In the realm of pain management, choosing between tramadol and oxycodone is critical for effectively treating moderate to severe pain. These two medications, while both capable of providing pain relief, differ in their mechanisms of action, potential for abuse, and side effects. The addiction experts at our luxury addiction treatment center have compiled a comparison of tramadol and oxycodone, shedding light on their pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses, and factors clinicians must weigh when determining which medication is most effective for a particular patient. By comparing tramadol vs. oxycodone, we seek to equip healthcare providers and patients with the knowledge necessary to make safe and informed decisions in pain management.
What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an analgesic medication primarily used to manage moderate to severe pain. It is classified as an opioid agonist and also exhibits some properties of a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) – these types of substances are most often used as antidepressants. Tramadol is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and as an oral solution.
The mechanism of action of tramadol involves binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to block pain signaling and alleviate pain. Additionally, tramadol inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to its anesthetic effects.
Tramadol is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and risk of physical and psychological dependence. Individuals taking tramadol should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to prevent any adverse effects, such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, and headache, as well as misuse.
What Is Oxycodone?
An opioid analgesic medication, oxycodone is also used to treat moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the class of drugs known as semi-synthetic opioids, meaning it’s derived from the opium poppy plant but is chemically synthesized to create a more consistent and controllable medication.
Oxycodone binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS to reduce the perception of pain. It is available in various formulations, including a liquid solution and immediate- and extended-release tablets, the latter of which is designed for around-the-clock pain control.
As an opioid, oxycodone has the potential for abuse, addiction, and physical dependence. For this reason, individuals prescribed oxycodone should be closely monitored by medical professionals, and its use should be limited to the shortest duration necessary to treat pain effectively.
Common side effects of oxycodone include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression (which can be life-threatening in overdose situations). Opioids are one of the most addictive pills in the world, which is why it’s crucial for healthcare providers to carefully assess a patient’s pain level and medical history before prescribing oxycodone.
Comparing Tramadol vs. Oxycodone
Although tramadol and oxycodone are both opioids, their chemical structure is very different. This affects their potency and potential for addiction. Ultimately, the main difference between tramadol and oxycodone is that tramadol is only 10% as strong as morphine, while oxycodone is 1.5 times more potent than morphine, meaning that oxycodone is stronger than tramadol. Below is more on the differences and similarities between tramadol and oxycodone.
- Drug schedules: Due to their differences in potency, oxycodone is categorized as a Schedule II drug, while tramadol is scheduled as a Schedule IV drug. So, while both substances are addictive, oxycodone has a higher potential for abuse and addiction.
- Side effects: Because both drugs are opioids, they produce similar side effects, simply at differing levels of intensity. Oxycodone also tends to kick in much quicker than tramadol, which lends to its addictive qualities.
- Mechanism of action: Both tramadol and oxycodone bind themselves to opioid receptors in the brain and other areas of the body to block pain signaling. They also stimulate the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. A sense of euphoria and well-being occurs as a result, producing a high. The higher the dose, the stronger the high. Opioids’ effects on dopamine and reward in the brain make up the drug’s addictive nature. When dopamine floods the brain, the reward system is also activated, encouraging further drug-taking behavior.
- Tolerance potential: Physical dependence is also marked by increased tolerance. This occurs when a person requires more of a drug to experience the same effects. Without proper supervision from a doctor, this can lead to a dangerous cycle of drug misuse.
- Dependence potential: Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the drug, requiring the individual to take higher doses to experience the same effects. Both oxycodone and tramadol also lead to physical dependence, which can escalate to addiction without guidance and monitoring from a doctor. Physical opioid dependence usually occurs in patients who take these medications for long periods.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Physical dependence becomes apparent when the person experiences withdrawal symptoms when they aren’t taking the drug. Opioid withdrawals can be highly uncomfortable, so much so that patients will take opioids simply to avoid them.
- Addiction potential: A major similarity between oxycodone and tramadol is their potential for addiction. As opioids, both substances have the potential for opioid use disorder, a form of addiction that occurs as a result of chronic and long-term opioid misuse. This is a progressive disease that requires professional medical detox and psychotherapy services to reduce the likelihood of relapse and risks such as overdose.
Can You Take Tramadol With Oxycodone?
Because oxycodone is so much more potent than tramadol, they’re rarely prescribed together. Conversely, because tramadol is a weaker opioid, it wouldn’t offer many benefits if it were taken with oxycodone. For this reason, as well as to avoid various health risks, you should not take tramadol with oxycodone unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Taking oxycodone and tramadol together without the guidance or supervision of a healthcare professional can be highly dangerous. When doctors prescribe opioids together, they do so carefully and according to the person’s body and symptoms. Unfortunately, people who have grown dependent on opioids and misuse them may attempt to combine them with other drugs of the same class for a stronger high.
Despite tramadol being a weaker opioid, taking it with oxycodone is not advised unless prescribed by a doctor. Taking tramadol with oxycodone can lead to a dangerous reaction, as well as side effects like:
- Extreme sedation and drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired motor coordination
- Unresponsiveness
- Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
- Coma
- Death
Because opioids depress the central nervous system, including functions like breathing and heart rate, taking higher doses than prescribed or mixing opioids without the consent of a doctor can increase their effects on the body. In the end, an oxycodone-tramadol interaction can lead to an opioid overdose, which is characterized by symptoms like breathing problems and slowed heart rate. Without medical assistance, a person experiencing an opioid overdose may lose consciousness from lack of oxygen, experience brain damage, and even die.
For this reason, it’s highly important to take prescription medications as prescribed and to avoid combining them with alcohol or other drugs unless directed by a doctor. The ongoing opioid crisis is proof of how dangerous opioids like tramadol and oxycodone can be when they’re abused, so be sure to take your medications responsibly.
Help for Opioid Abuse
Opioids are potent drugs that are known for their euphoric and addictive side effects. Considering the rise in synthetic opioids and opioid-related overdose in the nation, it’s important now more than ever to look out for any signs of addiction. The good news is that help is available.
As one of few luxury rehab centers in Florida, we offer both opioid rehab and prescription drug rehab programs that address both the physical and psychological factors of substance use. We understand how intensely these drugs can impact a person’s mind and body, so we are sure to include everything in patients’ programs, from medical treatment for withdrawals to therapy.
With the help of our luxury detox programs and therapy services, we aid patients in taking that first step toward recovery without relapsing. During withdrawal treatment, our medical team offers round-the-clock care to ensure the safety and success of our patients.
