Compare Norco vs. tramadol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats moderate to moderately severe pain.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a good option to treat pain when over-the-counter medicines haven't worked, but it can lead to dependence and tolerance if taken for a long time.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 1194 reviewsforNorco
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Ultram (tramadol) works well for pain. Although it's a little weaker than other opioids, it can still be addictive.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsfortramadol
Upsides
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) has two medicines to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. The combination is more effective than either drug alone.
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is more potent than many over-the-counter options.
- You can take this with or without food.
- This medicine also comes as a liquid if you have trouble swallowing.
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is available as a generic.
- Relieves moderate to severe pain. It has been shown to work as well as other opioid pain medications.
- Compared to typical opioids, it provides unique pain relief and effects on your mood when taken regularly.
- Has a lower chance of causing breathing problems compared to other typical opioids.
- Doesn't cause as much constipation as other opioid pain medicines. Staying hydrated and taking laxatives can help treat this side effect.
Downsides
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea can commonly occur.
- Since Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a controlled medication, it cannot be refilled or transferred to another pharmacy.
- Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
- Too much Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can damage the liver.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- Some people think it's weaker than other opioid pain medications. It can also cause more upset stomach.
- Like other opioid pain relievers, Ultram (tramadol) has a high risk of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death.
- The extended release version of Ultram (tramadol) should only be used for severe pain that requires daily, around-the-clock treatment once alternative treatments haven't worked.
- It's a controlled substance regulated by the federal government. This means that your use of Ultram (tramadol) will be tracked to prevent potential prescription abuse.
- Like all opioids, don't use when pregnant, since the baby can become dependent on it and have withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Used for
- Moderate to severe pain
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$189.01
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$33.11
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Reviews
1194 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
44%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)?
Leave a review642 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ultram (tramadol)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
13possible side effects
- Dizziness26%
- Nausea24%
- Constipation24%
- Headache18%
- Sleepiness16%
- Vomiting9%
- Pruritus8%
- CNS Stimulation7%
- Asthenia6%
- Sweating6%
- Dyspepsia5%
- Dry Mouth5%
- Diarrhea5%
Risks and risk factors
- Liver failure
- Current liver disease
- Taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines containing acetaminophen
- Slowed breathing
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- History of lung problems
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Severe allergic reactions
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of substance abuse
- Younger age
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Younger age
- Constipation
- Age 65 or greater
- Long-term use of opioids
- Taking drugs that cause constipation
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Drinking alcohol
- Age 65 years or older
- Breathing problems
- Age 65 or greater
- Overdose
- Using alcohol, benzodiazepines or other medicines that slow breathing
- Addiction, abuse, and overdose
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking with alcohol or benzodiazepines
- Stopping Ultram (tramadol) suddenly
- Interactions with other drugs
- Withdrawal in newborns
- Pregnancy
- Accidental ingestion
- Children can reach medication