Compare oxycodone vs. methadone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Oxycontin (oxycodone) treats moderate to severe pain, but can be habit-forming, especially if used long-term.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1241 reviewsforoxycodone
Treats severe pain or drug dependence.
Methadose (methadone) is a cheap and effective treatment for severe chronic pain, but has serious risks for fatal overdose and drug dependence.
Upsides
- Oxycontin (oxycodone) is available in a tamper-resistant form to lessen the risk of abuse.
- Liquid form is available if you have trouble swallowing.
- Available in a generic version.
- The extended-release pill provides around-the-clock pain relief with convenient once or twice daily dosing.
- Available as a cheap, generic version.
- One of the stronger opioid medicines for treatment of severe pain.
- Can also be used to treat opioid dependence as part of a complete recovery program.
Downsides
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.
- Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- It’s not safe to start taking extended-release pills if you've never taken an opioid medicine before.
- Methadose (methadone) can cause slowed breathing, coma, and death from overdose, especially if mixed with alcohol, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants.
- Constipation is a common side effect of Methadose (methadone) and you might need laxatives or stool softeners.
- Not a good option for short-term pain relief.
Used for
- Moderate to severe pain
- Opioid dependence
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$51.98
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$90.22
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Reviews
1241 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Oxycontin (oxycodone)?
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Side effects
10possible side effects
- Constipation23%
- Nausea23%
- Sleepiness23%
- Dizziness13%
- Itchiness13%
- Vomiting12%
- Headache7%
- Dry mouth6%
- Weakness6%
- Sweating5%
The Methadose (methadone) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Slowed breathing
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- After dose change
- History of lung problems
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Harm to newborn babies
- Long-term use during pregnancy
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Younger age
- Interactions with other medicines
- Taking medicines that also cause sleepiness or slowed breathing
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Death from overdose
- Taking alcohol, other opioids, or benzodiazepines
- Children age 18 and younger
- Death from lack of oxygen to the body (respiratory depression)
- Start of treatment
- Age 65 or greater
- Dose changes and higher doses
- Heart problems (arrhythmia)
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Driving impairment
- Taking Methadose (methadone) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Death from overdose
- Children age 18 and younger
- Taking more than prescribed dose
- Mixing with alcohol or drugs that interact with Methadose (methadone)
- Abuse, tolerance, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse or mental illness