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Each drug has the potential to cause deadly overdose on its own, and the risk grows enormously when many substances are used together. These chemicals, when used as opioids, reduce pain while also slowing the heart and lungs. Overdosing may cause cardiac arrest, convulsions, and respiratory depression, all of which can lead to reduction of breathing and death.

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Vicodin and Percocet are both opioid medications that contain acetaminophen. While Vicodin contains the opioid hydrocodone, Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone.

Vicodin and Percocet are brand names of different drugs. Percocet is available as both a brand name and a generic form. Vicodin is only available as a generic form, which some people may refer to as Vicodin in conversation.

The two drugs work similarly, with comparable side effects and a high risk of addiction with long-term use.

Below, we outline the differences between Vicodin and Percocet. We also describe directions for use, dosage information, and the possible side effects of each drug.

Percocet and Vicodin are both pain relief medications. They help ease moderate to severe pain, such as pain caused by surgery or a car accident. They also help alleviate some forms of chronic pain.

The key difference between the two drugs is that Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone, while Vicodin contains the opioid hydrocodone.

Both also contain acetaminophen. The amount of acetaminophen in Percocet or Vicodin varies, depending on the formula.

Percocet is available in formulas containing 325 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen, while Vicodin may contain 300 or 325 mg of acetaminophen.

These doses of acetaminophen are similar to that of extra-strength Tylenol, which comes in 500-mg caplets. An adult may safely take a maximum of two of these caplets every 6 hours. People should be sure to read the instructions that come with the product, as different products have different instructions.

To use Vicodin or Percocet safely, follow the doctor's instructions carefully. It is also crucial to:

Take the lowest effective dosage: Take as little as needed to relieve the pain, and never exceed the maximum dosage.

Use the drug for its intended purpose: A doctor prescribes Vicodin or Percocet to help treat specific symptoms. Only take the drug for this purpose. Do not reuse it later or lend it to a friend.

Follow the instructions on packaging exactly: A person should not:

cut the pills in half

take the pills early

increase the dosage

Let the doctor know about any other medications or supplements: Vicodin and Percocet can interact with other substances. Before receiving a prescription for either, a person should tell their doctor if they are taking or using:

other medications

vitamin or herbal supplements

any recreational drugs, including alcohol

Be aware of possible interactions: Never combine Vicodin and Percocet or take either with anything else containing acetaminophen. Doing so can cause severe and potentially fatal liver damage.

Take steps to avoid constipation: Opioids constipation. To help prevent this:

drink plenty of water

eat high-fiber foods

exercise regularly

consider taking a stool softener

Seek prompt treatment for symptoms of addiction or overdose: If a person may be becoming addicted to an opioid or may be experiencing an overdose, it is vital that they receive immediate medical care.

The right dosage of Vicodin or Percocet depends on the formula the doctor selects. Generally, doctors recommend taking opioids only as needed, rather than continually.

Maximum daily dosage

People typically take Percocet and Vicodin every 4-6 hours, or less frequently if there is less need.

While taking either drug, avoid any other products that contain acetaminophen. According to the FDA, the current maximum adult dosage of acetaminophen is per day.

To help avoid taking too much acetaminophen, the makers of extra-strength Tylenol have lowered their maximum daily dose to six pills, which works out as 3,000 mg per day.

Overdose risk

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of fatal opioid overdoses. In 2018, 67,367 people died of drug overdoses, and around 9.9% of these deaths involved a synthetic opioid other than methadone.

Both Vicodin and Percocet can be highly addictive and very dangerous at high doses. The acetaminophen in these drugs makes them even more dangerous - taking more than the maximum daily dosage of 3,000-4,000 mg of acetaminophen can cause fatal liver damage.

Both Percocet and Vicodin may interact with any drug that slows down activity in the central nervous system, including:

Do not take Percocet or Vicodin with any other drug containing acetaminophen. It is also important to note that birth control pills, beta-blockers, and some other drugs may intensify the effects of acetaminophen.

