I have been taking Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 10/325's(Imprint "Watson 853) for about 6 months now for chronic pain. I usually take about 3 (30/975) every 6-8 hours. Today, my doctor switched me (for a trial period to see if it works better) from the Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 10/325's to Oxycodone/Acetaminophen 5/325's (Imprint "512").
I've never taken any Oxycodone before and just wanted to know a little bit more about it in comparison to Hydrocodone. If I was taking 30mg of Hydrocodone every 6-8 hours, what would be the equivalent dose of Oxycodone? Is the "feeling" any different between the two (Granted, I will be taking the equivalent dose, not 30mg of the Oxycodone). I have been scared all day to take any because I don't know if it's going to affect me differently than the Hydrocodone has in the past.
If anybody has some insight on the equivalent dose, the "feeling" you get of of them or any other insight you think I should know, please PLEASE reply to this and let me know.
I'm in quite a bit of pain right now and I'm still scared to take any. I want to know a little bit more about them before I take any.
Thank you for reading this and thank you for your time, I really appreciate it.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
50 Answers Page 3
CA
catspaw1955
1 Oct 2012
the equivelent dose would be 10mg oxy=30mg hydro, oxycodone is alot strong than hydrocodone. catspaw1955
Votes: +0
SU
SU2Cancer
8 Sep 2012
I was taking 10-650 hyrodcodone every 4 hours without much relief. After talking with oncologist we dropped to a 10-325 (Norco) plus an alternating choice of Aleve, ibuprofen or BC powder. this allows for lower acetaminophen & liver issues along with the reality that the other NSID's simply work better for me. I'll report the results back to Dr. when I go back for next chemo. He said next stop will be Percocet/Percodan before I have to move on towards Oxycotin 40 or MS Contin. Again, (in my opinion) its better to take your meds on schedule & keep pain at bay rather than have to wait hours to get back on top of the issues. The hydrocodone has not left me with any feeling of being "impared" or "drugged". One of my cancer buddies is on the Oxycotin-40, he is not comfortable driving, especially in heavy traffic or after chemo.
I would suggest you have a very open and honest discussion with your Dr. about your pain. Have a friend stay with you a few hours after you take a new drug - they can call for help if needed and tell you how you acted if you cannot recall the details. If a Rx is not for you then get the Dr to give you samples until you find one that works - we have many choices. good luck
Votes: +5
CA
capn5572
30 July 2012
20mg of oxycodone is equal to 30mg of hydrocodone. Oxy is 1.5 times stronger. So take the dose of oxy and add half to thats the compatible to hydro. 10mg of oxy=15mg of hydro. 30mg of oxy=45mg of hydro and so on. It's easy math. And the max dose for acitamenaphan is 1000mg every 6 hours, 4000mg in 24hr period. So for those saying taking 3 10/325 hydros every 6 hours is too much it's not. Every 4 hours it would be. But every 6 hours is just short of the max Tylenol dose in 24hrs.
Votes: +3
PA
PaulRemski777
9 Aug 2012
Capri5572... Intelligent response. Too much hype on the tylenol overdose, unless you are exceeding Capri's "suggested max amounts". My PCP was a chemist before becoming an MD... 4000 mg of tylenol should be your MAX rule of thumb... If you are diabetic, or have other kidney concerns... try roxicodone, or another non-tylenol additive option. Thanks for the intelligent input Capri5572!
SP
sparkyinfla
17 July 2012
I know it's been several months from the orig question/post: Here's my 2 cents: That switch (Hydro 10/325 to OxyContin 5/325) seems like an equal or even a backward step in pain relief if tolerance to the Hydrocodone was becoming a problem. I've made that switch from the 10/325 X 4 to OxyContin 15 (w/no Tylenol) X 3 & it is working better. And I switched due to the Hydro's just weren't doing anything for the pain. I'm still chasing the pain, but at least now I can catch it a couple of times a day and get some relief. I'm also on extended release OxyContin 30 compound (ginger/naloxone) capsules & Gaba 900mg daily
Votes: +1
SH
sheila7281
14 July 2012
A lot of responses regarding your medication. I take hydrocodone 10/325. but I also have Percoset 10/325. I try only to take the Percoset(Oxycodone) when I can tell my pain is worse. We all can tell when one day is to be worse than the other. The Oxycodone is a little stronger but still very similiar. What happens to me is I become more nausea and constipated when taking the Oxycodone. Though I NEVER take them at the same time. I recently had surgery and was given Dilaudid. That was great for a couple days but the nausea gets bad. Then I switched to Oxycodone 15mg. Be aware the 15mg. Oxycodone does not have any Tylenol. Now I am back to the Hydrocodone 10/325. I feel less sick on the Hydrocodone and it helps my pain most of the time. Please do not let your pain get control of you. It takes so much longer to catch up. You should be fine switching to the Oxycodone. If you find it is not helping your pain just call the doctor and let him know and he might increase the dosage.
