The Differences Between Hydrocodeine and Codeine

The Differences Between Hydrocodeine and Codeine

Hydrocodeine and codeine are both opiate pain relievers. There are many similarities between hydrocodeine and codeine, but a few differences also; in contrast, hydrocodeine might be more addictive than the other medication. However, it is possible to become addicted either way!

The abuse of prescription opioids has become an epidemic in America. There are currently about two million people addicted to these drugs, which include oxycodeine and hydrocodeine, as well as codeines such as methadone (a synthetic form). These medications work by attaching themselves to the same receptors that signal pain, so you don’t feel it, which can be helpful for some who suffer from moderate-to-severe chronic pains! However, there may also come problems with misuse or addiction if taken too often.

What Is Codeine and How Does it Work?

Codeine is a drug found in the opium plant, which can be converted into morphine and other substances. The main pain-relieving action of codeine is due to a small part of the drug that is converted into morphine by the body, which is more potent than codeine. Codeine is a drug that affects the brain and body differently, depending on what body part metabolizes it. The liver breaks down most of the drug while the brain and intestine metabolize the rest. It is possible that the differences in the number of certain liver enzymes are responsible for the effectiveness of different individuals.

The risk of respiratory depression and even death from codeine is higher in children than in adults. For this reason, breastfeeding mothers shouldn’t take the medicine since it can pass through breastmilk accidentally if not broken down properly by liver enzymes before excreting into urine or stool, which could cause severe problems like apnea (not being able to breathe).

Codeine has many drug interactions because liver enzymes break it down like other medications. This means that you can have either an increased or decreased effect of codeine if they are being metabolized together with your prescription drugs, depending on what kind of action each agent takes in this process.

What Is Hydrocodeine and How Does it Work?

Hydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic opioid that has been designed to provide relief for those suffering from moderate or severe pain. It’s stronger than codeine but not as strong of an opiate as oxycodeine found in prescription pills such as Percocet and Oxycontin. Its addiction potentials are similar if you take too much hydrocodeine. 

What are the Differences Between Codeine and Hydrocodeine?

Codeine and hydrocodeine are both potent opioids that can relieve pain. However, they have some key differences worth noting if you’re looking for an efficient way of handling your medical issues with this type of relief. Codeine is less effective at relieving pain, whereas hydrocodeine is known to be more effective in delivering pain relief and is less likely to cause nausea and vomiting.

Is It Addictive? 

Hydrocodeine is more potent than codeine and carries the potential for addiction. Any opiate will come with mental or physical drawbacks depending on how much you take- so keep your dosage in check! If higher amounts are prescribed, then there’s an increased risk that these medicines become unnecessary due to tolerance development when taking them regularly over long periods.

Both hydrocodeine and codeine has been known to cause headaches, especially if they are something that you experience often. This can lead to addiction because doctors prescribe this medication specifically to treat headaches. However, if taken daily, it can cause headaches to worsen. The headaches may possibly become more regular and uncomfortable once tapering down as well.  

Differences Between Dependency and Addiction

You may think that physical dependence and addiction are the same thing, but they are not. It is possible to become physically dependent without falling into an actual addiction. Although, in most cases, physical dependency and addiction co-exist, but if you think you are just dependent, you can taper down – it just takes time. Tapering techniques may even help prevent withdrawal symptoms once they start happening! At Bayview Recovery, the treatment programs are specialized according to each client’s needs, helping them stay clean while also figuring out how to mitigate pain. 

Hydrocodeine is twice as strong as codeine, making it only three to seven times less powerful than its cousin, morphine. Morphine is nearly ten times stronger than codeine, thus, hydrocodeine is a more powerful drug than codeine because it provides similar, less potent effects as morphine. 

Can Prescriptions Cause Addiction? 

The struggle against addiction affects all types of people, but it typically begins with a medication that was prescribed by a doctor for pain relief. The addictive qualities and blissful nature that these drugs carry can lead people down a path to becoming addicted once they start taking them reflexively instead or thinking about what will happen if their next dose comes without hesitation from doctor’s orders.