Hydrocodone occurs as fine white crystals or as a crystalline powder. It is an opioid analgesic and antitussive. (Antitussive is an agent that prevents or relieves coughing.) The drug has positive medical effects when used to treat patients with minor respiratory infections, bronchitis, collapsing trachea, and other conditions. The drug is combined with other drugs to effectively accentuate its effects.
There are currently over 200 products containing hydrocodone in the U.S. About 20 tons of hydrocodone products are used annually in the U.S. It is usually combined with acetaminophen (vicodin, Lortab), but can also be combined with aspirin(Lortab ASA), ibuprofen (Vicoprofen), and antihistamines (hycomine). It is a very potent opiate and is considered morphine-like in all respects, but is slightly less potent. 15 mg (1/4 gr) of hydrocodone is equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. It is also considered that 5 mg of hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codiene when taken orally. Hydrocodone is prescribed by doctor's and supplied in tablet and liquid form, for oral administration.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Side effects of the drug include: upset stomach, drying of respiratory secretions, drowsiness or tranquilization, dizziness, anxiety, depression, itching, mental clouding, nausea, rash, restlessness, vomiting, depressed breathing and constipation if it is taken chronically. Hydrocodone should not be taken if you have pneumonia because it inhibits the bodies ability to cough up and rid itself of the bacterial septic that fills the lungs during pneumonia. It should also not be given to patients with lung diseases or people who operate machinery, or who are required to drive, because it impairs reasoning and physical ability. Mental and physical addiction and dependence can occur but are not likely when used for short-term pain or cough relief.
If abuse of this drug has lead to addiction, the following actions should be taken. First off confront the person with the suspected addiction and talk to him or her about it. If it is you who has an addiction to hydrocodone then proceed to step 2. Step two is seeking out professional help. There are many doctor's that are experienced with dealing with addiction and they can be your a useful tool in addiction recovery. Step three is detoxifying the body and discontinuing the use of the drug. This can cause withdrawal symptoms, severe depression and phycological or physical stress. Medical supervision should be given when going through the detox process. Once the body is cleared of the addictive substance, and a few weeks without the drug has been achieved, step 4 may be started. This step is basically the involvement with a support group and a positive friend or loved one to educate the addict on how to stay addiction free, and ensure that an addiction free life can be accomplished. Addiction to hydrocondone and its products effect the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year. It is possible to overcome any addiction, although it may be difficult, it can be achieved with the proper care and support. Check here for easy drug detox info.
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Tyler D Falls- Find more drug addiction articles and information here @ drug addictions