Norco vs. Vicodin: How Do They Differ?

Key Takeaways

• Norco and Vicodin Overview: Both are opioid pain relievers containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen, with high risks of abuse and liver damage.
• Hydrocodone Usage: Treats severe acute and chronic pain, as well as cough suppression.
• Medication Forms: Available in various strengths and tablet forms, with generic versions now prevalent.
• Side Effects: Common and severe side effects include constipation, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and liver toxicity.
• Strength Differences: Vicodin generics have 300 mg of acetaminophen, whereas Norco generics contain 325 mg.
• Addiction Risks: Prolonged use or misuse increases the likelihood of addiction, tolerance, and dependence.
• Treatment Options: Include medical detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and teletherapy.
• Support from The Recovery Village Salem: Offers personalized, comprehensive treatment plans for overcoming hydrocodone addiction, ensuring a safe and effective recovery process.

Norco and Vicodin are both opioid pain relievers containing hydrocodone. These medications, including their generic versions, pose significant risks, such as hydrocodone addiction and liver damage.

Norco and Vicodin are brand names for prescription opioids designed to manage moderate to severe pain. Both medications combine hydrocodone, a potent opioid, with acetaminophen (APAP), an over-the-counter pain reliever commonly known as Tylenol. Although the brand names Norco and Vicodin have been discontinued, their generic forms are still available and are often referred to as hydrocodone and acetaminophen, hydrocodone/acetaminophen, or hydrocodone/APAP.

What Is Hydrocodone Used For?

Hydrocodone is an opioid prescription medication used in various pain management treatments. It is effective in addressing:

• Severe Acute Pain: Often experienced after surgeries or significant injuries.
• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that lasts for an extended period.
• Cough Suppression: Reduces the urge to cough by acting on the brain’s cough center.

Hydrocodone functions similarly to endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers released during pain or stress, by altering the brain’s perception of pain and reducing cough reflexes.

Common hydrocodone-containing medications include:

• Hysingla
• Lorcet**
• Lortab**
• Norco*
• Vicodin*
• Zohydro

*Note: Brand name versions of Norco and Vicodin have been discontinued, though their generic forms remain available. **Both brand name and generic versions of Lorcet have been discontinued.

What Is Norco?

Norco was a prescription opioid painkiller containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen. While it is no longer available under the Norco brand name, it can still be prescribed generically. Norco was offered in four strengths:

• Norco 2.5/325 mg: Hydrocodone 2.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg
• Norco 5/325 mg: Hydrocodone 5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg
• Norco 7.5/325 mg: Hydrocodone 7.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg
• Norco 10/325 mg: Hydrocodone 10 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg

What Does Norco Look Like?

Generic Norco tablets come in various shapes and sizes depending on the manufacturer and dosage. Examples include:

• Norco 5/325 mg: White, oblong tablet with “IP 109” or “G035” imprinted on one side
• Norco 7.5/325 mg: White, oblong tablet with “M366,” “U02,” or “G036” imprinted on one side
• Norco 10/325 mg: Yellow, oblong tablet with “3601” imprinted on one side and “V” imprinted on the other

What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin was a widely prescribed opioid pain medication available in formulations such as Vicodin, Vicodin ES, and Vicodin HP. Each version contained hydrocodone and acetaminophen in varying amounts. On January 13, 2011, the FDA mandated that all manufacturers limit acetaminophen in these medications to a maximum of 325 mg per dosage unit to prevent liver damage. In May 2012, the original Vicodin formulations were discontinued, and only generic forms remain available with adjusted acetaminophen levels:

• Vicodin 5/300 mg: Hydrocodone 5 mg and acetaminophen 300 mg
• Vicodin ES 7.5/300 mg: Hydrocodone 7.5 mg and acetaminophen 300 mg
• Vicodin HP 10/300 mg: Hydrocodone 10 mg and acetaminophen 300 mg

What Does Vicodin Look Like?

Generic Vicodin tablets vary in appearance based on manufacturer and strength:

• Vicodin 5/300 mg: White, oblong tablet with “A41” imprinted on one side
• Vicodin ES 7.5/300 mg: White, oblong tablet with “A42” imprinted on one side
• Vicodin HP 10/300 mg: White, oblong tablet with “C116” imprinted on one side

Norco vs. Vicodin: Side Effects

Both Norco and Vicodin share similar side effects due to their hydrocodone and acetaminophen content. Common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Anxiety
• Mood Swings (e.g., feeling unusually happy or sad)
• Dry Throat
• Difficulty Urinating
• Rash and Itching
• Pupil Constriction
• Clouded Thinking

More severe side effects or signs of overdose may encompass:

• Respiratory Depression: Slow or irregular breathing
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
• Confusion and Sweating
• Rapid Heartbeat and Shivering
• Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
• Chest Tightness
• Unresponsiveness or Coma

Acetaminophen in these medications can cause liver toxicity, with symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, itching, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Norco vs. Vicodin: Strength and Effectiveness

Generic Norco and Vicodin are similar in both strength and effectiveness, primarily differing in their acetaminophen content. Vicodin generics contain 300 mg of acetaminophen, while Norco generics contain 325 mg per tablet. This distinction is crucial for individuals with liver conditions, those who consume alcohol, or who take other acetaminophen-containing medications. It’s vital to adhere to the maximum recommended daily intake of acetaminophen, which is 4,000 mg, to prevent liver damage.

Both medications are effective in reducing pain when used as prescribed, as shown by research. It is recommended to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to minimize the risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Norco and Vicodin Addiction

In 2020, approximately 9.5 million individuals aged 12 or older misused opioids, including hydrocodone-containing prescriptions like Norco and Vicodin. Opioid misuse involves taking the medication differently than prescribed, consuming higher doses, using someone else’s prescription, or taking it to achieve a euphoric high. Hydrocodone misuse can lead to severe addiction, characterized by:

• Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting in use despite negative physical or psychological effects
• Relationship Strain: Damaging relationships with family and friends
• Reduced Activity: Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Work or School Problems: Struggling to fulfill responsibilities
• Cravings: Intense urges to use the drug
• Tolerance and Dependence: Needing higher doses to achieve the same effect and experiencing withdrawal symptoms without the drug

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

Treatment for hydrocodone addiction is essential for breaking the cycle of dependence and restoring a healthy, productive life. Effective treatment programs typically include:

• Medical Detox: Safely eliminating the drug from the body under medical supervision
• Inpatient Rehabilitation: Intensive, residential programs providing comprehensive care
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Structured day programs for those needing significant support
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Flexible treatment schedules for individuals balancing daily responsibilities
• Outpatient Rehabilitation: Outpatient services for ongoing recovery support
• Teletherapy: Online counseling and support for remote treatment

At The Recovery Village Salem, our licensed addiction specialists assess each individual’s unique situation to create personalized treatment plans. Our programs focus on long-term healing, providing medical supervision during detox and therapeutic support to address triggers and develop effective coping strategies for sustained sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, The Recovery Village Salem offers comprehensive detox and rehabilitation services to guide you toward a healthier, substance-free life. Contact us today to learn more about our hydrocodone addiction treatment programs and take the first step toward recovery.