Although tramadol and oxycodone are both opioids, their molecular structures differ. This results in variations in potency and addiction potential. One of the most significant distinctions between tramadol and oxycodone is that oxycodone is approximately 1.5 times more powerful than morphine, but tramadol is just 10% as potent as morphine.
| Particulars | Tramadol | Oxycodone |
| Drug Schedule | Schedule IV | Schedule II |
| Dosage | Starting dosage of 50 mg every 4-6 hours as required, with a maximum daily dose of 400 mg | Start with 5 mg every 4-6 hours as needed. |
| Is sold in conjunction with other medications. | Yes, with acetaminophen | Yes, with acetaminophen, aspirin, buprofen or naloxone |
| Brand | Ultram | OxyContin, Xtampza ER, Oxaydo |
Tramadol: What Is It?
A painkiller available only by prescription, tramadol is a little less potent than most other opioids. Tramadol affects the central nervous system when it binds to opioid receptors in the body. Tramadol and other opioids have a reduced impact on pain perception because of how they interact with the central nervous system.
Tramadol nevertheless functions well as a pain reliever, even for severe pain, even if it may not be as strong as certain other opioids. For chronic pain and severe pain needing round-the-clock therapy, a medication with a prolonged release is offered.
How Does Oxycodone Work?
Because of the potential for misuse and addiction, oxycodone is a potent, semi-synthetic opioid that is subject to strict regulation by the DEA. Oxycodone, like tramadol, affects the central nervous system of the user to change how they experience pain. Contrary to tramadol, oxycodone does not prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Tramadol has a slower onset time than oxycodone, which has a pure opioid agonist action. For instance, short-acting oxycodone often begins to work within 15 minutes, reaching its peak effects in around 2 hours. Tramadol’s effects might take up to an hour to manifest.
Tramadol VS Oxycodone
Tramadol is classified as a Schedule IV substance, whereas oxycodone is Schedule II because to these disparities in potency. So, despite the fact that both drugs are addictive, oxycodone has a larger risk of misuse and addiction.
To stop the signaling of pain, opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body. Opioids not only lessen any painful effects, but they also encourage the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter, dopamine, to be released. As a result, a feeling of exhilaration and well-being develops, creating a high.
The potency of being high increases with dosage. The addictive characteristic of opioids is a result of how they affect dopamine and reward systems in the brain. The reward system is also triggered when dopamine floods the brain, which promotes continued drug use.
Both oxycodone and tramadol cause physical dependency, which, without supervision and assistance from a doctor, can develop into addiction. Patients who use these drugs for an extended length of time frequently develop physical dependence on opioids.
When a person has withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance, physical dependency is evident. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be so unpleasant that some patients use opioids just to prevent them.
Is Oxycodone or Tramadol More Powerful?
Tramadol and oxycodone are both powerful painkillers. Tramadol is less effective for treating more severe pain than oxycodone because of how much stronger it is. For this reason, tramadol is typically used instead of oxycodone for less severe pain.
To further contrast oxycodone with tramadol:
- Oxycodone is more strong and has a quicker beginning of pain-relieving effects than other painkillers in terms of efficacy.
- Compared to oxycodone, tramadol does have an increased risk of seizures, especially in those with a history of seizures.
- Tramadol has a lower risk of misuse and addiction than oxycodone.
In conclusion, oxycodone is more potent in reducing pain than tramadol, but it also increases the risk of addiction and dependency. Tramadol has the ability to elevate mood but has a lesser potential for respiratory depression. Additionally, there is a seizure risk with tramadol.