Tramadol Vs Vicodin: All Facts That You Need to Know

Tramadol vs Vicodin – in this article we make a detailed comparison between both the medicines.

Overview

Patients are prescribed Tramadol or Vicodin in order to tackle extreme pain. The medicines prove effective in dealing with moderate to extreme pain. They work by changing the way our bodies and mind react to pain. As users of Tramadol and Vicodin, you need to be aware of the different facts and details related to these medicines. This will put you at least risk and help you take the right measures to stay safe while having these medications.

Tramadol Vs Vicodin

Among Tramadol and Vicodin, Tramadol is the weaker drug and does not prove effective when the pain is really severe. Vicodin is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Vicodin is analgesic and antipyretic. The main ingredient of this medicine is Tylenol. Just like morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and opium, Vicodin is also derived from poppy plants. These are both medicines that have lower chances of addiction compared to morphine.

1. Uses

Understanding the uses of Tramadol and Vicodin are necessary to decide when to use them and when not to. Tramadol is prescribed by the doctors to tackle moderate to severe pain. When the patients require continuous treatment for an extended period, Tramadol extended-release tablets are used. Vicodin is commonly prescribed by doctors for relief from moderately severe pain.

The medicine may also be prescribed to suppress cough in patients. The medicines are less habit-forming when compared to Morphine and other opioid pain killers. However, you need to compare the uses against the side effects before deciding whether the medicine should be prescribed to the patients.

2. Side Effects

Understanding the side effects of Tramadol and Vicodin is necessary. Knowing which of these side effects are temporary and which are permanent will help you decide what action to take.

Common side effects of Tramadol and Vicodin:

People may experience lightheadedness and dizziness when on a course of any of these medicines.
Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are some of the digestive health problems that may arise as a side effect of these medicines.
Sedation and shortness of breath are other side effects that may arise due to these medicines.
Some people may also encounter abdominal pain, rash, and itching because of these medicines.
Users of Tramadol and Vicodin should be aware that these are habit-forming medicines and should beware of the possibility of addiction.

3. Warnings

A user of Tramadol or Vicodin should be aware of the different warnings related to this medicine.

The medicines should not be prescribed to children below the age of 18 years.
The medicine should not be prescribed to women who are pregnant as it may affect the child’s health. The child may require many weeks of treatment before he/she can be totally cured of the habit-forming tendencies of these medicines.
Lactating women should not breastfeed when they are on a course of any of these medicines.
The dosage of the medicine should not be altered without consulting a doctor.
Since these medicines have withdrawal symptoms, they should not be stopped abruptly. It is best to stop these under a doctor’s supervision or guidance.

4. Drug Interactions

Understanding the different drug interactions of medicine can help you prevent adverse effects.

Tramadol interacts with Warfarin and digoxin
Both Tramadol and Vicodin are processed in the liver and hence interact with medicines that affect the liver enzymes
Tramadol should not be prescribed to people who are on antidepressants and anticonvulsants as there could be adverse reactions.
These medicines should not be consumed along with other opioids
The medicine should not be consumed when you are having alcohol as there could be dangerous adverse effects of the medicine
Vicodin should not be used along with strong laxatives if you wish to get the maximum effect of the medicine

5. What To Tell Your Doctor?

Both Tramadol and Vicodin should be consumed only under a doctor’s prescription. This will ensure your complete safety. Here are things you need to inform your doctor about before starting on a course of these medicines:

You need to inform your doctor about any history of respiratory health problems.
Make sure you tell your doctor about any history of addiction.
You need to inform your doctor if you have any heart health problems.
Since these medicines are processed in the liver, you must also inform your doctor regarding health problems related to the liver.
You must also tell your doctor if you have had any kidney health problems.

Tramadol Vs Vicodin: FAQs

Users of Tramadol and Vicodin have any queries regarding these medicines. This is mainly because these are opioid drugs and are addictive too.

1. Is it ok to have these medicines along with anticonvulsants?

No. Tramadol can interact with anticonvulsants and interfere with their action. Doctors never prescribe these medicines to people who are epileptic.

2. Is it ok to have these medicines along with antidepressants?

Tramadol and Vicodin are known to interact with certain antidepressants. That is why doctors do not prescribe these medicines to depression patients.

3. Can these medicines be taken with alcohol?

Doctors usually suggest that these medicines should not be consumed when you are having alcohol. This is because alcohol may interfere with the action of these medicines and cause adverse effects. It is impossible to get the best effect of these medicines when it is consumed with alcohol.