Lortab

lortab drug, hydrocodoone, what is lortab

What Is Lortab?

Lortab is a narcotic that is used to treat pain. A commonly prescribed painkiller, Lortab is a brand name for a drug that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate, which is derived from codeine. This drug binds itself to opioid receptors of the central nervous system.

While it is commonly used to treat pain, it can be used to treat cough because of the hydrocodone it contains. Usually, it is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain and most often, short-term pain needs, such as pain resulting from surgery, an injury, or dental procedure. Sometimes it is used for treating migraines, chronic pain, recurring pain, and cancer pain.

Sometimes it is prescribed for treatment of conditions that it is not approved for, such as coughing or insomnia. People who have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus, asthma or other breathing problems, or a history of addiction or alcohol and drug abuse problems should not use Lortab.

Directions for Taking Lortab

The dosage you are prescribed is determined by your condition and how well you respond to the treatment. Dosage is based on weight when used for children. The medication should not be used longer than prescribed, or the dosage should not be taken more frequently than prescribed and you should not increase your dosage unless ordered to do so by your physician.

If you take the medication when the first signs of pain appear, you will experience better results. If this medication is used for longer periods, or in high doses, it might lead to withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Withdrawal from Lortab can lead to several symptoms, some signs of withdrawal if you suddenly stop the medication might include:

  • Runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Watery eyes
  • Muscle aches

Your doctor will most lower your dosage gradually to prevent these kinds of reactions. If you notice any withdrawal reactions, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Lortab Addiction

While the medication can be used effectively, Lortab can be addictive. There is a higher risk of addiction for those who have a substance abuse disorder, such as drug or alcohol addiction, abuse or overuse. To reduce the risk of becoming addicted, it should be taken exactly as prescribed. Lortab comes in different dosage amounts. People who are taking the medication can suffer various side effects. Those side effects might include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Stomach upset
  • Dizziness
  • Mood swings or changes
  • Constipation
  • Thinking unclearly
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dry mouth

The common adult dosage of Lortab is one 10/500 tablet taken every four to six hours as needed for pain relief. This medication can interact with alcohol, other drugs that contain acetaminophen, or other medications that might slow your breathing or make you drowsy, such as muscle relaxers, narcotics used for pain, tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, sleeping pills, benztropine, atropine, medications for the urinary tract or bladder, bronchodilators, irritable bowel medications, methscopolamine, glycopyrrolate, dimenhydrinate, scopolamine, and mepenzolate.

Lortab Brand Names

Lortab is a brand name used for the opioid painkiller known as hydrocodone. Several brand names are used for the sale and marketing of the drug. Other common names for the drug include:

  • Vicodin
  • Norco
  • Lortab
  • Zohyrdo

Acetaminophen is one of the main ingredients of the drug. Adults shouldn’t take more than 4 grams of acetaminophen in a day or serious liver disease could result. Daily use of alcohol, especially when used with the medication, can significantly increase the chance of liver disease. If you notice any symptoms of liver damage, seek medical treatment right away. Signs of liver damage include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting that is persistent
  • Abdominal and stomach pains
  • Yellowing skin or eyes
  • Dark urine

Many non-prescription products use acetaminophen as an ingredient, such as combination over-the-counter drugs used for fever and pain or cough and cold. Check the labels on any non-prescription drugs and check with your physician or pharmacist before taking anything with Lortab. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical care right away if you have taken more than 4 grams of acetaminophen in a single day.

Lortab Abuse

Abusing Lortab can lead to physical and psychological dependence or addiction. The drug isn’t intended for long-term use and can have serious side effects when it is not used as directed. Here are some symptoms and signs of Lortab addiction:

  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Hyperventilation
  • Weight loss
  • Dry mouth
  • Confusion
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Stomach pains
  • Twitching muscles
  • Loss of hearing
  • Dry mouth
  • Constricted, small pupils
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Jaundice

Lortab can have several other effects that are harmful in addition to those previously mentioned. When used with alcohol, it can be fatal because of depressed respiration and breathing.

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