Pain relievers are one of the most used and prescribed medicines. Usually, pain-relieving medicines belong to the opioid family. Both Tramadol and Oxycodone are prescribed for moderate to severe pain when any other form of treatment is not working well or taking much time.
Now, you might be thinking, which one is good, Tramadol vs Oxycodone.
Both of these medications interact with opioid receptors in the human brain in order to reduce pain and signal transmission. They might be used for treating a variety of pain types, including post-surgical pain and musculoskeletal pain.
Although both of them might be used for similar pain types, Tramadol vs Oxycodone is different and unique from each other. Here, in this article, I will give you a complete insight into Oxycodone vs Tramadol.
Let’s start with having a piece of basic knowledge of both medications.
What Is Tramadol?
This particular medicine is a prescription pain reliever, which is a little weaker in comparison to most of the other opioids. When an individual takes a dose of Tramadol, this medicine binds to the opioid receptors of the individual and influences the central nervous system.
Now, the interaction of tramadol, along with other opioids, with the central nervous system always lowers how people feel pain.
Although tramadol is not as potent as some other opioids, it works well as a pain reliever. And it is really effective even for severe pain.
What Is Oxycodone?
Now, after tramadol, let’s get to know about oxycodone. It is a really strong and semi-synthetic opioid, which is closely regulated by the DEA, as the risk of abuse and addiction is there.
Just like tramadol, oxycodone also works on the central nervous system of the user and alters how they perceive pain. However, unlike tramadol, oxycodone does not at all inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
While tramadol has a lower risk of psychological and physical dependence, oxycodone has more. This is one of the major reasons why oxycodone is regulated as Schedule II, while tramadol is Schedule IV.
Tramadol Vs Oxycodone: The Comparison
Here is a comparison of Tramadol Vs Oxycodone. This will help you get a complete insight into both these pain relievers.
- Tramadol comes with a higher risk of seizures compared to oxycodone, and it is specifically for those people who already have a history of seizures.
- As for the effectiveness of both these painkillers, oxycodone is more potent without any doubt. Also, oxycodone has a more rapid onset of pain-relieving effects.
- Oxycodone always has a higher potential for addiction and abuse than tramadol.
| Classifications | Tramadol | Oxycodone |
| Brand or generic status | Both brand and generic are available. | -DO- |
| Drug class | Mu-opioid analgesic. | Opioid analgesic. |
| The brand name | ConZip, Ultram DR, Ultram | Xtampza ER, Oxaydo, Oxycontin, and Roxicodone. |
| Form of drug | Extended release or immediate release tablet | Oral liquid concentrate, extended-release or immediate release tablets. |
| Standard Tramadol vs Oxycodone Dosage | Every 4 to 6 hours, 50mg. | Every 4 to 6 hours 5 to 15 mg. |
| Usual treatment duration | 7 days or less than that. | 7 days or less than that. |
| Suitable for | Older, adults and children 12 years of age. | Adults, children, infants. |
Tramadol Vs Oxycodone Which Is Stronger?
Now comes effectiveness. While we are comparing Tramadol Vs Oxycodone, we must say that oxycodone is stronger as a pain reliever than tramadol. However, this same one is also more prone to develop an addiction and dependence.
Although tramadol has mood-boosting properties, it possesses a lower risk of respiratory depression. At the same time, you have to keep in mind that Tramadol carries the risk of seizures.
In most cases of severe pain, oxycodone is the first choice. And tramadol is used in less severe pain than oxycodone.
Oxycodone Vs Tramadol: Common Side Effects
Tramadol Vs Oxycodone are both opioids and have almost similar side effects. And like most of the other opioids, the effects of these two medicines tend to be gastrointestinal in nature.
Here is the common comparison between the Tramadol Vs Oxycodone side effects.
| Side Effects | Tramadol | Oxycodone |
| Drowsiness | Up to 25% | Up to 23% |
| Nausea | Up to 40% | Up to 23% |
| Constipation | Up to 46% | Up to 23% |
| Vomiting | Up to 17% | Up to 21% |
| Headache | Up to 23% | Up to 14% |
| Dizziness | Up to 13% | Up to 13% |
| Dry Mouth | Up to 13% | NA |
| Indigestion | Up to 13% | Up to 13% |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):-
I believe, after going through this article, you get almost all the information you were looking for regarding Tramadol Vs Oxycodone. Still, if you have any other queries or questions, you can always launch them in the comment section.
Now, I am answering some of the most common questions people also look for when they are looking to get insight on Tramadol Vs Oxycodone. So, now, without wasting any more time, let’s find the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Ans: When we are talking about Tramadol Vs Oxycodone, oxycodone has long been regarded as much more potent than tramadol. On the basis of morphine equivalent dosing, pain relievers are commonly compared in comparison to morphine. Oxycodone is 1.5 times more potent. On the other hand, tramadol has a negligible potency as compared to morphine.
Ans: Typically tramadol is used for managing pain in adults. But it is a little weaker in comparison to other usual opioids. Still, tramadol can be habit-forming and addictive. Both an immediate-acting tablet and also an extended-release tablet form of tramadol are available.
Ans: In comparison to other opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone, tramadol is usually less potent. Even a higher dosage of tramadol might be similar to pain relief from all the lower dosages of stronger opioids.
Final Verdict
So, in the comparison of Tramadol Vs Oxycodone, oxycodone is the more potent one as a pain reliever. Both of them share almost the same side effects, but tramadol solely brings the risk of seizures. On the other hand, oxycodone poses a greater risk of developing an addiction or dependency.
Read Also:
