Nucynta Vs. Oxycodone | Differences & Similarities
Nucynta and oxycodone are opioid medications used to treat those suffering from various types of pain. While similar in many areas such as side effects and drug interactions, the drugs have differences as well.
Tapentadol and oxycodone (brand names Nucynta and OxyContin, respectively) are prescription opioid analgesic medications used to help treat acute pain. While these pain relief medications are similar, the main difference is approved uses.
Nucynta Vs. Oxycodone | Differences
Although these central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications also help treat chronic pain, the drugs can ultimately be used for different purposes.
Approved Uses
Nucynta and oxycodone are available in immediate release (oxycodone IR) and extended release tablets (ER). In this way, the drugs help treat moderate to severe pain as well.
However, Nucynta ER is used to treat severe neuropathic pain associated with a condition known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy while oxycodone is not used for this purpose.
Nucynta Vs. Oxycodone | Similarities
There are a wide variety of similarities between these two opioid drugs.
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Nucynta and oxycodone are both Schedule II controlled substances, meaning they have a high potential for abuse which can lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Side Effects
Both opioids can create a range of side effects which are similar. As stated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the use of tapentadol and oxycodone may include the following side effects:
- sedation
- released inhibitions
- constipation
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- adrenal insufficiency
- dry mouth
- somnolence
- headache
Drug Interactions
The FDA-approved Nucynta and oxycodone should not be combined with other CNS depressants. In fact, these opioid drugs should not be combined with certain antidepressants, as drug interactions can take place.
Antidepressants to avoid include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonergic drugs and triptans such as these can result in serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening health condition.
In addition to these medications, others to avoid include:
- benzodiazepines
- tramadol
- antihistamines
- alcohol
- over-the-counter pain medications
- fentanyl
- hydrocodone
- hydromorphone
- buprenorphine
- methadone
Pre-Existing Conditions
It is recommended that those with certain health conditions should avoid Nucynta and oxycodone. Examples of these conditions include:
- patients with a head injury
- patients with severe hepatic impairment
- patients with severe renal impairment
- patients with seizure disorders
- patients with the condition paralytic ileus
- elderly or debilitated patients
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
There are similar withdrawal symptoms associated with Nucynta and oxycodone, including:
- restlessness
- irritability
- low back pain
- sleeping problems
- severe cravings for the drug
- gastrointestinal issues
- runny nose
- mental health problems such as anxiety or depression
Opioid Overdose
Nucynta and oxycodone have similar overdose symptoms. A fatal overdose can occur if a large amount of the drugs are taken or combined with other substances. Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
- fluctuations in heart rate
- cold or clammy skin
- hypotension
- respiratory depression
- coma
- death
An overdose can be life-threatening. If an overdose is suspected, seek urgent medical attention. Doctors may administer naloxone (Narcan) to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Treating Opioid Use
For those of you struggling with substance abuse, consider finding treatment at Ohio Recovery Center. At our treatment center, we offer a variety of treatment options for those struggling with prescription drug use.
Contact us today to speak with one of our healthcare representatives who can fill you in on our many treatment plans and assist you on your road to recovery.
Nucynta VS. Oxycodone Frequently Asked Questions
Given the similarities between these two drugs, there are a number of questions people frequently ask regarding the chemical make-up of each drugs and their differing effects on the brain and body.
How Do Chemical Differences Between Nucynta And Oxycodone Affect The Brain?
Nucynta interacts with the mu-opioid receptors in the brain to inhibit norepinephrine reuptake and interrupt pre- and post-synaptic signals.
Oxycodone works similarly, but it does not block the reuptake of norepinephrine. As a result, Nucynta is more effective for treating some types of severe pain.
Is There A Significant Difference In The Risks That Come With Using Either Nucynta Or Oxycodone?
Nucynta and oxycodone are both habit forming and come with a host of potential negative side effects.
With that said, the risk of opioid abuse is marginally lower in patients who use Nucynta. These patients are also somewhat less likely to experience relatively mild symptoms like nausea.
Is Nucynta Better Than Oxycodone?
Nucynta is better for some forms of pain, but the additional effects of blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine can have some side effects that are not common with oxycodone.
Sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and fatigue are often associated with serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
What Other Medications Are Similar To Nucynta And Oxycodone?
Nucynta and oxycodone are both opioid agonists.
Other opioid agonists include morphine, codeine, and fentanyl.
- Food and Drug Administration https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/022304s016lbl.pdf
- Food and Drug Administration https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022272s027lbl.pdf
- National Institute on Drug Abuse https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids
- National Library of Medicine: DailyMed https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4a6953cd-9d64-4443-b7db-5aef2c81324d
- National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html
- National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610006.html
- National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/opioidmisuseandaddiction.html