But if you can do less it would be best! Sometimes I can feel the medication but mostly it is the relief of pain that I feel. Please be sure your getting pain relief and not liking the lift. You were taking a lot of Tylenol so I am not sure why your doctor did not switch you to a higher dose with less Tylenol. That is probably what he is trying to do now. I know it is hard to change when one is in pain. Give it a chance it might work better for you! let us know, Sheila7281
Votes: +3
JA
Jaxie
13 July 2012
My PM doctor switched me from Norco 10/325 3 times a day to Oxycodone 5mg 3 times a day when I got pregnant. I went through withdrawal symptoms without realizing what was going on. I felt achy and I could barely move, it took so much energy to just lift my arm. Then the restless legs started. This is just my experience, I tend to get withdrawal symptoms from things easily so I am sensitive. I would just switch and take what your doctor told you to. Hope this helps.
Votes: +3
DM
dmitchell244
6 July 2012
actually taking three 10/325 isn't all that bad. the recommended dose for Tylenol (acetaminophen) is 1,000mg 3 times daily... so dont act like he or she is was over doing it cuz its not true.
Votes: +2
ZZ
Zzacoh
24 Aug 2012
Actually the amount they were taking was 3900mg a day which is 100mg away from the toxicity limit. Although this is not the limit, it is very close and is still considered toxic you should only be taking this much in emergencies not all the time.
HU
hurtin12345
1 April 2013
they siad they wee also taking tylonol with the hydros,that is to much acetomenaphin ,if the hydros arent doing the job their dr did the right thing by changing them to oxys but cutting the dosage in half between the hydros and the oxys they probly wont notice any difference.
JE
Jeremy198429
5 May 2013
If your taking 30mg of hydro I'd say you would have to take at least 4-6 of the 5mg Oxys to get the same affect!
JA
Jack Burton
5 July 2013
Zzacoh. How the hell do you know if he shouldn't be taking that much? "Only in an emergency?". What if he feels like the feeling of a knife going through his lower back after he took the daily recommended dose was an emergency? You guys are unbelievable and apparently, not very bright.
JU
Juliabrat
4 Oct 2017
Actually, the FDA just lowered the daily limit to 3,000 mg in 2016. So the original poster is 900 mg over his daily limit. Not close to it.
I'm in the inverse position as you are, I had been taking Oxycodone for more than two years and my doctor change me to hydrocodone about four months ago, the difference is that the Hydrocodone makes my mouth very dry at nights and I have to drink water about three or four times during the night. Other than that they both seem to work equally well. Also both make you constipated if you don't eat lots of fiber... Hope this helps you.
Votes: +3
PA
PaulRemski777
26 May 2012
Most pharmacies carry a gargle that mitigates against dry mouth. ... works well for me for a min of 3 hours, then, keep bottle by bed and rinse and spit; just ask the pharmacist for Biotene Oral Balance Dry Mouth Moisturizer... may be available in stronger strengths by Rx or a chemist; call 800 922 5856 to get ingredients.
PA
PaulRemski777
13 July 2012
I just bought some biotene moisturizing mouth spray to combat my incredible dry mouth. It lasts about 3 hrs. ... comes in spray or liquid. At CVS it cost 7.49 for 1.5 fl ounces in spray or liquid.At least you may get three hours of consistent sleep. So sorry to hear of another symptom caused by the pain... U R on Oxycodone, as am I ... the typical protocol is to be on a basal patch or time release with only a few pills prescribed for break thru pain... I have been dependent on these meds (fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, roxicodone) for 20 yrs... but I have worked 19 of the 20 yrs with chronic pain due to the meds.
