Oxycodone vs Tramadol: Pain Relief Medications Comparison
When you are suffering from pain, you may not be able to decide which painkiller is best for you in your condition. It may be daunting to choose from a pool of painkillers available in the market during suffering. Two main medications that are considered best for treating moderate to moderately severe pain are oxycodone and tramadol. These are the most preferred ones for treating acute and chronic pain. Like others, these medications have also their advantages as well as disadvantages.
These both have extensive ability to manage moderate or severely moderate pain levels and thus they help to ease the discomfort. These both possess high risks for addiction and misuse. Among the two, oxycodone is considered more risky.
Similarities Between Oxycodone & Tramadol
Oxycodone is an opioid, while tramadol is a synthetic opiate agonist. As belonging to the class opioids, these both control pain in the same way and also display similar positive as well as negative characteristics. They may perform the same functions for pain relief and also display similar side effects.
In both medications, you will need to gradually reduce the quantity intake while stopping the medication to avoid any withdrawal symptoms. These both are controlled drugs that need special prescriptions from the side of your health professional.
Which is Stronger: Oxycodone or Tramadol
When it comes to pain relief, both oxycodone and tramadol are equally effective at this process. Though, oxycodone is stronger than tramadol as it is a narcotic painkiller. Oxycodone works by binding opioid receptors within the brain and nervous system to diminish pain perception. While Tramadol is an opioid-like medication that possesses a similar constitution and mechanism as morphine, but still is weaker than opioid medications like oxycodone.
Although oxycodone is considered a stronger painkiller than tramadol, at the same time, it also bears higher risks for abuse and addictions out of opioid properties. In the same way, tramadol bears potential risks and side effects like seizures or fatal respiratory depression. It can happen when taking large doses or combining medications with alcohol or other drugs. Thus, it can lead to abuse or addiction afterwards.
Risks & Common Side Effects
While analyzing the risks and side effects of oxycodone vs tramadol, it is mandatory to note down that both of these medications are needed to be taken carefully as these both are strong opioids. The common side effects that these medications can result in are constipation, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and vomiting.
Risks & Side Effects of Oxycodone are-
- Agitation.
- Hallucinations.
- Muscle stiffness.
- Irregular menstruation.
- Decreased sexual desire.
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Risks & Side Effects of Tramadol are-
- Hives.
- Rash.
- Blisters.
- Hoarseness.
- Uncontrollable shaking.
- Dry mouth.
- Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Special Cautions While Taking Oxycodone & Tramadol
Whether you are taking oxycodone or tramadol, you should consider the following warnings-
- Potential for misuse or addiction.
- Drug interactions.
- Dangerously slow breathing.
- Overdose.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Physical dependence and withdrawal.
- Low blood pressure and adrenal hormone levels.
- Seizures.
Final Words
When it comes to pain relief, not everyone will get the same relief from each medication. Both the medications, oxycodone and tramadol provide adequate pain relief, best thing is to choose the medication based on individual factors such as age, the severity of pain or medical history.
Oxycodone possesses a high potential for treating acute pain, but at the same time, it also possesses various risks and side effects. Tramadol possesses fewer side effects and related risks as compared to oxycodone. It helps to manage your pain more effectively and that too without any hazardous side effects. You must take recommendations from your health professional to get a better idea of pain-relief medications that best suits your health conditions and individual body traits. Also, you need to follow all the instructions provided by your health expert for using the pain-relief medications adequately and get maximum benefits without harmful side effects.
