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Pecocet and Vicodin are very diferent drugs.  Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen while Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen.  While both oxycodone and hydrocodone are opioid pain relievers, oxycodone is more potent (is similar to morphine) and has a higher potential for abuse.  Oxycodone is a Schedule II narcotic which means you must have a written prescription (some states require the Rx in triplicate) and refills are not allowed.  You must have a new written prescription each time.  Hydrocodone is a Schedule III narcotic which means it can be prescribed verbally and up to five refills in six months are allowed.    I can't say why your doctor changed your prescription, except to say that most physicians try to find the least potent medication that will give the patient adequate pain relief.  The higher the potential for abuse of a drug, the more closely the doctor is monitored by the DEA and the more closely he has to monitor his patients.   If you have further questions about these medications, talk to your pharmacist.  Of course, the best way to find out why your medication was changed is to ask your doctor.  You have the right to know why any particular treatment is recommended.    Karen