Q) what is Hydrocodone?
A) Hydrocodone is an effective antitussive (anti-cough) agent, and as an opiate it is also an effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain control. Five mg of Hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when administered orally. Early comparisons concluded that Hydrocodone and morphine were equivalent for pain control in humans. However, it is now considered that a dose of 15 mg (1/4 gr) of Hydrocodone is equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. Hydrocodone is considered to be morphine-like in all respects.
There are over 200 products containing Hydrocodone in the U.S. In its most usual product forms Hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab), but it is also combined with aspirin (Lortab ASA), ibuprofen (Vicoprofen), and antihistamines (Hycomine). Both tablet and liquid forms of Hydrocodone are available (e.g., Tussionex) Hydrocodone will react as a normal opiate in the available field test kits.
Hydrocodone is abused for its opiate-like effects. It is equivalent to morphine in relieving abstinence symptoms from chronic morphine administration. The Schedule III status of Hydrocodone-containing products has made them available to widespread diversion by “bogus call-in prescriptions” and thefts. Three dosage forms are typically found (5, 7.5, and 10 mg) and their behavioral effects can last up to 5 hours. The drug is most often administered orally. The growing awareness and concern about AIDS and blood-borne pathogens easily transmitted by syringe needle use, has made the oral bioavailability of Hydrocodone attractive to the typical opiate abuser.
As with most opiates, the adverse effects of Hydrocodone abuse are dependence and tolerance development. Its co-formulation with acetaminophen has also increased the likelihood of acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis with high dose acute dosing, but slow escalation of dose over time seems to protect the liver during high dose chronic exposures seen with this drug.
Q) How is Hydrocodone used?
A) Hydrocodone when abused is taken orally, chewed, crushed (then snorted like cocaine), or crushed (then dissolved in water and injected like heroin).
Hydrocodone-containing products are in tablet, capsule and liquid forms. A variety of colors, markings, and packaging are available.
The major source of Hydrocodone to the street has been through bogus call-in and forged prescriptions, professional diversion through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors, and dentists, and large-scale thefts. The pills have been sold for $2 to $10 per tablet and $20 to $40 per 8 oz bottle on the street.
Q) What are the effects of Hydrocodone?
A)
anxiety constipation decreased mental & physical performance difficulty breathing difficulty urination dizziness drowsiness dry throat emotional dependence exaggerated feeling of depression extreme calm (sedation) exaggerated sense of well-being fear itching mental clouding mood changes nausea & vomiting rash restlessness sluggishness tightness in chest
Q) Can you overdose on Hydrocodone?
A) Yes, overdose of Hydrocodone can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately. Symptoms of a Hydrocodone overdose include:
- bluish tinge to skin
- cold clammy skin
- extreme sleepiness
- heavy perspiration
- limp muscles
- nausea & vomiting
- slowed heartbeat or slowed breathing
Q) Is Hydrocodone addictive?
A) Yes, there has been an increasing trend of abuse in non-Chronic Pain suffering persons. The abuser of these drugs has been shown not to be the inner city youth, but instead a famous actor, a suburban real estate agent, or your next door neighbor. First time abuse of these drugs has been surging, most commonly with the oxycodone and Hydrocodone type painkillers. The two differ slightly in their chemical makeup but have a similar effect on the body.
Every age group has been affected by the relative ease of Hydrocodone availability and the perceived safety of these products by professionals. Sometimes seen as a “white-collar” addiction, Hydrocodone abuse has increased among all ethnic and economic groups. DAWN data demographics suggest that the most likely Hydrocodone abuser is a 20-40 yr. old, white, female, who uses the drug because she is dependent or trying to commit suicide. However, Hydrocodone-related deaths have been reported from every age grouping.
Q) What are other medications that include Hydrocodone?
