Pain management is a huge part of healthcare. Many people rely on medications to help them cope with various types of pain. Opioid analgesics, or pain relievers, are often prescribed to help people get relief.
Two common opioid pain relievers are Percocet and tramadol. While they both treat pain, they have key differences. This article will compare Percocet vs tramadol so you can understand the similarities and differences.
We’ll cover the mechanism of action, or how the drugs work in your body, their effectiveness, side effects, addiction potential, and cost.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid medication prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
What sets tramadol apart from other opioids is its dual-action mechanism: It acts like an opioid and like a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
How it works
Like other opioids, tramadol binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain to diminish the sensation of pain. But tramadol also affects the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which may also contribute to pain relief.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription medication that combines two drugs: oxycodone and acetaminophen. It’s prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain.
Oxycodone is an opioid that binds to mu-opioid receptors in your brain, effectively blocking pain signals. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, provides additional pain relief and reduces fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
In other words, Percocet uses two different mechanisms to tackle pain from different angles.
Key Differences: Tramadol vs. Percocet
While both tramadol and Percocet are prescription pain relievers, they differ in potency, chemical makeup, addiction risk, and cost.
Potency and Effectiveness
Percocet packs a stronger punch than tramadol; it’s thought to be about eight times more potent. Because of this, Percocet is often prescribed for severe pain, especially in the days and weeks following surgery. Tramadol, on the other hand, is usually reserved for moderate pain and for chronic conditions that cause ongoing pain.
Chemical Composition
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid, but it also acts as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), meaning it can affect your mood. Percocet combines a semi-synthetic opioid (oxycodone) with acetaminophen, which is also known as Tylenol.
Addiction Potential
It’s important to know that both tramadol and Percocet have the potential to cause dependence and addiction. However, Percocet is thought to have a higher risk of abuse than tramadol.
Cost
In general, tramadol is less expensive than Percocet. A generic tramadol 50 mg tablet can cost anywhere from $0.08 to $1.29, while a generic Percocet (325 mg/5 mg) can cost up to $0.34 per tablet. Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage and pharmacy.
Side Effects of Tramadol
Like all medications, tramadol carries the risk of adverse effects. Here are some of the more common side effects you might experience:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
Tramadol also carries the risk of more serious side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor if you’re considering taking this medication.
One of the more serious risks associated with tramadol is the potential for seizures, particularly in people who are already prone to them. Tramadol can also cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when tramadol is taken with other drugs that affect serotonin levels in the brain.
Side Effects of Percocet
Like all medications, Percocet can cause unwanted side effects. Some are more common than others.
Common Side Effects
The more common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
Serious Side Effects
Percocet carries a risk of some more serious side effects, too. For example, it can cause slowed or shallow breathing, also known as respiratory depression. It also carries a greater risk of liver damage because it contains acetaminophen.
Drug Interactions
Both tramadol and Percocet can interact dangerously with other drugs you may be taking, so it’s important to be aware of the risks.
Tramadol drug interactions
Tramadol may interact with:
- Alcohol
- Other opioids
- Certain antidepressants
Percocet drug interactions
Percocet may interact with:
- Alcohol
- Other opioids
- Drugs that affect liver function
Before combining either tramadol or Percocet with any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you assess the potential risks and ensure your safety.
Risk Factors and Considerations
There are some situations in which the use of Percocet or tramadol needs to be carefully considered.
History of Opioid Dependence
It’s important to be cautious when prescribing either Percocet or tramadol for someone who has a history of opioid dependence. If that’s your situation, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Taking opioids like Percocet or tramadol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the baby.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
If you have a seizure disorder, a history of substance abuse, or liver problems, you should talk to your doctor before taking either Percocet or tramadol, as these medications can potentially worsen those conditions.
Physical dependence, addiction, and treatment
It’s important to understand the difference between physical dependence and addiction when talking about prescription painkillers like Percocet and tramadol. Physical dependence means your body has adapted to the presence of the drug, while addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes you to compulsively seek out and use a drug, even when you know it’s causing harm.
One sign of opioid dependence is that you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.
One potential treatment option for opioid dependence is Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR), a method for more quickly recovering from opioid dependence. The ANR procedure takes about 4 to 6 hours, and the stay is about 36 hours.
In Closing
Tramadol and Percocet differ in potency, side effects, and the risk of addiction. Tramadol is less potent and presents a lower risk of addiction, but it can cause seizures. Percocet is more potent, but it comes with a higher risk of addiction and liver damage.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best pain management strategy for your specific needs. Pain management should always involve your informed consent and a thorough consultation with a doctor.
Whether you and your doctor decide on tramadol, Percocet, or another approach, responsible use and awareness of the potential risks are crucial.