Hydrocodone can be dangerous when abused and lead to addiction.
What is hydrocodone? It is a semi-synthetic opioid that is prescribed by doctors and dentists. It can quickly become habit-forming if taken more than needed or in a way other than how it was prescribed; such as snorting it. In as little as five days a person can become dependent on it.
Types of hydrocodone
There are two types of hydrocodone. The first is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The band names of this type of hydrocodone are:
- Vicodin comes in three different dosage levels of hydrocodone—5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg.
- Norco comes in two strengths: 7.5 mg or 10 mg of hydrocodone combined with 325 mg of acetaminophen.
- Lortab tablets come in different colors depending on the strength of 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg combined with 325mg acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone without acetaminophen is listed as Zohydro which comes in the following strengths 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg. Approved by the FDA in 2013 it was the first hydrocodone only pain killer.
The reason for the acetaminophen is because it is thought to lower the risk of abuse of hydrocodone. The lack of acetaminophen has a higher risk of abuse and therefore only prescribed for severe chronic pain who are opioid-tolerant and have not found relief with other treatment options.
The effects of hydrocodone misuse and abuse
The longer you misuse and abuse hydrocodone the worse the effects.
Short term effects include:
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Euphoria
- Itchy skin
- Lightheadedness
- Queasiness
- Moving in and out of consciousness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slowed breathing rate
- Seizures
- Sleepiness
- Slowed heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Warm, flushed skin
The long term misuse and abuse of hydrocodone lead to:
- lasting effects on mood and thought patterns
- insomnia
- liver or kidney disease
- depression
- anxiety
And of course, overdose.
Symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal
Symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Fever
- Insomnia
- General depression
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Teary eyes
The first step in treating a hydrocodone substance abuse is a detox specifically designed to aid people in recovery to get through the withdrawal safely and comfortably.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step visit 449 Recovery.
It is 449 Recovery’s greatest goal to help each client overcome every challenge on the road to recovery. We believe that healing is best attained in an environment that will encourage it. The endless monitored detoxification, in conjunction with long term treatment programs at 449 Recovery are provided in a caring and structured atmosphere. Our goal is to execute practices that will leave a lifelong impact on the recipients. We wish for anyone to depart unaffected, but for everyone to start a happier and healthier lifestyle. Postponement is the foe of success, so please give us a call at (855) 435-7449 to gain more insight into our all-inclusive drug addiction treatment program today.