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Conzip vs. Norco

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

Key takeaways

Tramadol (Ultram) and hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin) are both opioid medications used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. However, they differ in several ways. Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance, while hydrocodone/acetaminophen is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means hydrocodone/acetaminophen has a higher potential for misuse and dependency. Tramadol is available in both an immediate-release form, usually taken every 4 to 6 hours, and an extended-release form taken once daily. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Both medications can cause nausea, constipation, and dizziness. Both medications can also cause serious side effects like dangerously slow breathing and withdrawal symptoms, especially if mixed with alcohol or some other medications like benzodiazepines. Tramadol can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and seizures.

Tramadol

 

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Norco

(hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

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Summary for Conzip

Prescription only

Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.

Indications for Conzip

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Conzip

Pros

  • Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.
  • Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.
  • Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioids

Cons

  • A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
  • Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects
  • Not recommended while breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Conzip

  • Constipation (up to 46%)
  • Nausea (up to 40%)
  • Dizziness (up to 33%)
  • Headache (up to 32%)
  • Sleepiness (up to 25%)
  • Vomiting (up to 17%)

Warnings for Conzip

  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Overdose
  • Harm to newborn babies
  • Drug interactions
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Seizures
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low adrenal hormone levels
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal
  • Low blood sodium levels

Summary for Norco

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.

Indications for Norco

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Norco

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

Common Side Effects for Norco

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Itching

Warnings for Norco

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Conzip vs. Norco

Price Card Drug Icon
Tramadol60 tablets / 50mg
$11.42$22.11
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Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen12 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$9.75-
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