Is Oxymorphone Stronger Than Oxycodone?

Yes, Oxymorphone is stronger than Oxycodone. Oxymorphone or the brand name Opana is a prescription opioid medication used to treat severe pain. Oxymorphone is available in both IR (immediate-release) and ER (extended-release) formulations. When speaking of the strengths of various opioid medications, often Morphine is used as a baseline for comparison. Oral Oxymorphone is 3 to 7 times stronger than Morphine versus oral Oxycodone which is 1.5 times stronger than Morphine. Oxymorphone is 2 times stronger than Oxycodone.

Opioids on the Market for Chronic Pain

There are prescription opioid medications available to treat very mild pain to significant or severe pain. Some of the opioid medications are so potent they can cause an almost instantaneous overdose in people who aren’t opioid-tolerant. Here is a list, in order, of some of the strongest opioids on the market. These opioids are considered to be the “stronger than Morphine” opioids.

• Carfentanil
• Fentanyl
• Heroin (an illicit substance)
• Hydromorphone and Oxymorphone
• Methadone
• Oxycodone

Oral Oxymorphone is a new formulation of an existing parenteral opioid that has become available for significant pain. Oxymorphone is a typical mu-opioid agonist that is effective in both immediate- and extended-release (IR and ER) formulations. Oxymorphone is more lipid-soluble than Morphine, resulting in a rapid onset of action when given in tablet formulation, with a duration of action of approximately 4-6 hours in IR and 12 hours in ER preparations. Oxymorphone provides excellent pain relief for significant pain, with typical opioid side effects that are usually mild or moderate in intensity. (NCBI)

Chronic pain management with the use of opioids under the careful supervision of a doctor is possible if you’re not an addict. However, for those that are searching for a high, opioids are extremely dangerous and you can quickly become dependent on them.

What Are Oxymorphone & Oxycodone?

Oxymorphone (Opana) and Oxycodone (OxyContin ER, Percocet, or Roxicodone) are both opioid medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. They are in a class of drugs called opioid analgesics or narcotics. They work on the opioid receptors of your brain and tell your brain that you are not in pain. Both medications change the way you think about pain, and this helps to dull your feeling of pain. Also, both medications are highly addictive.

Oxymorphone and Oxycodone work in the same way, so they both have similar side effects. Here is a list of some of the most common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Itching
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

Side Effects from Oxymorphone and Oxycodone

Some of the more serious side effects of the medications include slowed breathing, stopped breathing, cardiac arrest (stopped heart), low blood pressure, or shock. Each medication does have a couple of different notable side effects. Oxymorphone can cause fever and confusion while Oxycodone can cause sleeping trouble and lack of energy. Oxymorphone and Oxycodone are not recommended for long-term use. Both medications are controlled substances, and they are known to cause addiction and can be abused or misused.

Although Oxymorphone and Oxycodone work in similar ways, they do have some notable differences. Both drugs come as tablets, but Oxymorphone also comes as an injection. Oxymorphone is more expensive than Oxycodone, and they have a couple of slight differences in side effects as noted above.

Stopping either drug suddenly can cause some very intense and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Here is a list of some of the withdrawal symptoms of Oxymorphone and Oxycodone:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Chills
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

We are Here to Help You Stop Taking Deadly Opioids

You should never stop taking any opioid medication on your own. Medical detox is optimal to minimize and control symptoms of withdrawal. Medical professionals within a treatment center can help you by using medical and pharmaceutical tools along with counseling.

Conclusion

While oxymorphone is often considered more potent than oxycodone, both opioids carry significant risks for misuse, dependence, and addiction. At Recreate Life Counseling, we offer comprehensive treatment programs tailored to individuals struggling with opioid use disorders, including those involving prescription medications like oxymorphone and oxycodone. Our services encompass medically supervised detoxification, individualized therapy, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions, providing a holistic approach to recovery. Understanding the potency and risks associated with these medications is crucial, but seeking professional help is the first step toward lasting sobriety and improved well-being.

Published on: 2020-07-22
Updated on: 2025-05-30