Compare Percocet vs. tramadol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) is the strongest prescription combination pain medicine for as needed pain relief, but make sure you don't take too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) to avoid liver problems or death.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1399 reviewsforPercocet
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
- Combination pain medicine with an opioid component (oxycodone) and non-opioid component (acetaminophen or Tylenol) that takes advantage of different modes of pain relieve in a single pill.
- Provides quick relief for moderate to severe pain to improve quality of life.
- Generally considered stronger than Norco or other combination pain medicine for treating pain.
- Good for as-needed, short-term use, but may be helpful to manage more long-term pain problems if used at the appropriate doses and intervals.
- Lower rates of misuse compared to pure opioid medicines.
- Can help you fall asleep easier.
- 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
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Everyone will get constipation - always stay hydrated and take stool softener or stimulant on days you're taking Percocet if you need.
- All opioid containing medicines have the risk of physical dependence and possibility of withdrawal when used long-term.
- The non-opioid part of Percocet, acetaminophen (Tylenol), has a high risk of liver failure and death if you take more than the maximum daily dose. Be very careful.
- Relies on the users to be aware of how much acetaminophen (Tylenol) they are using since it is a very common ingredient in many prescription and non-prescription pain medicines.
- Avoid alcohol.
- 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
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$132.34
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$41.74
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Reviews
1399 reviews so far
70%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Percocet (Oxycodone / 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 Percocet (Oxycodone / 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
- Death from liver failure
- Current liver disease
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines with acetaminophen
- Death from lack of oxygen to the body (respiratory depression)
- Age 65 or greater
- Higher dose
- People with not enough thyroid hormones
- History of lung problems
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Tolerance and dependence
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Neonatal withdrawal syndrome
- Long-term use of opioids in mother
- Breastfeeding while taking Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
- Death from overdose (extended-release tablet)
- Children age 18 and younger
- Taking more than prescribed dose
- Mixing with alcohol or drugs that interact with Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Circulation problems
- 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