Norco vs. Vicodin

• Are Vicodin and Norco the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Norco?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Vicodin?
• What is Norco?
• What is Vicodin?
• What Drugs Interact with Norco?
• What Drugs Interact with Vicodin?
• How Should Norco Be Taken?
• How Should Vicodin Be Taken?

Norco (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) and Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) are combinations of an opioid analgesic and antitussive (cough suppressant) and a pain reliever (analgesic) used to treat moderate to fairly severe pain.

Norco is available in generic form. Side effects of Norco include:

• anxiety,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• constipation,
• headache,
• mood changes,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears, or
• dry mouth.

Common side effects of Vicodin include:

• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• anxiety,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• drowsiness,
• constipation,
• headache,
• mood changes,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears,
• dry mouth, and
• difficulty urinating.

Norco is a strong prescription medicine is indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Vicodin is

• A strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid pain medicine, when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them.
• An opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death.

Norco, like all narcotics, may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery; patients should be cautioned accordingly.

Alcohol and other CNS depressants may produce an additive CNS depression, when taken with this combination product, and should be avoided.

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming. Patients should take the drug only for as long as it is prescribed, in the amounts prescribed, and no more frequently than prescribed.

While taking Vicodin DO NOT:

• Drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how Vicodin affects you. Vicodin can make you sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• Drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol. Using products containing alcohol during treatment with Vicodin may cause you to overdose and die.

Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. However, it should be kept in mind that tolerance to hydrocodone can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related.

The usual adult dosage is one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain. The total daily dosage should not exceed 8 tablets.

• Do not change your dose. Take Vicodin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.
• Take your prescribed dose every four to six hours as needed for pain.
• Do not take more than your prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time.
• Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain.
• If you have been taking Vicodin regularly, do not stop taking Vicodin without talking to your healthcare provider.
• After you stop taking Vicodin, the unused tablets should be disposed of by flushing down the toilet.