Tramadol and Lortab are two prevalent prescription painkillers. While they share certain similarities, their differences are crucial in determining their appropriate use. This article provides a deep dive into how Tramadol vs Lortab compare and contrast with one another.
What is Tramadol?
- Active Ingredients: Both Tramadol and Lortab contain opioid components as their active ingredients.
- Purpose: They are utilized in treating both short-term and chronic pain.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and a notable risk of addiction.
- Specific Risks: Tramadol poses a seizure risk, whereas Lortab can lead to liver damage due to its acetaminophen content.
Detailed Comparison: Tramadol vs. Lortab
Tramadol and Lortab: General Overview
Tramadol is typically prescribed for mild to moderate pain relief, while Lortab is more potent, making it suitable for moderate to severe pain. Lortab, also known as Vicodin or Norco, combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen. This composition increases the risk of liver damage compared to Tramadol, which contains a single active ingredient.
Similarities Between Tramadol and Lortab
Both drugs, being opioids, exhibit similar side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and slowed breathing. The risk of fatal overdose and addiction is significant with both medications, and they are classified as controlled substances.
Tramadol vs. Lortab: Similarities Table
| Aspect | Tramadol | Lortab (Vicodin/Norco) |
|---|---|---|
| Side Effects | Drowsiness, Dizziness, Nausea, Slowed Breathing | Drowsiness, Dizziness, Nausea, Slowed Breathing |
| Risk of Fatal Overdose | Significant Risk | Significant Risk |
| Addiction Risk | Significant Risk | Significant Risk |
| Classification | Controlled Substance | Controlled Substance |
What is the difference Between Tramadol and Lortab?
Tramadol
- It acts similarly to antidepressants but is not used for mental health treatment.
- Safer for individuals with lower opioid tolerance, such as older adults.
- Increases seizure risk.
Lortab
- Effective against coughs and fever.
- The acetaminophen component raises the risk of liver damage.
- More potent, requiring careful dosage management.
Tramadol vs. Lortab: Differences Table
| Aspect | Tramadol | Lortab (Vicodin/Norco) |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Pain Relief (Not for Mental Health) | Pain Relief (Also Effective for Coughs and Fever) |
| Tolerance | Safer for Individuals with Lower Opioid Tolerance (e.g., Older Adults) | More Potent, Requires Careful Dosage Management |
| Seizure Risk | Increases Seizure Risk | N/A |
| Liver Damage Risk | Lower Risk | Higher Risk |
Tramadol vs Lortab: Side Effects
Both drugs share common side effects like dizziness, constipation, and nausea. Tramadol’s unique side effects include seizures and mood changes. Notably, the abuse risk is high for both, with hydrocodone (a component of Lortab) being one of the most abused opioids in the U.S.
Tramadol Side Effects:
Whether for medical or recreational use, common side effects of tramadol use include:
- Headache
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Sweating.
- Itching.
- Flushing of the skin.
Lortab Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Trouble breathing
- Chills
- Decrease in urine volume
- Dizziness
- Inability to urinate
- Agitation
- Blurred vision
- Choking
- Drowsiness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bluish lips or skin
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Sweating
- Darkening of the skin
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Bloating
- Blood in the urine or stools
- Cold and clammy skin
Tramadol vs. Lortab: Dosage, Potency, and Time to Work Table
| Drug | Standard Dosage | Time to Work |
|---|---|---|
| Tramadol | 25-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed Average Dose: 50 mg |
30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Lortab | 5-325 mg (1-2 tabs) every 4-6 hours as needed Average Dose: 10 mg |
30 minutes to 1 hour |
A moderate dose of Tramadol is 50 mg, while for Lortab, it is 10 mg. The potency of Lortab is higher than that of Tramadol.
Tramadol vs Lortab: Addiction Risk Comparison
Addiction risk for Tramadol vs Lortab primarily stems from their classification as opioids. However, their potential for addiction varies due to their chemical composition and potency.
Tramadol Addiction Risk
-
- Lower Potency: Compared to Lortab, Tramadol is less potent, which may reduce the likelihood of addiction to some extent.
- Schedule IV Drug: Classified as a Schedule IV substance, indicating a lower risk of abuse and addiction compared to Schedule III drugs.
How Addictive is Tramadol?
The misuse or abuse of Tramadol, even when following a doctor’s instructions, can lead to addiction. Prolonged use exacerbates this risk, potentially resulting in tolerance (requiring higher doses for the same effect) and dependence. Common indicators of Tramadol addiction encompass withdrawal symptoms like irritability, depression, flu-like sensations, along with uncontrollable cravings and usage of the drug.
Lortab Addiction Risk
- Higher Potency: Lortab, containing hydrocodone, is more potent, increasing the risk of addiction.
- Schedule III Drug: Classified as a Schedule III substance, which indicates a higher potential for abuse and addiction than Schedule IV drugs.
