All the facts you need to know about Hydrocodone

Facts about
Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a pain medication that is classified as an opioid drug. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain and is often prescribed in combination with acetaminophen.

Hydrocodone works by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system, which decreases the perception of pain and increases the release of certain chemicals that cause feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. However, due to its potential for abuse and dependence, it is a controlled substance and is regulated by the government.

Hydrocodone is a widely prescribed opioid pain medication, but its use has been associated with several negative health outcomes, including overdose, dependence, and abuse. Some relevant statistics on hydrocodone include:

Hydrocodone is one of the most frequently prescribed opioid drugs in the United States.
In 2017, approximately 6.2 million people in the US misused prescription opioids, including hydrocodone.
The number of deaths from opioid overdoses involving hydrocodone has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 14,000 deaths involving hydrocodone in the US in 2017.
Long-term use of hydrocodone can lead to physical dependence, which can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.
Hydrocodone is a commonly abused opioid drug, and its abuse can lead to serious health problems, including addiction, overdose, and death.

Why Would Someone
Use Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a potent opioid pain medication that has a high potential for abuse and dependence. People may abuse hydrocodone for various reasons, including:

To experience its pleasurable effects: Hydrocodone works by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system, which decreases the perception of pain and increases the release of certain chemicals that cause feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This can lead to feelings of euphoria and well-being, which can be highly addictive and result in abuse.
To self-medicate for pain or other conditions: Some people may abuse hydrocodone in an attempt to relieve physical or emotional pain or to cope with other medical conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
To achieve a sense of relaxation or stress relief: Hydrocodone can also have a sedative effect, which can lead to feelings of relaxation and stress relief. Some people may abuse the drug to achieve these effects.
To enhance the effects of other drugs: Hydrocodone may also be abused in combination with other drugs, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, to enhance their effects and produce a more intense high

Why is Hydrocodone Highly Addictive?

Hydrocodone is highly addictive because it is an opioid drug that acts on the central nervous system. Opioids like hydrocodone interact with specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to decrease the perception of pain and increase the release of certain chemicals that cause feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Over time, repeated use of hydrocodone can cause the brain to become dependent on the drug, leading to the development of addiction.

The risk of addiction is increased by several factors, including:

High potency – Hydrocodone is a potent opioid that has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Routes of administration – Hydrocodone is usually taken orally, which can lead to rapid and intense effects, making it more likely to be abused.
Long-term use – Prolonged use of hydrocodone can increase the risk of addiction, as the brain becomes dependent on the drug over time.
Dosage – Higher doses of hydrocodone can increase the risk of addiction, as they produce stronger effects and can lead to dependence more quickly.

What Are The Side
Effects of Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone, like all medications, can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be mild and others more serious. Some common side effects of hydrocodone include:

Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Drowsiness and fatigue
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Headache
Dry mouth
Itching
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Stomach pain

In addition to these more common side effects, hydrocodone can also cause more serious adverse effects, including:

Respiratory depression: Hydrocodone can slow down breathing, which can be life-threatening in some cases.
Addiction and dependence: Hydrocodone is a highly addictive drug, and long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Overdose: Hydrocodone can be toxic in high doses, and an overdose can be fatal.
Interactions with other medications: Hydrocodone can interact with other medications, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other opioids, which can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Why Do Doctors Continue
Prescribe Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is still prescribed by doctors for a few reasons:

Efficacy for pain relief: Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medication that can effectively relieve moderate to severe pain, making it a useful tool for managing pain associated with certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain or injury.
Availability: Hydrocodone is widely available, making it an accessible option for many healthcare providers.
FDA approval: Hydrocodone is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pain, which provides some level of assurance to healthcare providers that the drug is safe and effective.

Despite these reasons, the prescription of hydrocodone has become more tightly regulated in recent years due to its high potential for abuse and the opioid epidemic in the US. Healthcare providers are now encouraged to prescribe hydrocodone only as a last resort, and to use alternative pain management strategies, such as physical therapy or non-opioid pain relievers, whenever possible.

Seek Treatment
For Your Child

Despite these reasons, the prescription of hydrocodone has become more tightly regulated in recent years due to its high potential for abuse and the opioid epidemic in the US. Healthcare providers are now encouraged to prescribe hydrocodone only as a last resort, and to use alternative pain management strategies, such as physical therapy or non-opioid pain relievers, whenever possible.