Percocet vs. Morphine: Which Reigns Supreme for Pain Control?

Percocet and morphine are both prescribed to relieve pain. Oxycodone (the opioid ingredient in Percocet) is considered more potent than morphine, so it may work better to control pain in most patients.[1] However, the primary factor in either drug’s ability to better control pain will be determined by the prescribed dosage.

Some studies have not found a significant difference in pain control between morphine and oxycodone.[2,3] Still, one medication may work better for some patients than the other. For example, if a person isn’t finding adequate pain relief with one opioid medication, their doctor may switch them to another to see if it works better for them.  

Morphine vs. Percocet

Morphine and Percocet have different chemical formulations. However, they share the potential for misuse, leading to dependence, the development of opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal if use stops. 

The following comparison table outlines common side effects and withdrawal symptoms as well as the pros and cons of use.[4-6] 

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a combination of oxycodone, a strong opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen (paracetamol), a non-opioid analgesic and fever reducer.[5] Together, these ingredients provide pain relief for moderate to severe levels of pain. 

Percocet is prescribed after minor surgeries, injuries or for chronic pain conditions when other treatments have been unsuccessful in helping patients manage their pain levels. Like most opioids, Percocet works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how the body perceives and responds to pain.[6]

With regular use, dependence on the drug can develop, leading to Percocet addiction. When use stops, withdrawal symptoms will occur, including nausea, body aches, insomnia, anxiety, sweating, diarrhea and goosebumps.[6]

What Is Morphine?

Morphine is a strong opioid medication that is derived from the opium poppy plant.[4] It is widely used for its strong pain-killing properties, especially for helping patients manage severe and chronic pain, such as that resulting from surgery, cancer or terminal illnesses. 

Like Percocet, morphine functions by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how patients perceive pain.[4] 

Morphine is the prototype opioid and is found under various generic names and brand names. Some common names for morphine include morphine sulfate, MS Contin, Kadian and Avinza.

As with Percocet, regular use of morphine will lead to physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleep problems, anxiety, and excessive sweating.[7]

What’s the Difference Between These Two Prescription Opioids?

Percocet and morphine are both opioid medications, and they have many things in common. However, they have several differences in their potency, onset of action, duration of effects, administration, side effects and medical uses.[3-6,8-10]

Potency

While oxycodone has been shown to be more effective at bringing pain relief in some studies, other studies conclude that both medications offer similar results in pain management.

Onset of Action

Morphine’s onset of action is typically faster when it is administered intravenously. Patients experience a rapid relief of their pain, so morphine may be a first choice for management of acute pain in a hospital setting. Percocet has a faster onset of action when it is taken orally, but this can vary from patient to patient. 

Duration of Effects

Percocet’s effects are shorter, so patients may require more frequent doses. Morphine tends to last longer, and extended-release formulations of morphine can offer pain relief to patients for longer than Percocet can. 

Administration

Percocet is normally taken orally, either via tablet or liquid. Morphine is administered in numerous forms, including orally and via IV.

Side Effects

Since Percocet contains acetaminophen, there is a risk of liver damage if overused. Both Percocet and morphine can cause respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness and constipation. 

Risk of Misuse

Both Percocet and morphine, like all opioids, pose high risks for misuse, leading to OUD. Both should only be used as prescribed and with caution.

Is Percocet Stronger Than Morphine?

Many studies show morphine and oxycodone to have similar efficacy in relieving pain.[2,3] The addition of acetaminophen to Percocet increases its pain-relieving properties.

Percocet may be more effective in relieving certain types of pain for some patients.[8] Talk to your doctor if the medication you’ve been prescribed is not effectively relieving your pain.

What Is the Potential of Opioid Abuse?

Again, both Percocet and morphine have a high risk for opioid misuse, dependence and OUD. Opioids are known for their addictive properties. These are some of the associated risks:[11,12]

Euphoria

Percocet and morphine each produce a strong sense of euphoria, a state of excessive well-being and happiness, with a reduced perception of stress or discomfort. For people seeking relief from physical pain or those looking to use Percocet and morphine recreationally, the promise of this kind of euphoria presents a high risk of opioid misuse.

Tolerance

With repeated use, the body becomes tolerant to the euphoric and pain-relieving effects of Percocet and morphine, compelling people to take increasingly higher doses to achieve the same result.

Physical Dependence 

With long-term use of Percocet or morphine, the body adapts to the chemical presence and changes induced by either drug. Discontinuing use will lead to withdrawal symptoms, which often prompt people to continue misusing opioids. 

Psychological Dependence

Similar to physical dependence, the brain becomes dependent on the chemical changes induced by Percocet or morphine. Stopping use leads to intense cravings for more.

Help for Percocet or Morphine Addiction

Recovery from OUD related to Percocet or morphine misuse starts with Medication for Addiction (MAT). At Bicycle Health, we use Suboxone in our MAT program to help you manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing you to focus on the work you’re doing in therapy to rebuild your life in recovery

Contact us today to learn about our telehealth Suboxone treatment program. We can often schedule a same-day meeting to discuss your opioid misuse and set you up with a life-changing treatment plan.