Percocet Vs. OxyContin | Differences & Similarities

Percocet and OxyContin are very similar prescription opioid medications. They share similar side effects, are addictive, and are both used for pain relief.

One of the reasons they are so similar is because both prescription drugs contain the semi-synthetic opioid oxycodone. However, Percocet and OxyContin are two distinct drugs.

Differences Between Percocet & OxyContin

While OxyContin and Percocet are very similar, they do have a few differences that may cause a healthcare provider to prescribe one over the other.

Active Ingredients

The big difference between Percocet and OxyContin is what they contain. OxyContin is the brand name for oxycodone, while Percocet is the brand name for the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. 

Formulations

Another area where the two drugs differ is in their formulations. Percocet only comes as an immediate-release formulation while OxyContin is typically found as an extended-release tablet or capsule. 

The immediate-release pills are released into the bloodstream right away and extended-release pills release the drug into the bloodstream gradually.

Similarities Between Percocet & OxyContin

Percocet and OxyContin share the same drug class, control schedule, side effects, drug interactions, and more.

Drug Class

OxyContin and Percocet are both classified as opioid analgesics. This means they contain opioids and are used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Schedule

The FDA and DEA classify OxyContin and Percocet as Schedule II controlled substances. This means they both have a high potential for abuse and can lead to tolerance, psychological and physical dependence, and addiction.

How They Work

Percocet and OxyContin both work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. They also release the neurotransmitter dopamine which is what brings on a euphoric feeling that often leads to abuse and addiction.

Half-Life

OxyContin and Percocet also have similar half-lives. Half-life is how long it takes for half a dose of the drug to exit the body. OxyContin’s half-life is approximately 3 hours while Percocet’s half-life is between 3-4 hours.

Side Effects

OxyContin and Percocet also have similar side effects that can range in intensity from moderate to severe depending on the dosage. Some of the most common side effects of both opioid medications include:

• unusual drowsiness or sleepiness
• brain fog
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• headache
• motor skill impairment
• dry mouth

While rare, the two drugs can also lead to serious side effects.

If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible:

• fever and chills
• skin rash and itching
• vomiting of blood
• cough
• painful urination
• severe nausea
• confusion
• low blood pressure
• slow heart rate
• shallow breathing
• fainting
• seizures

Drug Interactions

There are also certain drugs that don’t react well with OxyContin and Percocet. When some drugs are combined with either of these two opioid medications, the mixture can lead to adverse effects. 

Some of the drugs that don’t interact well with OxyContin and Percocet include:

• central nervous system (CNS) depressants
• serotonergic drugs
• other opioid analgesics like hydrocodone, codeine, and methadone
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• alcohol
• anticholinergic drugs,
• diuretics
• muscle relaxants
  

OxyContin also shouldn’t be mixed with inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D, certain antibiotics, antifungals, and protease inhibitors. Percocet should also be avoided when taking oral contraceptives, activated charcoal, beta-blockers, and probenecid.

Signs Of Addiction

If you are worried about a loved one abusing or becoming addicted to OxyContin or Percocet, there are some signs you can look out for.

The signs for OxyContin and Percocet addiction are similar and may include:

• taking the drug even when not in pain
• taking the drug in a way not intended or as prescribed
• mood swings
• irritability
• agitation
• changes in sleep
• poor decision making
• depression and anxiety
• taking the drug despite harmful consequences

Overdose Risk

Both OxyContin and Percocet abuse can increase the risk of overdose. The signs of a Percocet or OxyContin overdose are similar and reflect the symptoms of opioid overdose:

• respiratory depression
• slow heart rate
• unresponsiveness
• constricted pupils
• sedation
• vomiting
• loss of consciousness

An opioid overdose can be life-threatening. In Ohio alone, there were 415 unintentional opioid overdose deaths in 2020.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If you use OxyContin or Percocet long-term or take it in high doses, there is an increased risk of physical dependence.

When this occurs and you try to stop taking either medicine, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur, and can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• sleep problems
• anxiety
• restlessness
• cravings
• joint pain
• muscle aches
• runny eyes
• runny noses
• sweating

Because these symptoms can become very serious, a detox program is recommended when quitting either of these painkillers.

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