BL
BlueSkyApps
30 March 2018
FYI: Increasing fiber will worsen constipation. Better course of action is a daily stool softener, drink lots of water, and eats green leafy vegetables. (Retired RN)
My switch from hydrocodone 10mg 4-5 xdaily.. to oxycodone 10mg 4-5 xdaily. I could tell it was trying to get at my pain points but I had a few days of feeling weird like the hydro was coming out.. but all in all a bit better. Not fantastic and sure not double the strength. For me anyway an I'm sensitive to changes.
Votes: +3
AL
Alley905
11 May 2012
Really, stop accusing or judging a person you don't know. I happen to be a drug and alcohol counselor for many years. Teaching behavior modification... and FYI that does not make me a druggie. In fact,I had never done drugs until I was in near fatal car accident four years ago. I have pretty much been on everything. Oxycodone 15 mg,Would he equivalent to one and a half percoct 10/325. I, unlike others understand what you mean by "feeling" I hate the feeling of not being in control of my thoughts also. It was a slight few days adjustment but worth it. I'm on 50 fentanyl along with maximum 8 oxycodone and it has helped more then percocet. I'm very anti medication and only take min. Amount to get me through procedures and pt. Ado your Dr about tens unit and lidoderm patches. It helps in keeping pain at a min. Also, don't give up hope. I was bed bound for three years and am up 8 plus hours a day with half the pain. Hope this has found you in the best of spirits. Good luck.
Votes: +16
MI
MinnieMichelle
12 Nov 2012
Know this blog may have long since discontinued this thread, but wanted to ask for member insight anyway just in case.
Have been taking 7.5/325 Vicodin for roughly 2 years. This helps with monthly cramping and various, less intense, prior injuries and chronic pain.
Had gastric bypass surgery exactly 24 months ago, and when I was sent home, I was given Fentanyl patches, specifically 50 mg for 7-10 days and subsequent 25 mg patches to wean me off of the drug entirely. After using the final 25 mg patch as prescribed, pain was well under control.
When I went to bed that evening, I thought I was going to die! My blood felt like it was boiling under my skill, and my skin felt like ice. Could not sit or lie still! While my blood felt that it was boiling, I could not stop kicking or moving my arms and legs because this was the only way to get temporary relief from the feeling that things were - crawling I guess is the word - under my skin and in my blood. I have never, ever felt that poorly in my life!!!
Turns out I was experiencing withdrawal from the fentanyl! As luck would have it, a brand new product, Fentanyl 12 mg patches, had been recently released, and this is what finally weaned me off of the fentanyl.
I have had to take narcotics off and on for most of my life given a childhood illness (I am 46, have an excellent job, and like most, if not all, on this blog, am not a junkie!)
Weaning myself from fentanyl was the worst thing I have ever experienced (until the 12 mg patches became available). Had to use one more 12 mg patch per doctor several weeks later. Less than 8 hours after removing this one single patch, I still went through a week of withdrawal until I asked for the half strength patches again for weaning purposes.
All of that said, now having same issue with Percocet. This makes absolutely no sense from a chemical perspective, but why do I have withdrawal symptoms for oxycodone and not hydrocodone if Rx strengths are otherwise equivalent?
Appreciate any insight. Apologize for length, especially if you were able to make it this far. Thanks!
PS - If acetaminophen is a concern for healthy liver, may want to consider hydrocodone + ibuprofen = vicoprofen or the corresponding medication with these same two narcotics and aspirin. Just a thought...
FR
Fred56
14 March 2017
8 oxycodone + a 50 mcg fentantyl patch is a boatload of pain meds! Ask yourself if you really really need them, because they will take over your life. When you have tolerance that high, you won't want to run out of meds... it will be a harrowing experience. Over time at those levels, your body will no longer be able to manufacture its own pain reducing endorphins. Try to stick to extended release meds only, whenever possible and good luck.
