Pain Medication Question

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by hayley

Hydrocodone is the generic term for Vicodin. I don't think there's any problem mixing them, if that's what you're asking for? Vicodin's going to work better than the codeine for most things, but some people are sensitive to it and it makes them puke.

Do not mix these two drugs!!. They are both opiates, but hydrocodone is synthetic and more potent. There is not a 1:1 relationship on a mg by mg basis, so they are not interchangeable. You also have to consider that most preparations containing hydrocodone or codeine also contain acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver failure if taken at an exceedingly high dose.

Indeed, codeine is something you would prescribe for milder, more localized pain. It is not as addictive or as likely to produce euphoria. Hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin) and Fentanyl, dilaudid, etc. are for moderate to severe pain.