Hydrocodone
is an opiate agonist, semi-synthetic narcotic
analgesic and antitussive (cough suppressant)
used in the treatment of mild to moderate
pain.
Hydrocodone
preparations contain analgesics such as acetaminophen,
which can be toxic to the liver in high doses.
Hydrocodone
should only be used to treat patients who are
tolerant to opiates. At high doses or in opiate
sensitive patients there is risk of respiratory
depression.
Hydrocodone
Uses
Hydrocodone is marketed under names including
Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Anexsia, Hycodan,
Vicoprofen, Tramadol, Zydone, Tylox, Tussionex
and Hycomine. It is a semi-synthetic opioid.
The narcotic drug, which can be habit-forming,
is used as a pain reliever and cough suppressant,
available in capsules, tablets and liquid form.
Hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to the
opioid receptor sites in the brain and spinal
cord. It is not available in pure form in the
U.S., and is typically found in combination
with other drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen.
A mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen
is marketed as Vicodin and Lortcet, and hydrocodone
and aspirin is marketed as Lortab.
Hydrocodone Warnings
As sales and production of hydrocodone products
have increased in recent years, so too have
diversion and illicit use of the drug. A four-fold
increase in sales was reported between 1990
and 2000. Because the product can be habit
forming, it can lead to both physical and psychological
dependence. Because overuse of acetaminophen
can lead to serious liver problems, its combination
with hydrocodone can deter users from abusing
it. However, this can cause a problem for young
people and others who are unaware that acetaminophen
is included in their medication. Many recreational
users instead choose to take opiates such as
oxycodone, which is not mixed with acetaminophen.
When used for long periods of time, or at high
doses, tolerance can develop, causing some
to take more than prescribed. Most often, the
drug is abused orally, instead of through intravenous
methods.
Hydrocodone should
not be combined with alcohol or other sedatives.
Hydrocodone Side
Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued
an alert this year in regard to the safe use
of Tussionex, a cough suppressant containing
hydrocodone. The agency said it received reports
of “life-threatening adverse events and
deaths in patients, including children.” The
reports indicated that some health care providers
were prescribing the drug to patients younger
than 6. It is indicated for patients 6 and
older. The FDA also said some doctors were
prescribing it for more frequent use than what
is recommended.
Symptoms of overdose include: cold/clammy
skin, circulatory collapse, stupor, coma, depression,
respiratory depression, cardiac arrest and
death. Mixing hydrocodone with other substances,
including alcohol, can cause severe physical
problems or death.
Get
Hydrocodone Help Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your Hydrocodone dependency
and get your life back -
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(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
