Surprising and True Facts About Hydrocodone

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Hydrocodone can be a very beneficial medication in certain instances, but unfortunately, there are risks using it, which can lead to abuse. It is important to know the facts about the medication before taking it and to be aware of these conditions. If you are abusing hydrocodone (or know someone who might be), call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to find an appropriate treatment program today.

Hydrocodone Prescriptions

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, doctors wrote around 47.4 prescriptions for hydrocodone in 2024. It’s prescribed more than most other narcotics and is commonly found in the medicine cabinets across the nation.

Doctors may prescribe hydrocodone for several reasons. According to the National Library of Medicine, hydrocodone, when prescribed by itself, is only meant for those who are suffering from severe pain and aren’t eligible for other medications.

However, combination products that mix hydrocodone with other ingredients (including Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet) are more frequently given to those with moderate to severe pain or have temporary pain. In addition, hydrocodone is also in certain medications to relieve cough, many of which are considered less dangerous than pain-relieving narcotics.

Other facts about hydrocodone and its medicinal use include:

Hydrocodone is one of the most commonly abused prescriptions.

• Hydrocodone is a synthetic version of codeine.
• Doctors tend to prescribe it with acetaminophen (which the brand names stated above contain), but they also prescribe it in medication that can contain:
  • Guiafenesin
  • Phenylephrine
  • Carbinoxamine
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Ibuprofen
  • Pseudoephedrine
• It is most likely prescribed in capsule form but can also be given as a liquid or tablet.

Since many people are prescribed the drug for specific aches or pains, it’s likely that hydrocodone might be out in the open and unsecured, which can lead others to start misusing it, even if unintentionally.

Hydrocodone Abuse

The DEA notes that hydrocodone misuse has declined as of recent years, from received over 45,500 reports in 2010 down to 4,700 in 2024.

Nevertheless, the high numbers indicate that the drug is still constantly diverted for abuse. In many cases, the wide availability of hydrocodone has allowed fraudulent prescriptions to go unchecked. Indeed, hydrocodone and acetaminophen are among the most commonly abused prescriptions, and the risks associated with this abuse are many.

18 Can’t Miss Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person takes hydrocodone regularly and becomes dependent, when they stop taking it they will experience withdrawal. Symptoms include sweating, runny nose, and muscle aches.

• Nausea, chronic constipation, and headaches are some of the normal issues associated with abusing a combination product with these drugs. Addiction ends up magnifying this behavior.
• Overdose is another danger associated with opioid abuse, and a person who misuses their or someone else’s prescription is likely to experience severe respiratory depression, which can be deadly.
• In addition, hearing loss is one possible side effect of hydrocodone abuse, according to a 2007 study reported in the medical journal Pain Physician.
• Someone who abuses the combination product of hydrocodone and acetaminophen is also in danger of permanent liver damage due to a buildup of acetaminophen.

According to the DEA, a person can obtain the drug illegally through a number of channels, including:

• Doctor shopping
• Forging or stealing prescriptions
• Buying it on the internet
• Stealing it from a pharmacy or hospital
• Obtaining it from friends or acquaintances

Are You Abusing Hydrocodone?

Or do you know someone who is misuse this dangerous drug? If so, it’s time to seek immediate help. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) now to find safe, reliable rehab programs that can cater to your needs and help you recover from opioid abuse and addiction.

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