In addition, acetaminophen may reduce the effectiveness of loop diuretics, drugs that people typically take to treat high blood pressure or edema.

Also, both Vicodin and Percocet may interact with an enzyme in the body called cytochrome P450 3A4. This interaction can either increase or decrease how fast the body breaks down the drug. The result may be an increased risk of side effects.

Both drugs have black box warnings. These concern the high risk of addiction and the:

Increased risk of accident and injury: Both Vicodin and Percocet can cause sleepiness and poor concentration, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Do not try to drive or operate heavy machinery while using either drug until it is clear that this can be done safely.

Increased risk of severe hypotension: In some people, opioids dangerously lower blood pressure. Tell the doctor about any history of low blood pressure or blood pressure-related treatment.

Increased risk of liver damage: High doses of acetaminophen can severely damage the liver. Even without life threatening levels of hydrocodone or oxycodone in the body, an overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal.

The side effects of Vicodin and Percocet are similar. The most common side effects of these and other prescription opioids may:

Serious side effects

Severe side effects are more common when people take very high doses of either opioid or use either for long periods. Some of the most serious side effects may include:

A healthcare provider should describe the possible side effects and other risks thoroughly before writing a prescription.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that doctors should monitor and follow up with all patients taking opioids, especially those using these drugs in the long term for chronic pain. Anyone taking opioids should see their doctors for routine monitoring.

Beyond routine follow-up visits, a person should receive medical attention if:

They experience serious side effects.

They no longer get relief from the prescribed opioid dosage.

They begin craving opioids or develop other symptoms of addiction, such as:

rapid mood changes

erratic behavior

irregular sleeping patterns

a loss of interest in hobbies and activities

avoiding time with family and friends

A person should receive emergency medical care if they experience any of the following:

symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

a rash

swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

difficulty breathing, such as shortness of breath

dizziness or fainting

stomach or abdominal pain

vomiting or diarrhea

an impending sense of doom

other severe side effects

a suspected overdose

Vicodin and Percocet are powerful opioids. They alleviate moderate to severe pain, such as that following an accident or surgery.

Percocet is available in both a generic and a branded form. The brand name form of Vicodin has been discontinued, however, and so it is only available as a generic.

Like other opioids, both Vicodin and Percocet pose a high risk of addiction. To avoid this, only take an opioid according to the doctor's instructions and visit the doctor for routine monitoring.

Both Vicodin and Percocet can cause severe side effects and interact with other medications, supplements, and recreational drugs, including alcohol.

If a person feels unwell while taking either drug, they should contact their doctor. Anyone who experiences severe side effects or may have taken an overdose should receive immediate medical care.

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Vicodin vs. Percocet: Differences, dosing, interactions, and more

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Vicodin and Percocet are both opioid medications that contain acetaminophen. While Vicodin contains the opioid hydrocodone, Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone. Vicodin and Percocet are brand names of different drugs. Percocet is available as both a brand name and a generic form.

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$UICIDEBOY$ - ITS HARD TO WIN WHEN YOU ALWAYS LOSE

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$UICIDEBOY$ - ITS HARD TO WIN WHEN YOU ALWAYS LOSE

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$UICIDEBOY$ - ITS HARD TO WIN WHEN YOU ALWAYS LOSE

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The singers talk of using Vicodin and Percocet together, which are both potent pain drugs which appear to be mixed together.  "Popping" opioid narcotic drugs like Vicodin and Percocet results in a pleasant surge followed by drowsiness effects.

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The euphoric high that may be achieved by taking large amounts of codeine is another effect of this drug when used to treat pain. Opiates are central nervous system depressants that also inhibit the body's normal synthesis of norepinephrine.

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What Is Codeine?

Codeine is an opioid that is combined with other medications for use as a painkiller and cough suppressant and can also be found in some migraine medications. It is not intended for long-term use and treats mild to moderate pain.

Codeine is combined with other medications to make the following prescriptions:

Tylenol 3 / Tylenol 4 - Codeine and acetaminophen combine to create this prescription pain medication. Tylenol 3 contains 30mg of codeine and 325mg of acetaminophen, and Tylenol 4 contains 60mg of codeine and 325mg of acetaminophen.