AS
aspine
28 April 2012
I have been takeing 4 Lortab hydro. every 4 hours prescribed to me for chronic back pain and pinched nerves in back and legs for 6 years and oycod. is much stronger then hydro. don't be afraid if your in pain and your doctor says it's ok and percribes them to you theres no need to be scared you must be in enough pain or he wouldn't have written the precription for you take your meds the only thing is you have to eat alittle something before taken the meds or you will get naucious because depending on your weight certain narcotics can speed you to much or not enough to take pain and make you feel better just don't take more then reconmended by doctor i hope this helps you out i tried my best for this time a night...
Votes: +6
PA
PaulRemski777
28 April 2012
Aspine... I totally agree with your assessment. Only wondering if you should be on a basal/foundational time release medication like fentanyl patch 25-75 mcgs... one patch applied every 72 hours (3 days)... then take the oxy or loratab only when you get "break through" pain.
That is the standard operating protocol for chronic pain patients, and when the basal is right (foundation med), and you are prescribed adequate bolus (break through pain med) Rx... your pain management will be much smoother... and likely you'll be sleeping late at night instead of suffering.
Thank you for your contribution Aspine to helping others in our chronic pain condition (mine now going on 20 yrs with back pain/disc herniations/fibromyalgia et al).
HU
hurtin12345
1 April 2013
the only problem with the fentanyl patches is unless u stay in the house in the summertime if u get out constant persparation will make the glue melt and they will not stay on for 3 days,and when u are paying 10 to 15 dollars a patch it gets a little pricey.
JA
Jack Burton
5 July 2013
Thank you. Exactly. I weigh 240 lbs and take up to 3 pills all the time. Your body builds a tolerance. I've been on these for 2.5 years now. First the 7.5/325mg then the 10mg of norco. This isn't Russia or China that you can't make a decision for yourself or the government, or on this site, blowhard vigilantes will report you to the authorities. I had to recommend tramadol to my last doctor because he was too busy not paying attention to my health. Turns out it worked great. Now my new doctor doesn't want me on it with the hydrocodone. I had a blunt conversation on the phone with him how he prescribed me Flexeril 5 MG and they barely do anything and he agreed, and then I agreed to stop taking the medicine. It's a give and a take. If you feel you are right about your condition, then fight for what you think will help you the most. This country over the last 10 years, has become an authoritarian-like place for patients. Dictating doctors who dictate to patients who PAY THEM because they got dictated by Uncle Sam. In this case, Uncle Osama Bin Obama.
ME
Memash
16 Nov 2016
Someon wrote about the fentanyl patch. The person said the bad thing with them is in the summer the glue doesn't stick as well. I have had the patches for two summers. Plus I worked in the yard with sweating badly. With this said I didn't have any problem with them not sticking. I was able to wear them for the three days.
Did ur dr have u takin 3 vics at a time ? wow i have severe back pain including havin to have surgerys n i haVE NEVER TAKIN 3 AT A TIME N IVE BEEN ON THEM FOR 4YRS OXYS R A LITTLE STRONGER THAN VICS PPL HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO GET SICK FROM THEM SO MAKE SURE U EAT FIRST FOR THE FIRST FEW TIMES
Votes: +5
CH
cherlones
19 April 2012
Something is wrong!! You never take 3 hydrocodone pills at once. You take take one pill either 3 or 4 times a day at the max!!
Votes: +7
PA
PaulRemski777
19 April 2012
Cher... each patient uses controlled substances per physician orders... in NYS they are all monitored. If you just had total colon removal, ileostomy and are coming out of the hospital, and are in severe pain... some drs will easily allow that dosage of hydro. (whether u use 2k, 3k or 4k mg of tylenol a day as MDD..that should be calculated in when using hydro, oxy, etc.) Most patients taking 3 tabs of hydo at one time are in severe ACUTE pain, or have tolerated... Chronic pain patients, including myself have taken 8 to 12 per day by Rx. from some very non-paranoid physicians. Every person's pain is subjective. Those who have been on meds for long periods of times, by the nature of the beast (opium/opiate) will tolerate and need higher dosages to achieve the same pain management, over time.
