. They also have nearly identical adverse side effects, including headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and respiratory depression.
Although these drugs share many characteristics, they are not the same. In fact, Norco is a brand name combination product containing both hydrocodone and acetaminophen. In contrast, oxycodone is a standalone opioid, though it is sometimes seen in combination products alongside acetaminophen (e.g., Percocet), ibuprofen (e.g., Combunox), or aspirin (e.g., Percodan). The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies oxycodone and Norco as Schedule II controlled substances, indicating that despite having legitimate medical uses, they have a significant potential for misuse. (3)
Oxycodone & Norco Can Both Be Used to Treat:
- Acute and chronic, long-term pain.
- Moderate to severe pain.
- Pain related to injury or surgery.
- Pain related to enduring or relapsing conditions, including cancer.
- Pain that is not well-controlled by other first-line interventions.
- Pain experienced by terminally ill patients in hospice or palliative care settings.
Differences Between Oxycodone & Norco Include:
- Oxycodone is synthesized in a laboratory as a derivative of thebaine, whereas hydrocodone is derived from codeine.
- Oxycodone is generally considered to be slightly more potent than hydrocodone, although similar pain relief outcomes are reported. (4)
- Hydrocodone, one of the active ingredients in Norco, can be used as a cough suppressant to help relieve coughing associated with respiratory infections.
- Acetaminophen, the other active ingredient in Norco, is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer.
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Doses & Administration
The dosage and administration of oxycodone and Norco vary based on the individual’s medical history, unique factors, and the type and severity of pain involved. Both drugs are available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) tablets to be taken orally with water and with or without food. It’s vital not to break, crush, or chew either oxycodone or Norco IR or ER tablets, as this can cause an excessive amount of the medication to be released at once, resulting in severe side effects or overdose.
The typical adult dose of IR oxycodone in tablet or capsule form is 5–15 mg taken every 4–6 hours, as needed. (5) The ER formulation is 10–80 mg taken 1–2 times daily, depending on patient needs, and dosages should not exceed 288 mg per day. The typical adult dose of IR Norco for pain relief is 10–20 mg taken every 4–6 hours, as needed. (6) For the ER version, 10 mg can be taken every 12 hours. (7)
Oxycodone & Norco Price Comparison & Availability
The costs of oxycodone and Norco vary depending on the formulation (IR vs. ER), as well as dosage, quantity, and pharmacy prices. A typical cash price, without insurance, of 10 mg IR oxycodone tablets and 5 mg IR capsules in the U.S. is approximately $40 for quantities of 60 and 20, respectively.
The typical cash price of 10 mg IR Norco tablets is approximately $180 for a quantity of 30. In comparison, generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen medications are considerably less expensive, averaging around $75 for a quantity of 60 10 mg tablets.
It’s important to note that insurance coverage and discounts or coupons can dramatically decrease the cost of both oxycodone and Norco in many cases, and both typical cash and discount prices for these medications can be found at GoodRx. (8)(9)
Oxycodone & Norco Warnings & Drug Interactions
Oxycodone and Norco can cause extreme sedation and life-threatening CNS depression, and this risk may be increased by using these medications in excessive doses or with other substances that can have adverse interactions. Examples include other opioids, prescription medications, and illicit drugs with either depressant or stimulant effects. (10) It’s crucial for patients to inform their healthcare providers of all the medications they’re taking to prevent dangerous drug interactions.
Risks of Oxycodone & Norco Addiction & Dependence
Dependence and addiction are serious medical conditions that have been associated with a wide range of adverse physical, psychological, and social consequences.
Risks of Opioid Dependence & Addiction Include:
- Tolerance—This condition requires users to consume increasing amounts of a substance to experience the desired effects.
- Physical Health Conditions—These include respiratory problems, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and infection.
- Mental Health Issues—These include emerging or worsening depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and suicidal ideations.
- Adverse Social Consequences—Relationship stress, job loss, financial issues, and legal problems are all commonly associated with addiction.
Life-Threatening Overdose—Using opioids excessively or with other substances can lead to respiratory depression and other overdose effects that can be fatal or result in long-lasting mental and physical harm.
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The misuse of illicit or prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and Norco, is extremely risky and can lead to serious side effects, physical and mental health disorders, drug dependence, and addiction. Individuals struggling to control their use due to uncontrolled pain or psychiatric issues are urged to seek treatment before this habit continues to progress and results in devastating effects in critical areas of one’s life.
If you reach out to Guardian Recovery today, you can speak with an experienced Treatment Advisor and learn more about our straightforward admissions process and multiple levels of care. We offer both inpatient and outpatient programs and a wide variety of evidence-based therapies, services, and activities beneficial for the treatment of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation assessment and health insurance benefits check, and let us help you get started on your recovery journey.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
