Rephrased. why does vicodine work better for my sciatica than diloudid, have tried both. seeing spine dr this week following unsuccessful pt. curious.

That is assuming you: Are taking equivalent doses of these medications which you may not be doing. Also, people can have varying responses from one another when it comes to medication as well. This can also be seen in terms of side effects and tolerances.Also, vicdin is a combinaion of two pain killers, hydrocodone & tylenol (acetaminophen) while Dilaudid is only a narcotic component.

Narcotic equivalents: Vicodin is hydrocodone. Dilaudid is hydromorphone. Both are fine for acute pain especially post-surgical. Why one works for you better than the other? Maybe dose taken. Maybe the Acetaminophen (tylenol) that is combined with the vicodin not present with the dilaudid. Maybe it is that your body chemistry responds better to one than the other (i know, it's a cop out, but it's true).

Hard to Say: Everyone is different with opioid pain medications. For you hydrocodone (vicodin) is what your body uses more than the hydromorphone (dilaudid). Additionally vicodin has tylenol (acetaminophen) in it that can be helpful, dilaudid does not have this.