Tuzistra XR - Promethazine /Codeine combination that acts as a cough suppressant and also treats runny nose and other allergy or cold symptoms. This medication is available as a prescription cough syrup.

Fioricet w/codeine and Phrenilin w/codeine and caffeine - Used to treat migraines, this prescription medication combines butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine.

Codeine typically lasts four to six hours and takes less than 30 minutes to take effect. Codeine acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and changes how the body/brain responds to pain. Codeine also decreases activity in the brain, specifically the area that regulates coughing.

Codeine has a reputation for being a "weak" painkiller, which is wildly inaccurate. Codeine metabolizes into morphine in the body. The conversion to morphine can cause depressed breathing, resulting in accidental deaths.

This is the main reason the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in 2017 that codeine was no longer appropriate for patients under the age of 18.

Opioids, including codeine, are high-risk for use and addiction. Codeine should only be taken as prescribed and only in the short term.

What Is Codeine Use?

Codeine use is common among young people. They mix liquid codeine with soda, juice, and even alcohol in an attempt to get high.

These mixed drinks have been made popular by portrayals in pop culture and are commonly referred to as Lean, Sizzurp, and Purple Drank.

Codeine in pill form is usually swallowed or crushed and snorted. Regardless of the method of ingestion, codeine use can increase feelings of relaxation and euphoria and cause a rush of dopamine in the brain. Each of these factors plays a role in developing an addiction.

Abusing codeine leads to tolerance, especially if codeine use continues for more than a few weeks. Opioids are highly addictive, and codeine is no different. Codeine use can result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

When a person develops tolerance, the same dose of codeine will no longer have the same effects.

If a person decides to take more codeine in order to continue to feel the same effects as the previous dose, they are likely to run out of their prescription before it is time to refill.

Side Effects Of Codeine Use

When a person uses codeine, they are likely seeking euphoria and intense relaxation. However, in addition to the desired effects, there are numerous unwanted effects as well.

The more immediate effects of codeine use include the following:

Over time, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
headache

Mood swings

Shallow breathing

Difficulty urinating

Dilated pupils

Struggling to pay attention

Allergic skin reaction or rash

Coordination issues

Agitation

Decreased sex drive

Flushing or itching

Long-term side effects of codeine use may also include:

High doses of codeine react in the body similarly to alcohol intoxication. Slurring words, nodding off, and lack of coordination can be a good indication a person who takes codeine has taken too much.

Codeine Addiction

Codeine use is a crucial risk factor for opioid addiction. Codeine use can lead to tolerance and, eventually, dependence. When a person is codeine-dependent, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking codeine.

In many cases, avoiding withdrawal is a reason for maintaining opioid dependence and potentially opioid addiction.

When a person is struggling with codeine addiction, they typically struggle with the side effects of codeine use. They may also show behaviors indicative of codeine addiction, such as:

Buying codeine illegally or on the street

Faking prescriptions for codeine

Doctor shopping (making appointments with different doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions)

Stealing codeine or money from others

Isolation from friends and family

Lying about drug use

Inability to stop taking codeine, even when they want to stop

Taking other opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone) when codeine is unavailable

Having withdrawal symptoms when not taking codeine

High risk for overdose

Codeine Use Rates In The U.S.

Many people in the U.S. struggle with codeine use. Prescription opioid use is often a precursor to heroin addiction.

About 80 percent of people using heroin admitted they first used opioid painkillers.

On average, 130 people die every day from an opioid overdose.

Two million Americans were abusing prescription opioids in 2014.

In 2015, over 270,000 adolescents were abusing painkillers.

Symptoms Of Codeine Overdose

People with a history of codeine use or addiction have a high risk of overdose. A codeine overdose can be fatal and is considered dangerous. When codeine metabolizes to morphine, it can result in severe respiratory distress.

