Difference Between Tramadol HCL and Vicodin

If an individual is experiencing pain and he or she cannot find relief through over-the-counter treatments, a doctor may prescribe opioid analgesics, otherwise known as narcotic painkillers.

Vicodin-Hydrocodone

Vicodin is a brand name for the narcotic painkiller hydrocodone, which is a combination of the narcotic component and an additional analgesic called acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol. Hydrocodone is a controlled substance in the United States and is classified as a schedule III drug. Scheduled drugs are monitored by the U.S. government since they are potentially habit-forming and can lead to physical or psychological addiction. A side effect of Vicodin is euphoria which is generally the reason it is abused by certain individuals. Vicodin has a similar structure to that of morphine, and works to alleviate pain by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and inhibiting them from processing pain signals. It is most commonly prescribed for post-surgery pain, discomfort from dental procedures, and broken bones or other injuries.

Tramadol HCL-Ultram

Tramadol HCL is the generic name for Ultram. To Buy Tramadol HCL is an issue for some, and the ismedication surrounded by a certain amount of controversy, since it is a hybrid drug, and therefore, does not fit into a specific classification. It is not a considered a narcotic painkiller by the FDA at this time, and subsequently, is not presently a controlled substance in the United States. However, it is a synthetic opioid, which many experts feel is a justifiable reason to classify it as a schedule III drug. Experts have conflicting opinions as to whether or not tramadol is indeed a narcotic.

Tramadol acts to relieve pain in the same way Vicodin and other opioid analgesics do; by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. It promotes the same feeling of euphoria, and many patients who have used both Vicodin and tramadol, claim the euphoric effect of tramadol is much stronger than that of Vicodin. Out of all the narcotic painkillers, tramadol most closely resembles codeine in its synthetic structure.

Similarities and Differences

There are many similarities between Vicodin and tramadol HCL as far as how they work to relieve pain, and their narcotic properties. However, one distinct difference is an additional active ingredient in tramadol that is not seen in Vicodin, or other narcotic painkillers. This is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor–SSRI. It is the active ingredient in many antidepressants such as Zoloft and Lexapro. SSRIs release serotonin and inhibit the re-uptake of norepinephrine. This subtype selectivity contributes to the controversy about how the drug should be classed. Anti-depressants are rarely prescribed with narcotic painkillers, yet tramadol is antidepressant and a synthetic narcotic combined in one drug. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, tramadol is a “drug of concern.” This means it is under some scrutiny and may be reclassified as a controlled substance in the future. Tramadol creates an effect similar to that of codeine, while Vicodin’s effect is similar to that of morphine. Tramadol is available in an extended release form, but Vicodin is not.