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Compare Norco vs. Methadone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) and methadone are both opioids used to manage pain, but they have some key differences. Norco is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen, an analgesic, and is typically used for short-term pain relief when non-opioid medications aren't effective. Methadone, on the other hand, is used for long-term pain management and also for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) under medical supervision. Norco is taken as a tablet and starts working within 30 minutes, while methadone is available in various forms, including tablets and liquids, and has a longer duration of action. Both medications carry risks of addiction and serious side effects like dangerously slow breathing, but methadone also has specific risks like heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation) and potential for serotonin syndrome. Additionally, methadone treatment for OUD often requires daily visits to a clinic initially, whereas Norco does not have this requirement. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
    Methadone
  • Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
    Methadone

  • Summary of Norco vs. Methadone

    Summary for Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Norco is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who've tried non-opioid medications but haven't gotten enough relief. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It takes about 30 minutes to start working. Side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. It's also a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

    Please note: The brand name Norco is no longer available in the United States, but there are generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets on the market.

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Methadone is an opioid medication. It's used to treat adults with long-term pain that's not relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Methadone is also used with counseling and support programs for opioid use disorder (or opioid addiction). When it's used for opioid use disorder, it's first given at a methadone clinic under the supervision of a healthcare professional (HCP). Methadone is available as tablets, liquids, and dissolvable tablets that are taken by mouth. It's common to have side effects like lightheadedness, dizziness, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Norco vs. Methadone

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
    Indications for
    •Long-term pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone - except for Methadose brand name and its generics)
    •Treatment and maintenance of opioid use disorder (OUD) - all brand names and generics

  • Pros and Cons of Norco vs. Methadone

    Pros and Const for Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Is a controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Comes as a tablet and liquid that are taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Can cause life-threatening slow breathing, especially if it's mixed with alcohol
    •Has potential to be habit-forming

  • Common Side Effects of Norco vs. Methadone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Norco vs. Methadone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Life-threatening heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Withdrawal symptoms

  • Prices with our coupons for Norco vs. Methadone

    Learn more about Norco
    Learn more about Methadone

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