KE
kevinb529
30 July 2013
wrong... you can take 1-2 Hydrocodone tablets provided that each tablet has 500 or less mg of acetaminophen in them. Anything over 4,000mg acetaminophen (that's 1,000mg ever 6 hours) is not allowed. 4,000mg per day is the limit -
CO
Cosmic Circle
29 Nov 2016
Actually this has changed since you posted this reply. I was told yesterday the FDA lowered the max daily amount to 3,000/day. Which means I have gone over the limit hundreds of times. Good thing I my liver panels are taken regularly. I would suggest anyone that has to take the medications request liver panels.
IC
IceInTheBack
1 June 2019
For patients that might be taking too much Acetaminophen, there are Oxycodone Hydrochloride tabs that have no Tylenol in them and only have the active pain medication. It will allow for those who might have liver issues to take their pain meds.
My doc calls hydrocodone M&M's when compared to Oxycodone. Claims it's 2 1/2 times stronger. I would suggest you take note of how much Acetaminophen to ingest daily, lately some big issues about this and liver damage.
Votes: +11
SE
sergiodadon
22 Jan 2013
You're doctors seems to not be very professional or funny and hes spot on with the information.
BA
balbanese
22 Jan 2013
He happens to be VERY professional, and spot on, and he has a sense of humor. I hope he NEVER retires.
RE
redskins_00
21 April 2013
Actually your Doc is right about one thing, Oxycodone is stronger than Hydro. Please do your own research. Hydro 5mg is the equal to 3.33 of Oxy!
TA
tamara1
13 May 2013
i have been taking norco with acetamiphone has been bothering me. My doctors usually change between hydrocodone and some times porecottte, norco. i think i feel better on hydrocodone. but it sometimes wears off so they may change after a period of time. is there hydrocodine without acetaminophin? Anybody know? my docotor wants me take it and dont feel right and even if i try to everything to help process it
RA
RadAngel28
8 June 2013
There is Oxycodone (?) w/out Tylenol, either ER- extended release, like Oxycontin, or the IR- immediate release. Hydrocodone don't do anything for my pain.
LA
ladyann13
17 July 2013
Both has acetaminophen. Doctors are trying to get away from the extra 500 and changing it to 325. It doesn't make a difference and you can take ibuprofen if you have break through pain. If you have pain bad enough that you need either of these drugs, you're not going to get complete relief. The goal is to bring it down to a manageable level. Oxycodone did nothing for my pain and it made me a zombie. I cried all the time. The right dosage of hydrocodone can make a huge difference. Ask the cops and other doctors if hydrocodone if M&M's when compared to Oxycodone. I don't think they will agree with him. To the person who has if they made it without acetaminophen the answer is yes, but it changes it to Type II (I think) drug and harder to get. You would have to see your doctor at least once a month and most doctors are just not going to give it (unless you live in one of the lax states but they are all going to get stricter).
KE
kevinb529
30 July 2013
Damn some people have NO sense of humor ... glad my doctor isn't some prissy stuck-up "professional" with no personality
PE
PEBBLES56
24 Dec 2016
I don't know if of any doctor that would prescribe 3 Norco 10's every 6hrs... wayyyyy too much meds...
CA
calken54
27 Aug 2017
Redskins_00. You have it ass backwards. One Hydro 325-10 is equal to one Oxy 325-7.5
Oxycodone isn't much stronger when it comes to the "feeling" your talking about, but there are some minor differences. You will definitely notice that 5mg of oxycodone will manage pain more efficiently than your previous doses of hydrocodone. Also, you may feel a little more excited or hyper with the oxycodone. In the end I agree with most of the other responders; watch your intake of Tylenol and be sure to let your doctor know when the dosage begins to lose its effect. Don't pile on extra pills, it might kill the pain, but it may end up killing you too.
Votes: +12
JE
Jeffs1121
25 Feb 2017
I as taking hydro 10/325 X 6/day... my doc switched me to oxy 10/325 X 6/day and I've noticed a considerable difference. Bear in mind that his are short-acting... NOT time-released. What I've don't is split the 10's into 5's and take one every 1.5-2 hours. I'm getting better pain relief with the oxy than with the hydro and it lasts throughout the day by taking it much more frequently while not exceeding the toxicity level of the 325 (max 3,000/day). Hope this helps you out.