How Addictive is Lortab?
Lortab, classified as an opioid medication, does harbor the potential for addiction, although it is not widely recognized for its highly addictive nature. Around 5% of individuals prescribed Lortab or similar opioid-based medications may engage in misuse, placing themselves at risk of developing an addiction. To mitigate this risk, strict adherence to the prescribed regimen is imperative.
| Comparison Criteria | Tramadol | Lortab |
|---|---|---|
| Potency | Less Potent | More Potent |
| Drug Schedule | Schedule IV | Schedule III |
| Withdrawal Onset | Few hours to 1 day | 6-12 hours |
| Withdrawal Duration | Up to 1 week or more | About 1 week or more |
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Learn more about: Tramadol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline And Treatment
For individuals with a significant dependence on tramadol, a medical detox can be beneficial. This supervised approach involves close monitoring for any potential health complications and the administration of necessary medications.
The FDA has approved two medications, methadone and buprenorphine, for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Methadone and buprenorphine function similarly to tramadol on opioid receptors, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings.
Lortab Withdrawal Symptoms
Lortab withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on factors such as the duration and amount of Lortab use. Common withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing Lortab use may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle aches and pains
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Chills
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Yawning
- Goosebumps (piloerection)
- Dilated pupils
- Fatigue and weakness
Lortab Detox and Treatment
Experiencing Lortab withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable due to its opioid component (hydrocodone). Seeking medical detox is highly recommended. Medical detox programs offer vital support, monitoring, and medication to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Learn More About Tramadol vs Lortab: Schedule III vs Schedule IV Drugs
Schedule III Drugs
Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and are considered less dangerous than Schedule I and II substances but more dangerous than Schedule IV and V substances.
List of Schedule 3 (III) Drugs
| Drug | Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Anabolic Steroids | Muscle growth and appetite stimulation | Oxandrolone, Nandrolone |
| Ketamine | Anesthesia and pain relief | Ketalar |
| Buprenorphine | Pain relief and opioid addiction treatment | Subutex, Buprenex |
| Testosterone | Hormone replacement therapy and hormonal deficiencies | AndroGel, Testopel |
| Dihydrocodeine Combinations | Cough suppression and pain relief | Synalgos-DC |
Schedule IV Drugs
Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence.
List of Schedule 4 (IV) Drugs
| Drug | Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Benzodiazepines | Anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders | Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan) |
| Sleep Medications | Treatment of insomnia | Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta) |
| Tramadol | Pain relief | Ultram, ConZip, Qdolo |
| Carisoprodol | Muscle relaxant | Soma |
| Barbiturates | Sedation, anesthesia, and seizure control | Phenobarbital |
It’s important to note that the legal classification of drugs can vary by country, and this list is specific to the United States. The scheduling of substances is subject to change based on new research and legislative changes.
How Tramadol and Lortab are Abused?
Both Tramadol and Lortab can be subjected to various forms of abuse to attain an elevated state of euphoria. Methods of abuse encompass altering the medication’s form, such as crushing pills for snorting, or combining the drug with other substances to enhance its effects. This abusive behavior not only escalates the risk of addiction but also heightens the potential for severe side effects and overdose incidents.
Tramadol vs. Lortab: Duration in System and Half-Life
Individual factors, such as age, weight, metabolism, and hydration all impact the results of a drug test. Additionally, the dose taken and the length of time taking tramadol will impact how long traces of the drug can be detected in the body.
How Long Does Tramadol Stay in Your System?
Tramadol has a relatively short half-life of approximately 5-6 hours, meaning it takes that amount of time for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. This relatively short half-life can affect the detection of tramadol in drug tests, including tests for hair, saliva, blood, and urine.
Tramadol Detection Times in Drug Tests Table
| Drug Test Type | Detection Time |
|---|---|
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
| Saliva | Up to 48 hours |
| Blood | Up to 24 hours |
| Urine | Up to 2-4 days |
How Long Does Lortab Stay in Your System?
Lortab, a medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen, has a relatively short half-life. The half-life of hydrocodone, the opioid component in Lortab, is approximately 3-4 hours, while the half-life of acetaminophen is about 2-4 hours. This means that it takes approximately 3-4 hours for half of the hydrocodone to be eliminated from the body, and about 2-4 hours for half of the acetaminophen to be eliminated. The relatively short half-life of Lortab can influence how long the medication remains detectable in various drug tests and can also impact the timing and management of withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing its use.
Lortab Detection Times in Drug Tests Table
| Drug Test Type | Detection Time |
|---|---|
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
| Saliva | Up to 48 hours |
| Blood | Up to 24 hours |
| Urine | Up to 2-4 days |
Read: What Is Hydrocodone, Differences With Tramadol
Sources:
Tramadol (Trade Names: Ultram®, Ultracet®)
Seizures have been reported in patients receiving tramadol within the recommended dosage range
