There are several studies comparing their effectiveness. Because hydrocodone is a Schedule II opiate, it may be considered more potent although it comes with a higher potential for abuse. Tramadol may have a lower abuse potential as well as milder side effects.
In one multicenter study , tramadol with acetaminophen was compared with hydrocodone with acetaminophen in patients experiencing pain from an ankle sprain. Around patients were split into two groups receiving one drug or the other. Results found that both medications provide comparable pain relief within four hours versus placebo. In another clinical trial , hydrocodone with acetaminophen was compared with tramadol in 68 patients. These patients had arrived at an emergency department for musculoskeletal pain in their joints, bones, or muscles.
Results found that hydrocodone with acetaminophen provides more pain relief compared to tramadol based on pain scores with a visual analog scale VAS. In a double-blind trial , hydrocodone with acetaminophen was compared to tramadol in patients with chronic pain from cancer. However, pain relief was similar in both groups.
Tramadol was also found to produce milder side effects versus hydrocodone. Whether you are prescribed tramadol or hydrocodone is highly dependent on the level of your pain. When assessing your pain, your doctor will look at your complete medical history, any history of substance abuse, and any medications that could cause drug interactions.
Tramadol is available as a generic drug. It is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. You save more with a SingleCare coupon for generic tramadol at your local pharmacy. Hydrocodone is a generic drug that is often covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
The cost of hydrocodone varies between different insurance plans. With a SingleCare coupon, you can expect to save more on a prescription for hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Tramadol and hydrocodone can cause similar side effects. Because they both affect the central nervous system CNS , they can both cause dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue. These medications can also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation or stomach ache. Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and headache are other shared side effects.
Tramadol can also cause diarrhea, indigestion, and sweating in some people. On the other hand, hydrocodone can also cause fluid buildup edema or muscle spasms in some people. Overall, common side effects can overlap between these two drugs since they are in the same class. Other rare but serious side effects of tramadol and hydrocodone can include anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disturbances.
Allergic reactions are also possible and can include rash, flushing, and chest pain. Tramadol and hydrocodone have similar interactions with other drugs. Because they are metabolized in the liver, they tend to interact with other drugs that affect liver enzymes. Drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 liver enzymes include erythromycin, ketoconazole, and ritonavir which can increase the level of opioids in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Drugs that induce CYP3A4 liver enzymes include carbamazepine and phenytoin which can decrease the level of opioids in the body and decrease their effectiveness.
Prescriptions can be called to pharmacies, but many health systems are now adopting more stringent guidelines on prescribing this drug. Both of these drugs can affect your driving, since they make you drowsy. Analgesics change the way your brain perceives pain. Opioid analgesics, otherwise known as narcotics, are powerful medications. Tramadol also acts like an antidepressant, prolonging the action of neurotransmitters associated with mood.
Both of these drugs are very effective in treating pain, but they can also be highly habit forming. Either of these medications may be prescribed following surgery or injury.
Too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. These have also been reformulated to reduce the amount of acetaminophen in them. Strengths now available range from 7.
Based on the nature and severity of your pain, and other factors, your doctor will decide on the initial dose. They may start with the lowest possible dose to minimize side effects.
The dose can then be adjusted as needed. Excess acetaminophen can increase the risk to your liver, and will offer little additional pain relief. You may have to take the medication several times a day at regular intervals.
The medications work better if they are taken before the pain gets unbearable. Usually, the extended-release capsule is taken once a day. Hydrocodone comes with a black box warning about the potential for misuse of this drug. The FDA requires a black box warning for drugs with associated serious or life-threatening risks. Side effects of both drugs are more likely or can be more intense if you are older or have kidney or liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other chronic disease.
If you develop swelling of the tongue or throat, you may be having an allergic reaction to the medication. Opioids should be used with caution if you have:. Opioids can make it hard to urinate, especially for men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. These medications may be harmful to your developing baby and may pass through your breast milk. You may experience mood changes, confusion, or hallucinations. Other serious complications include seizures, rapid heartbeat , and shallow breathing.
If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help. Opioid overdose can slow your breathing rate and ultimately lead to coma or death. Careful monitoring is recommended if you have cardiovascular disease or hypovolemia a decrease in blood volume.
Acetaminophen is associated with acute liver failure. Acetaminophen is also linked to rare, but potentially fatal, skin reactions. It has become a popular choice for both acute and chronic pain. All patients had fractures, sprains, strains, or contusions resulting from minor trauma, and were judged not to require parenteral analgesia. On a point visual analog pain scale, both groups rated initial pain at The pain score in the tramadol group decreased to 54 at one hour, then plateaued.
Side effects were similar and minor in the two groups.
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