A) BRAND NAMES (of Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen):
Allay; Amacodone; Anexsia; Anolor Dh 5; Bancap-HC; Co-Gesic; Dolacet; Dolagesic; Dolphen; Duocet; Gesic 5; Hy-5; Hy-Phen; Hyco-Pap; Hycomed; Hycotab; Hydrocet;
Hydrocodone w/Acetaminophen; Hydrogesic; Lorcet; Lorcet 10/650; Lorcide Panseals; Lortab; Margesic; Medipain 5; Megagesic; Megamor; Norcet; Oncet; Panacet; Polygesic; Propain Hc; Ro-Codone; Rogesic #3; Senefen III; Stagesic; Tycolet; Ultragesic; Vanacet; Vapocet; Vendone; Vicodin; Vicodin ES; Zydone
Hydrocodone w/Ibuprofen; Vicoprofen
Q) What are the statistics of Hydrocodone abuse?
A) Hydrocodone abuse has been escalating over the last decade. There has been large scale diversion of Hydrocodone. For example, an estimated 7 million dosage units were diverted in 1994 and over 11 million in 1997. In 1998 there were over 56 million new prescriptions written for Hydrocodone products and by 2000 there were over 89 million. From 1990 the average consumption nationwide has increased by 300%. In the same period there has been a 500% increase in the number of Emergency Department visits attributed to Hydrocodone abuse with 19,221 visits estimated in 2000. In 1997, there were over 1.3 million Hydrocodone tablets seized and analyzed by the DEA laboratory system. A recent petition submitted to the DEA has requested a review of the control status of all Hydrocodone-containing products
I no longer miss work to go to the doctor. I no longer wait hours sitting in a doctor’s office just to see the doctor. In the past, after seeing the doctor, I now no longer have to wait at a pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled. I now get medical treatment and prescriptions without leaving the house. I get all of this and it’s just a click away. Not only a click away, but its also legal.
Today’s online pharmacies has made it very convenient for people who already know what their diagnosis is, and already know what medications work for them. Having said that, by no means am I recommending online pharmacies taking the place of your physician. What I am saying is a good reputable online pharmacy, with U. S. Physicians & Pharmacies, who prescribe FDA approved meds, is a great convenient, cheaper way to obtain medications for people who already know what meds they need. Also for people who don’t have a regular physician at the time, but still need the care of a licensed physician.
Only use online pharmacies located in the U. S, with U. S. Physicians & U. S. Pharmacies. Only use online pharmacies that require medical records where you actually speak to the physician on the phone. At that time you can ask any questions you may have, and the physician can ask you any questions about your treatment and medications needed. After my consultation with the physician, I receive my prescriptions the next day, shipped overnight, with two refills (a 90 day supply).
In today’s times where a lot of people like me who just don’t have the time missing work to go to the doctor, a reputable online pharmacy is a wonderful, cheaper alternative. I am a pain management patient as well, so even people who suffer from chronic pain, with proper medical records, can obtain the proper pain medication needed to live a more productive and better quality of life.
I have experienced how easy it is to get addicted to prescription drugs myself. Most of the time a doctor is labeled as someone who is trusted and really cares about your well-being. This is a common misconception. Unfortunately that is not always true. Doctor’s often get a certain amount of pay for each prescription they write. Although there are definitely some very talented and caring doctors, there are also those that are just doing the job for the money.
Prescription drugs are highly addictive and abused. The most popular abused prescription drugs are hydrocodone (loratab), benzos’ (xanax, valium, klonopine etc.) and oxycontin (synthetic morphine). These are narcotic pain and nerve relievers. They cause you to have a feeling of euphoria and make you feel invincible until you come down. The withdrawal from these drugs can be compared to the withdrawals from heroin and you could be hospitalized.
Something as common as having chest cold could start this process of addiction. Doctor’s often prescribe a cough medicine with the main ingredient of codeine. They do this so you won’t have pain in your chest and throat. When you start taking it, it helps but, as you continue, you realize not only does it take that pain away, but you don’t have to deal with daily stress and responsibility and nothing seems to bother you anymore as long as you have this medicine.
