Facts About Lortab

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen are the active ingredients of Lortab. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA, the drug is the most frequently abused prescription medication, in 2008. Moreover, the percentage individuals who suffer from Lortab abuse increase rapidly. In fact, the number of Lortab users doubled from 2004 to 2008.

The drug is a potent pain reliever, yet it is not recommended for long-term use. Doctors prescribe the medication on "as-needed" basis, and patients are advised to take Lortab every four or six hours, depending on the severity of pain. This narcotic analgesic combines two kinds of pain medications, which are acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Among the different brand names of the drug include Vicodin, Stagesic, Hycet, Norco, Lorcet and Dolorex Forte. Vicoprofen, on the other hand, is a combination of ibuprofen and hydrocodone.

Commong Uses of the Drug

Lortab is effective in treating moderate pains and discomfort. Patients who suffer from certain medical conditions may also be advised to take the drug. According to medical researchers, the drug is a potent medication that can reduce or eliminate osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, neuropathic pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Side Effects of Lortab

Lortab is a prescription drug that is a type of narcotic analgesic. The drug can cause several side effects including the following:

1. Dizziness and drowsiness

The most typical side effect of the drug is drowsiness. The substance travels through a person's Central Nervous System, which can make the user feel euphoric. Afterwards, it may cause individuals to feel sleepy, and they may lose their balance. These effects may diminish after further use of the drug; however, individuals may become addicted and tolerant to Lortab's effects.

2. Vision changes

An individual who takes Lortab may also have problems concentrating or focusing. Furthermore, users may suffer from blurry vision, which is another temporary side effect of the drug. Those who experience chronic or prolonged vision changes should consult their doctor for the ideal treatment for this condition.

3. Lung disease and abdominal pains

Most people who take the drug may feel nauseous, and frequent vomiting may cause them to suffer from dehydration. Constipation is another common side effect of Lortab, although this condition does not last for several days. In addition, shallow breathing is a common symptom among patients who are advised to take Lortab. However, breathing difficulties and abdominal discomfort do not persist after a few days to one week. Patients who experience prolonged medical conditions should seek medical advice from their health care provider.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

With chronic use of Lortab, the body's normal production of hormones may be affected. Opiates can cause hormone decrease, which can lead to mood changes. Individuals may suffer from low levels of sex hormones including the FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) testosterone. Cortisol levels may also be depressed, and the suppression of this hormone may result to an increase in body fat and reduction in muscle mass. Women may experience irregular menstrual periods, and they may suffer from fractures because of low bone mass.

Important Facts about Lortab Addiction and Overdose

An addiction to the drug may occur when an individual develops intense craving for the substance. Several drug users tend to suffer from lack of focus, and they only become preoccupied in obtaining another dose of the substance. They may also engage in inappropriate behavior such as creating fraudulent prescriptions, doctor shopping, or purchasing the drug in illegal ways.

Serious medical conditions may occur due to Lortab overdose. The hydrocodone component of the drug may cause people to experience breathing difficulties, cardiac arrest, and hypotension. On the other hand, the acetaminophen component can lead to problems including diarrhea, liver failure, and internal bleeding. Additional symptoms linked with Lortabl overdose are the following:

• Cold and clammy skin
• Coma
• Slow heart rate
• Cardiac arrest
• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Sweating
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Depression

The effects of the drug depend on several factors such as the amount of dosage taken and tolerance of the person to the substance. Those who suffer from an overdose require prompt medical attention and treatment, which can prevent fatal or life-threatening effects. The most common treatment options for Lortab overdose include inducing vomiting, taking certain antidotes, administering activated charcoal and pumping the stomach.