Lortab Street Names and Basic Facts About Lortab

Lortab is an opiate pain killer that has almost the same potency as morphine. In addition, it is an effective cough suppressant, which is as powerful as codeine. The active components of this drug are hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

While Lortab has legitimate medical purposes, the substance can be quite addictive. In fact, it has been associated with several health problems and deaths. The medication belongs to the group of drugs called opiates, which can lead to death when abused and ingested in large amounts.

Lortab Street Names

Some doctors prescribe Lortab to patients that suffer from intense pains and discomfort. The drug also has several generic and brand names. Among the alternate names of the drug are Lorcet and Vicodin. Moreover, Lortab has various street names such as Hydro, Norco and Vikes. Lortab is often called Hydro, which is a shorter term for Hydrocodone or one of the components of the drug. Vikes, on the other hand, is an abbreviated word for Vicodin or another name for Lortab.

The medication is recommended for the quick relief of moderate to severe pains. It is a prescription-only drug, and it comes in tablet or syrup form. The FDA has classified the drug as a controlled substance, which means it has the potential to be taken in large doses or abused by users. Among the common side effects of Lortab abuse include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Facts about Lortab

Lortab is among the most frequently abused opiates in the United States. Those who are addicted to the drug begin taking it for recreational or non-medical purposes. Other people may initially have a valid medical reason for using Lortab, yet they may become addicted to the substance after several intake of the drug. According to the U.S Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, about 11.2 million people in the United States used prescription-type opiates for recreation purposes, in 2003.

Lortab Side Effects

Several short-term effects of the drug are quite similar to the symptoms linked with morphine use such as euphoria, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and vomiting. On the other hand, the long-term and serious effects of the drug may be severe and life-threatening. Individuals who are engaged in the illicit use of the drug suffer from hearing loss, liver damage, addiction and tolerance.

How the Drug Works

Lortab is composed of two types of pain medicines such as acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate. Hydrocodone has similar effects as codeine, and it is a synthetic narcotic opiate. While it may be effective in suppressing cough and relieving pain, this substance may cause drowsiness, mental confusion and mood changes. In the United States, this component is usually combined with other medications.

Acetaminophen is a potent substance that can help reduce fever and increase a person's tolerance to pain. It is also available in non-prescription drugs such as Tylenol. The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen increases the effectiveness of Lortab for minimizing or eliminating pain.

Lortab is not advisable to certain individuals, particularly those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The drug is considered as a Category C substance, which means it may only be prescribed to pregnant women when the benefits outweigh the possible dangers to the unborn child.

Lortab Addiction

Individuals who abuse the drug experience problems n overcoming the addictive effects of the substance. They may undergo a deep sense of denial, and they may engage in untoward behavior just to obtain another dosage of the drug. Some may forge prescriptions or fake illnesses just to avail of the drug even in illegal ways.

Quitting from the drug is also associated with various symptoms such as muscle pains, depression, diarrhea, and insomnia. The symptoms may increase in intensity and persist during the initial 24 to 72 hours after quitting from the drug. However, these symptoms tend to decline after a few days to two weeks.

Finding the Right Treatment for Lortab Addiction

Those who suffer from Lortab addiction should consult their health care provider regarding the best treatment option for this problem. They should undergo therapy, which can help improve the quality of their lives. Cognitive therapy, behavioral modification, professional counseling, and support groups can help drug addicts recover from the difficult condition linked with drug abuse. With the right treatment, these individuals can overcome the battle against drug addiction and begin living a more meaningful life.