What’s The Difference Between Lortab And Percocet?

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ted Bender, Ph.D., LCDC

May 1, 2019

Percocet and Lortab are both drugs that are used to treat moderate to severe pain. These medications are only available through prescription.

Both Lortab and Percocet contain opioid properties. This means that these drugs come with a high potential for abuse and addiction. These medications should be used exactly as instructed by a doctor.

Let’s explore the differences and similarities between these two opioids.

What Is Lortab?

Lortab is a prescription medication made from hydrocodone and acetaminophen. This drug is used to treat moderate to more intense pain. Lortab can also be used as a cough suppressant.

Lortab is available in a number of generic and brand-name versions. It is often more expensive than other pain medication options.

Common side effects of Lortab include sedation, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Because of the opioid component of this drug, Lortab should only be taken as prescribed. Taking Lortab long-term or taking more than the recommended dose can put people at risk for dependence, addiction, and overdose.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is also a pain medication. This drug consists of oxycodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen. Percocet is typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain.

This drug comes with the possibility for a number of different side effects. These side effects include sedation, lightheadedness, itching, and constipation.

Oxycodone, a component in Percocet, is an opioid. As such, Percocet should only be taken as advised by a doctor. Misusing this drug can lead to addiction and increase the risk of overdose.

Differences And Similarities Between Lortab And Percocet

Both Percocet and Lortab are used for treating moderate to severe pain and come in several forms. The most common form of both drugs is as a tablet that is taken orally.

Both drugs contain acetaminophen, a non-narcotic pain reliever and fever reducer. Both medications also contain an opioid.

Lortab and Percocet are both considered Schedule II drugs by the FDA. This means that they come with the high potential for abuse and addiction. Both drugs will likely cause withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped suddenly.

As part of the opioid family of drugs, Lortab and Percocet work by changing the way the brain perceives pain. Both drugs bind to opioid receptors in the brain and interact with the brain’s reward system. By doing so, Percocet and Lortab reduce feelings of pain and can cause feelings of euphoria and pleasure.

Both drugs can be habit-forming, especially when used longer than prescribed. Abusing these two drugs increases a person’s risk of mental and physical dependence as well as addiction.

Getting Help For Lortab Or Percocet Abuse And Addiction

Overcoming an opioid addiction can feel difficult if not impossible. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be done alone. There are several options when it comes to seeking help for an addiction to Percocet or Lortab.

A formal treatment program is often recommended for treating opioid addiction. Inpatient programs are typically the most recommended form of formal treatment. Inpatient treatment is intensive and provides customized programs of recovery for each patient.

To learn more about the difference between Lortab and Percocet, contact a treatment specialist today.