Percocet vs. Hydrocodone: Key Differences, Similarities, and Risks
Percocet vs. Hydrocodone: Differences, Norco, Strength, Risks & Addiction
Percocet and hydrocodone are prescription opioids used to treat pain, but they are not the same medication. Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, while hydrocodone is a different opioid found in several prescription formulations.
This guide explains Percocet vs. hydrocodone, Norco vs. Percocet, oxycodone vs. hydrocodone, relative strength, side effects, dependence, addiction and treatment options.
Quick Answer: Percocet and Hydrocodone Are Different Opioids
Percocet contains oxycodone plus acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a separate opioid that may be prescribed alone or combined with other medications. Brand names historically associated with hydrocodone-acetaminophen products include Norco and Vicodin.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription medication that combines oxycodone with acetaminophen. Oxycodone is the opioid component responsible for much of the medication’s pain-relieving effect, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever.
Oxycodone
A semi-synthetic opioid used to treat pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic.
Acetaminophen
A non-opioid pain reliever included in Percocet. Too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver injury.
Because Percocet contains oxycodone, comparing Percocet with hydrocodone is partly a comparison between oxycodone and hydrocodone.
What Is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used in prescription pain medications. It is different from oxycodone, although the two medications produce similar opioid effects and carry many of the same risks.
Hydrocodone has historically appeared in combination pain medications such as Norco and Vicodin, where hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen. Hydrocodone products are not all identical, so patients should check the exact product and strength they were prescribed.
Does Percocet Contain Hydrocodone?
No. Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a different opioid.
Percocet vs. Hydrocodone: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is the opioid involved. Percocet contains oxycodone. Hydrocodone medications contain hydrocodone. Both can cause physical dependence, misuse, addiction, respiratory depression and overdose.
| Comparison | Percocet | Hydrocodone |
|---|---|---|
| Primary opioid | Oxycodone | Hydrocodone |
| Contains acetaminophen? | Yes | Depends on the specific product |
| Medication type | Combination prescription opioid | Opioid available in different formulations |
| Controlled substance | Schedule II | Schedule II |
| Physical dependence | Possible | Possible |
| Addiction and misuse risk | Serious | Serious |
| Overdose risk | Yes | Yes |
Norco vs. Percocet
Norco and Percocet are not the same medication. Norco has historically referred to a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, while Percocet combines oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Norco
- Contains hydrocodone as the opioid component
- Historically combined with acetaminophen
- Schedule II opioid medication
Percocet
- Contains oxycodone as the opioid component
- Contains acetaminophen
- Schedule II opioid medication
Why This Matters
A comparison of Norco vs. Percocet is primarily a comparison between hydrocodone and oxycodone while recognizing that both combination products also contain acetaminophen.
Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both semi-synthetic opioid analgesics. They act on opioid receptors and can reduce the perception of pain, but they are separate medications with different dosing considerations and formulations.
Percocet contains oxycodone. Hydrocodone is a different opioid. Norco has historically contained hydrocodone with acetaminophen.
Is Percocet Stronger Than Hydrocodone?
There is no single safe answer based only on a medication’s brand name. The effect of an opioid depends on the specific drug, dose, formulation, opioid tolerance, other medications and individual health factors.
Oxycodone is generally considered more potent milligram-for-milligram than hydrocodone, but that does not mean someone should calculate equivalent doses or substitute one medication for another without medical supervision.
Do Not Compare Opioid Doses for Self-Dosing
Both medications can cause potentially life-threatening respiratory depression and overdose. Dose changes or medication substitutions should be handled by a qualified healthcare professional.
Side Effects of Percocet and Hydrocodone
Percocet and hydrocodone products can produce similar opioid-related side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Sedation
Serious Risks
- Respiratory depression
- Misuse and addiction
- Overdose
- Acetaminophen-related liver injury in combination products
Acetaminophen Risks in Combination Opioids
Percocet contains acetaminophen, and some hydrocodone medications also combine hydrocodone with acetaminophen. This creates an additional safety consideration beyond the opioid itself.
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver injury. Acetaminophen is also found in many over-the-counter medications, so combining products can unintentionally increase the total daily amount.
Can You Mix Percocet or Hydrocodone With Alcohol?
Combining opioids with alcohol can be dangerous. Alcohol and opioids can both depress the central nervous system. Taking them together can increase sedation and the risk of severe respiratory depression, overdose, coma or death.
High-Risk Combinations
Similar concerns apply when opioids are combined with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants.
Percocet and Hydrocodone Dependence vs. Addiction
Physical dependence and addiction are related but different concepts.
Physical Dependence
The body adapts to repeated opioid exposure. Reducing or stopping the opioid may then produce withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid Use Disorder
A problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress, such as impaired control, strong cravings or continued use despite harm.
Signs Percocet or Hydrocodone Use May Be Becoming a Problem
Increasing Use
Taking larger amounts, using more frequently or taking the medication differently from how it was prescribed.
Difficulty Cutting Back
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to reduce use, strong cravings or repeatedly running out of medication early.
Continued Use Despite Harm
Continuing opioid use despite health, work, financial, legal or relationship consequences.
What Happens When You Stop Percocet or Hydrocodone?
Someone who has developed physical dependence may experience opioid withdrawal after reducing or stopping Percocet, hydrocodone or other opioids.
Symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, sweating, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems and intense opioid cravings. The experience varies according to the medication, dose, duration of use and individual health factors.
Do Not Make Major Medication Changes Without Guidance
People concerned about opioid dependence should speak with a healthcare professional rather than making major medication changes on their own.
Treatment for Percocet and Hydrocodone Addiction
Treatment for opioid addiction should address more than stopping the medication. Effective care may involve an assessment of opioid use, withdrawal symptoms, physical health, mental health, other substance use and the circumstances contributing to continued opioid use.
Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee provides addiction treatment for people struggling with prescription opioid misuse and opioid use disorder.
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This article is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice, emergency treatment or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Psychiatrist & Addictionologist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Get Help for Prescription Opioid Addiction in Murfreesboro, TN
Percocet, oxycodone and hydrocodone can have legitimate medical uses, but repeated or nonmedical opioid use can also lead to physical dependence, opioid use disorder and overdose.
If prescription opioid use is becoming difficult to control, Tulip Hill Recovery provides addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our team can help you understand treatment options based on your needs.
Tulip Hill Recovery is located at 1800 S Rutherford Blvd #103, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. If you believe someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately.
FAQ: Percocet, Hydrocodone & Norco
Is Percocet the same as hydrocodone?
No. Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a different opioid medication.
Does Percocet contain hydrocodone?
No. The opioid in Percocet is oxycodone, not hydrocodone.
Is Norco the same as Percocet?
No. Norco has historically contained hydrocodone and acetaminophen, while Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen.
What is the difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone?
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are separate semi-synthetic opioids. Both are used in prescription pain medications and both can cause physical dependence, addiction, respiratory depression and overdose.
Which is stronger, Percocet or hydrocodone?
Percocet contains oxycodone, which is generally considered more potent on a milligram-for-milligram basis than hydrocodone. Effects still depend on dose, formulation, tolerance and individual factors, so the medications should not be substituted or compared for self-dosing.
Can Percocet and hydrocodone cause addiction?
Yes. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are Schedule II controlled substances with serious risks of misuse, physical dependence, addiction and overdose.