Depressed breathing can deprive the brain of oxygen. Long-term decreased oxygen deprivation or complete oxygen deprivation for more than five minutes can cause permanent brain damage.

It is important to seek emergency medical attention if a person taking codeine seems to be struggling to breathe or shows any of the following symptoms:

Seeking medical services is essential because, without intervention, a codeine overdose can result in heart attack, stroke, seizures, coma, and even death.

Can Codeine Use Lead To Withdrawal?

Since codeine use can lead to physical dependence, a person dependent on codeine will experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug. Codeine withdrawal can be quite uncomfortable and, in some cases, incredibly painful.

Opioid withdrawal usually is not fatal on its own. However, it can cause significant distress, and many individuals return to opioids early on in sobriety to avoid withdrawal.

Codeine withdrawal symptoms, like other opioid withdrawal symptoms, are very similar to severe flu-like symptoms.

In addition to muscle and body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, a person experiencing codeine withdrawals may also have some of the following symptoms:

The physical and flu-like side effects typically continue for about seven days, while the behavioral and emotional withdrawal symptoms can last for months after the last dose of codeine.

Because withdrawal associated with codeine and other opioids is so intense, it is strongly encouraged that the person finds a detox program that specializes in opioid addiction.

Programs equipped to help individuals with codeine addiction can offer clients support, medication, and supplements.

Treatment Programs For Codeine Addiction

Substance use treatment programs specializing in opioid addiction are called opioid treatment programs (OTPs). These rehab programs use evidence-based intervention methods and comprehensive services for those struggling with opioid use disorder.

Facilities that offer OTPs are monitored at the state and federal levels. These locations provide:

Thorough treatment planning

Detoxification

Vocational assistance

Educational services

Medical care

Medication-assisted treatment

Complete aftercare programs

Locating a facility for codeine addiction treatment in Massachusetts can seem overwhelming. Our professional staff at Vertava Health Massachusetts, formerly Swift River, can discuss our opioid treatment program with you.

To learn more about the codeine treatment program at Vertava Health Massachusetts, contact a treatment specialist today.

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Codeine Addiction: Use, Side Effects, And Treatment

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Codeine is an opioid that is combined with other medications for use as a painkiller and cough suppressant and can also be found in some migraine medications. It is not intended for long-term use and treats mild to moderate pain.

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Ruby and Scrim are cousins who go by the moniker $uicide boy$. When Ruby discovered Scrim's troubles, he made Scrim pledge to become sober or else the $uicideboy$ will come to an end. Scrim saw the severity of his addiction and chose to seek recovery.

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Ruby and Scrim are cousins who go by the moniker $uicide boy$. When Ruby discovered Scrim's troubles, he made Scrim pledge to become sober or else the $uicideboy$ will come to an end. Scrim saw the severity of his addiction and chose to seek recovery.

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The name $uicideboy$ may turn away many people simply because it's very "out there" and seems kind of strange. But like many music groups, their name really has a much deeper meaning. The duo's complicated backstory and personal demons they face are big reasons behind the name.

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“Leaning back hoping that life would end Again and again, that's everyday, everyday Fuck a rehab, I just wither my life away”

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“Leaning back hoping that life would end Again and again, that's everyday, everyday Fuck a rehab, I just wither my life away”

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This lyric was dark and profound, demonstrating how they don't want aid or desire help digging themselves in a deeper hole, notably Cherry (one of the duo singers). Drug misuse, violence, and, notably, self-destruction are prevalent themes in $uicideboy$ songs because they do not feel they deserve to be rescued. The article on the right hand side goes into detail on how far they've come in attempting to improve themselves and now begin to symbolize getting assistance as well as letting others understand that you can alter your life for the better.

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“Codeine, codeine, got it dripping on my shirt from sloppy sipping”

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“Codeine, codeine, got it dripping on my shirt from sloppy sipping”

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The singer refers to "sloppy sipping," which refers to the effects of this substance, which causes tiredness and drowsiness. Codeine stimulates the brain's reward system, causing an overabundance of pleasure hormones to be released.