Another pain medication that is often prescribed is Tylenol #3 with codeine. I was prescribed this medication for pain after a natural child birth. This started a long cycle of chemical dependency in my life. I just recently found the answer in God, and the twelve steps to recovery program. Addiction is a disease and anything can trigger it, the problem is, you may not even know it’s there until it’s too late.
In conclusion, be aware of what medicines are prescribed to you and check all product instructions before usage. If you can take a non-narcotic medicine for pain or nerves instead of these highly addictive prescriptions, save yourself the bad effects they have on your mind and body. Anything can be addicting, it’s just a matter of being aware.
I know for sure that prescription drug abuse is on the rise around the world especially so in the United States.
One of these drugs happens to be hydrocodone and the leaders which contain this drug names are Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, and Norco. Addiction to these drugs is beginning to be seen as much as alcoholism.
This is frightening to say the least. Beating any type of drug addiction is hard but beating an opiate addiction is I think even harder.
First thing you will have to do is tell dispose of all your drugs and cut your ties to all your connections this means deleting their phone numbers from your cell phone.
If you do not do this it will be darn near impossible to stop using hydrocodone. The reason I say this is that the hydrocodone withdrawal is very unforgiving when you do kick.
If you are using drugs to manage your pain you may want to seek other alternatives like maybe taking Motrin or going to a health spa that deals in pain management.
In any case you will be faced with some heavy withdrawals so be prepared. If you have tried to quit several times on your own without success you may want to look into hydrocodone treatment.
Hydrocodone treatment is a growing very fast with the number of new addicts we are seeing daily.
In hydrocodone treatment you can choose to be medically detoxed by a completely trained staff. They will be at your beck and call twenty four seven.
In most treatment facility’s they start you with subutex and lower your dose using suboxone.
This seems to work quite well and most people have no complaints and it is for the most part painless. So why not stop using today!
Commonly prescribed for its effectiveness as an analgesic or pain reliever, addiction to hydrocodone is today being viewed as a mounting crisis. While addiction to illicit drugs, like cocaine, marijuana and heroin that claim national headlines ever so often, is widely talked about, we scarcely know about hydrocodone abuse and addiction. For instance, did you know that hydrocodone is perhaps the most widely abused prescription drug in the United States of America? Or, that nationwide its use has quadrupled over the last decade?
Sales and production of hydrocodone have been rising significantly in the past few years. Presently, in the United States alone about 20 tons of hydrocodone products are manufactured and sold.
What is Hydrocodone?
Simply put, hydrocodone is an effective anti-cough agent. It is also an opiate, due to which it is of often prescribed for mild to moderate pain control. Often weighed against morphine for its pain control abilities, many studies have shown that when hydrocodone is taken within the prescription parameters, it is considered safe and seldom causes any addiction. In fact, under these conditions it can be used to mange pain quite successfully. Hydrocodone is sold under several brand names such as Anexsia®, Hycodan®, Hycomine®, Lorcet®, Lortab®, Tussionex®, Tylox®, Vicodin®, and Vicoprofen®. It is available as tablets, capsules, and/or syrups. By and large, it is abused orally rather than by intravenous administration.
Why is Hydrocodone addictive?
Narcotics like hydrocodone act by attaching themselves to particular proteins called opioid receptors. When they attach themselves to receptors in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract, they have the ability to alter the manner in which a person feels pain. Drugs such as hydrocodone also have the ability to affect parts of the brain that control sensory perceptions such as pleasure, which results in the initial feeling of euphoria that is produced.
Persistent use of opioids leads to the body’s increasing tolerance towards such medication. Thus higher doses have to be taken to achieve the same initial effect. Continuing use can also lead to physical addiction. Persons undergoing treatment using such drugs should be medically supervised during administration as well as appropriately overseen when discontinuing medication to avoid and reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with this drug.
Side Effects of Hydrocodone
There are many side-effects of hydrocodone. These include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, such as hives, constipation, decreased mental and physical performance, lowered sex drive, breathing problems, dizziness, seizures and many more.
