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Compare Oxycodone vs. Methadone

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

Key takeaways

Oxycodone (Roxicodone, Oxycontin) and methadone (Methadose) are prescription opioids that treat severe pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Unlike oxycodone, methadone is also approved to treat opioid use disorder. Methadone is a long-acting medication, while oxycodone is available as a short-acting and long-acting product. All opioids are controlled substances and have side effects that include sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. More seriously, both oxycodone and methadone can lead to potential misuse and overdose.

  • Oxycodone
    Methadone
  • Oxycodone
    Methadone

  • Summary of Oxycodone vs. Methadone

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release oxycodone, also known by its brand names Roxicodone and Oxaydo, is an opioid. It's used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Immediate-release oxycodone is available as tablets, capsules, and a liquid that are taken by mouth. Your prescriber will work with you to find the dosage for your individual needs, but it's typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for your pain. Common side effects include making you constipated, sleepy, and dizzy. Oxycodone is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependence.

    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 Oxycodone 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 Oxycodone vs. Methadone

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Immediate-release oxycodone can start to relieve pain within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (except Oxaydo)
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Have special requirements to fill a prescription for it because it's a controlled substance
    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 Oxycodone vs. Methadone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Vomiting
    •Itching
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble sleeping
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Oxycodone vs. Methadone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •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 Oxycodone vs. Methadone

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    Learn more about Methadone

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