Withdrawal from Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is the active compound in prescription drugs like Vicodin, Lortab and Lorcet. When used properly these medications have great medical benefits, however when misused it can have dangerous effects and is extremely addictive. Addiction to Hydrocodone can occur if you take too much of a medicine at one time, takes the dose more frequently than prescribed or continues to use the medication when you are suppose to stop.
What Is Hydrocodone and How Is It Prescribed?
Hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed pain reliever by doctors and dentist. As commonly as it is prescribed, hydrocodone is also the most commonly abused drugs. It works just as well as codeine, with the strength of morphine. It is always combined with other drug ingredients and can come in the form of capsule, tablet, syrup or liquid.
Hydrocodone medications are often prescribed by doctors as a pain reliever, as they work by changing the brain and nervous system’s response to pain. It is also commonly prescribed for cough relief, as it works by slowing down activity in the part of the brain that controls coughing.
Schedule II Drug
Hydrocodone, when in any combination, is classified as a schedule III narcotic. Hydrocodone is considered less likely to be abused than drugs that are classified as schedule II, such as oxycodone and morphine. However due to its high abuse rate, the state of New York has reclassified hydrocodone to schedule II, with the efforts to reclassify it on a federal level.
Hydrocodone Abuse
The intentional misuse of Hydrocodone medications can lead to the you developing a tolerance, requiring increased doses to achieve the desired effects. Increased doses over a period of time, along with the long term use of hydrocodone can result in you developing a dependency to the medication. When abruptly stopping the use of a hydrocodone medication the you may experience a wide array of physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Without the appropriate treatment these withdrawal symptoms can result in serious health effects or you turning back to the medication for comfort.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal
When abruptly stopping the use of hydrocodone the you may experience cravings, you may begin to feel restless and anxious within the first few hours after your last dose. Within 24 hours you may notice the symptoms of withdrawal increasing, as you feel chills and have severe flu-like symptoms. In severe cases you could experience seizures.
Common Early Symptoms of Withdrawal
- Agitation
- Muscle discomfort
- Tearing up
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Common Later Withdrawal Symptoms
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pupil dilation
- Severe flu-like symptoms
Withdrawal from Hydrocodone is typically not life threatening. However without the correct treatment, complications could arise. To ensure your health and safety, turn to a treatment center for the appropriate treatment to overcome the withdrawal period and move forward with your recovery.
