Tramadol vs. Oxycodone: Everything You Need to Know

• September 7, 2022
• Addiction
• Joe Gilmore
• 1 Comment

There are many different prescription pain drugs available on the market today. Tramadol and oxycodone are two of the most commonly prescribed pain medications. Both of these drugs work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. This can help to relieve pain and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from chronic pain conditions.

Tramadol is a kind of synthetic opioid. Typically, this drug has the ability to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available as an oral tablet, an extended-release oral tablet, and an injectable solution. Oxycodone is a natural opioid that is derived from the poppy plant and is available in both injectable and oral forms. However, some people may get addicted to opioids like tramadol and oxycodone. If you or someone you love is suffering from a Tramadol or Oxycodone addiction, you should seek medical assistance from top-rated drug rehab centers to kick off your journey towards substance-free life.

Now, let us dive right in and compare these two popular prescription pain drugs. This article sheds light on how they work, their side effects, and their uses.

What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a medicine that is used to relieve pain. This synthetic opioid is similar to codeine. You can buy tramadol in many forms, including an oral tablet, an extended-release oral tablet, and an oral solution. However, the extended-release tablet and oral solution are only prescribed to people who are in moderate to severe pain around the clock. 

Tramadol is also available as a generic drug and they usually cost less than the brand-name version. They may not be available in every dosage or form as proprietary medicine. 

How Does Tramadol Work?

As we now know, tramadol falls in a special category of drugs called opioids. Opioids are a group of pharmaceuticals that work similarly. Their chemical structure is similar, and they are often used to treat the same conditions. Tramadol alters your brain’s response to pain by binding to opioid receptors and increasing serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Norepinephrine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that are used to communicate between nerves.

Altering the reuptake of these neurotransmitters changes your brain’s perception of pain. Tramadol also inhibits the activity of an enzyme called COX-2. This enzyme is involved in inflammation and pain.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a medication which is also used to relieve moderate to severe pain. This drug falls in a special category of drugs called opioid analgesics. Oxycodone works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which decreases the perception of pain.

Oxycodone is available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid, and injectable solutions. It is also available as an extended-release tablet and an extended-release capsule. Oxycodone is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief.

How Does Oxycodone Work?

Oxycodone works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for transmitting pain signals. This action inhibits the transmission of pain signals and reduces the perception of pain. You can take either an immediate-release or an extended-release formulation of oxycodone for pain relief. Immediate-release oxycodone is taken every four to six hours as needed.

Extended-release oxycodone is designed to be taken once every 12 hours and should not be taken more frequently than every eight hours. Oxycodone is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and injectable solutions. The strength of the medication and the route of administration will vary depending on the individual’s needs. Some people may also require adjunctive therapies, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage their pain.

Are Tramadol And Oxycodone The Same?

Tramadol and oxycodone are two different types of pain medications. Tramadol is an opioid manufactured synthetically to treat serious pain. Oxycodone, an opium-based drug, is used to treat severe pain. By binding to the mu-opioid receptor in the brain, which lowers pain perception, both substances reduce pain. However, there are some differences between tramadol and oxycodone. For example, tramadol has a lower risk of respiratory depression than oxycodone, and oxycodone is more potent than tramadol. Additionally, tramadol is available as an over-the-counter medication in some countries, while oxycodone is only available by prescription.