Chronic pain is a cause of many people’s health issues nowadays. But strong painkillers are frequently prescribed by doctors in these circumstances. These drugs may be required for medical issues. However, they can often lead to addiction. Let us discuss Hydrocodone vs Codeine, which is more addictive? And identify an addiction by learning more about these prescription painkillers.
For pain relief, which is a strong opioid, is Codeine the same as Hydrocodone? Or both are different. Let us dig into this article and learn more about them. If they vary greatly in strength and use, prescription opioid drugs are useful instruments for managing pain.
Overview & Use Of Hydrocodone And Codeine
What is Hydrocodone?
Another opioid painkiller that is frequently taken with acetaminophen is hydrocodone. Compared to codeine, hydrocodone is a more powerful prescription pain reliever. In addition to being addictive, hydrocodone frequently leads to the development of physical dependence. The drug is categorized as a controlled substance under Schedule II. Additionally, it can be abused to get high. Larger doses of hydrocodone can cause euphoria before making a person feel extremely relaxed and exhausted.
What Is The Appropriate Use Of Hydrocodone?
- Pain management after surgery: After surgery, this drug aids in the management of moderate to severe pain, promoting appropriate healing and recuperation.
- Severe Injury Recovery: When over-the-counter drugs are not enough to treat severe pain from severe injuries like fractures or severe burns, hydrocodone can help.
- Treatment of Chronic Pain Conditions: When other treatments for documented chronic pain conditions don’t work, some patients may be prescribed hydrocodone under strict supervision.
What is Codeine?
One of the most traditional and extensively used painkillers in medicine is codeine, a naturally occurring opioid drug that is extracted from the opium poppy plant. Codeine effectively treats mild to moderate pain, despite being milder than many other opioids. When taken with other medications, it is also frequently prescribed as a cough suppressant. After being consumed, codeine is changed by the body into morphine, which then acts on opioid receptors in the brain to lessen pain perception and suppress cough reflexes.
What Is the Appropriate Use Of Codeine?
- Pain Relief for Mild to Moderate Pain: For good results, codeine is frequently taken in combination with acetaminophen to treat less severe pain conditions.
- Persistent Cough Suppression: When other therapies have failed, the drug successfully lessens coughing brought on by upper respiratory infections or long-term illnesses.
- Post-Procedural Pain Control: After minor dental or surgical procedures, some doctors prescribe codeine to treat mild pain.
What Are the Differences Between Hydrocodone and Codeine?
Despite their similarities, codeine and hydrocodone have many differences, or does hydrocodone have codeine in it? Codeine is a naturally occurring opiate, while hydrocodone is a synthetic one. While codeine is usually prescribed for moderate pain, that means an opioid, hydrocodone, which is believed to be more potent than codeine, can be used for more severe pain. While hydrocodone comes in both immediate-release and extended-release tablet forms, codeine is only available as an immediate-release medication. When codeine enters the brain, it transforms into morphine, whereas hydrocodone degrades into hydromorphone and norhydrocodone.
What Are The Similarities Between Hydrocodone & Codeine?
Despite all, Hydrocodone & codeine share numerous similarities in that they are prescription-only, and they are both classified as narcotic or opioid pain medication that changes the user’s perception of pain. But a few commonalities include:
- They are both controlled substances.
- Hydrocodone and Codeine are both opioids.
- They can both be prescribed for pain.
- The kidneys break them both down.
- Constipation, sedation, and nausea are among their common adverse effects.
Is Hydrocodone Better Than Codeine?
Codeine is produced by growing and isolating a particular alkaloid from the opium poppy plant, and it is derived almost entirely from natural sources. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is a synthetic or semi-synthetic opioid. Codeine’s natural composition does not render it any safer than hydrocodone. Since codeine and hydrocodone are both metabolized by the brain in similar ways, both pose the same threat of addiction and overdose. The most common form in which hydrocodone is prescribed is an immediate-release tablet that includes hydrocodone and acetaminophen. When taken illicitly, acetaminophen is a painkiller and a reducer of fever.
What are the Side Effects of Hydrocodone & Codeine?
The effects of codeine vary greatly from person to person and can include constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. Physical or mental dependence may result from prolonged use. However, mood swings, unusual drowsiness, and difficulty voiding are some of the side effects of hydrocodone. Hearing loss, extremely low blood pressure, and a decreased ability to drive safely are more serious side effects.
Other side effects of the use of Hydrocodone & Codeine include:
- Chest pain
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Rapid or changed heartbeat
- Shivering
- Severely stiff or twitching muscles
- Coordination problems
- Diarrhea
- Low sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction
Addiction Risks of Codeine and Hydrocodone
Although hydrocodone is more powerful and addictive than codeine, both drugs have the potential to become addictive. Addiction to either hydrocodone or codeine is categorized as an opioid use disorder. using opioids for longer periods or in greater quantities than planned. unsuccessful attempts or a persistent desire to reduce opioid use. Consuming, abusing, or recovering from opioids for an extended period. Feeling the need to use opioids. The need for higher dosages or a decreased effect with repeated use of the same amount is known as tolerance.
Warnings of Hydrocodone vs Codeine
Despite being very effective painkillers, codeine and hydrocodone have serious side effects. Pure forms of codeine and hydrocodone are classified as Schedule II drugs by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This indicates that they are highly susceptible to abuse and can result in serious physical or mental dependence. Schedule III to V Trusted Source classifications for combination medications containing codeine indicate a low to moderate risk of addiction.. This includes combinations with other non-opioid painkillers like acetaminophen.
Stopping or reducing opioid use suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Anxiety
- Breathlessness
- Excess sweating
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Dilated pupils
- Yawning
- Tremor
- Belly pain
- Fever
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Slow heartbeat
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Which Medication Is Stronger For Pain Relief?
Being a semi-synthetic opioid, hydrocodone is roughly five to seven times more effective than codeine at relieving pain. Hydrocodone treats severe pain by more potently activating opioid receptors in the central nervous system, whereas codeine efficiently treats mild to moderate pain.
Hydrocodone vs Codeine: Why Are These Not the Same Opioid?
Instead of referring to a specific drug type, the term “opioid” refers to a class of drugs. Labeling animals, like cats, is a good example of this. Despite their shared ancestry and many similarities, cats differ greatly among species in terms of appearance, temperament, predators, and habitat.
How Long Do Hydrocodone and Codeine Stay In your System?
The detection time is affected by many factors, including dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and type of drug test. Standard formulations of hydrocodone have a half-life of 4 hours, while extended-release formulations have a half-life of 7 to 9 hours. Depending on the condition of the test, different substances can be found for hours or years.
