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Compare Percocet vs. Methadone

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

Key takeaways

Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) and methadone are both opioids used to treat pain, but they have some key differences. Percocet is a combination of oxycodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. It's typically used for short-term pain relief when non-opioid medications aren't enough. Methadone, on the other hand, is used for long-term pain management and also for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone is often started in a clinic under supervision, especially for OUD, while Percocet is usually prescribed for home use. Both medications carry a high risk of misuse and dependency, but methadone has additional risks like heart rhythm problems and serotonin syndrome. Percocet is available in both tablet and liquid forms, while methadone comes in tablets, liquids, and dissolvable tablets. Both medications require careful monitoring and should be taken exactly as prescribed to avoid serious side effects.

  • Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
    Methadone
  • Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
    Methadone

  • Summary of Percocet vs. Methadone

    Summary for Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a combination opioid medication. It's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

    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 Percocet 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 Percocet vs. Methadone

    Pros and Const for Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 10 to 30 minutes
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse and dependency
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •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 Percocet vs. Methadone

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

  • Warnings of Percocet vs. Methadone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic 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 Percocet vs. Methadone

    Learn more about Percocet
    Learn more about Methadone

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