Overview of a dose of Lortab 10 Mg-325 Mg Tablets (Hydrocodone Bitartrate)
Lortab 10 Mg-325 Mg, or Hydrocodone Bitartrate, is an oral tablet, a combination drug made from hydrocodone and acetaminophen. When the two substances are put together, they relieve strong pain. It is commonly prescribed in patients who have suffered from an injury or recently had a dental procedure or surgery.
Hydrocodone
The opioid pain medication hydrocodone works in your brain by changing how your body reacts and responds to pain. It is part of a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. This drug is usually needed and prescribed to treat a dry cough caused by a common cold or other conditions diagnosed by a doctor. It works as a cough suppressant, containing an opioid that changes certain parts of the brain, stopping the need and urge to cough.
Acetaminophen
Known as ‘Tylenol’, this medicine is used for pain relief and to reduce fevers in your body. It is typically used to treat pain for conditions such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, backaches, osteoarthritis, cold/flu pains, or fever. Many different types and brands are available and may vary among products. An acetaminophen overdose can be potentially fatal, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and confusion, and it is crucial to seek emergency medical help if an overdose is suspected.
How does Lortab Work, and What is Lortab Used For?
Lortab 10 Mg-325 Mg oral tablets work by changing specific receptors in the brain. It binds to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system, affecting our mood and pain sensations. This causes an increase in dopamine, resulting in a euphoric sensation in the body.
The medication affects the patient’s body and behavior in various ways, providing pain relief but also potentially causing side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation.
It’s important to take this medicine as directed to ensure safety and avoid specific side effects or overdose. Many brands are available, which means it’s essential to know exactly what you are taking.
Lortab Side Effects
The most common side effects of Lortab 10 Mg-325 Mg include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. There is also a potential to overdose on this medicine if it is not appropriately taken for an extended period or above the dose that is recommended by your doctor. Even just taking one dose could cause potentially life-threatening side effects.
Health Risks for Patients Who Take Lortab, Including Hydrocodone Overdose
It’s important to talk with your doctor or physician before taking Lortab because there could be potential warnings and health risks involved with taking this medicine. Specifically, because it contains an opioid, there could be some dangerous side effects for specific populations.
For elderly patients, it is not recommended to take this drug due to the chance of decreased renal functioning in older people. It is also not advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to take this medication for fear of adverse reactions to both them and their unborn child.
Children are more sensitive to this drug and should be watched for breathing problems such as slowed or shallow breathing. Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects and experience dizziness, confusion, shallow/slow breathing, or drowsiness.
Who should avoid Lortab?
People with the following health conditions should avoid taking it:
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Breathing or respiratory problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Brain disorders (tumors, head injuries, or surgeries)
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Liver disease
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Kidney disease
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History of you or a family member with substance abuse disorder
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Intestinal/stomach problems (diarrhea, constipation, obstruction)
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Trouble urinating (enlarged prostate)
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Mental health disorders (depression, thoughts of suicide)
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Disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
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Gall bladder disease
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Pregnant women due to the risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in newborns
Precautions and Contraindications
When taking Lortab, it is essential to be aware of the potential precautions and contraindications to ensure safe and effective use. Lortab is a Schedule III controlled substance, and its use should be carefully monitored to prevent abuse and addiction.
Contraindications:
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Lortab is contraindicated in patients with severe respiratory depression, acute or significant bronchial asthma, gastrointestinal obstruction, and anaphylactic reactions due to components of the formula.
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Patients with a history of opioid addiction or dependence should not take Lortab.
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Lortab is also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic disease, as it may exacerbate liver damage.
Precautions:
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Lortab should be used with caution in patients with a history of head injury, brain tumor, or stroke, as it may increase the risk of respiratory depression.
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Patients with kidney disease should use Lortab with caution, as it may increase the risk of kidney damage.
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Lortab should be used with caution in patients with a history of mental illness, as it may exacerbate symptoms.
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Patients with a history of substance abuse should use Lortab with caution, as it may increase the risk of addiction.
Special Precautions:
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Lortab should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to the effects of opioids.
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Lortab should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures, as it may increase the risk of seizure activity.
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Patients with a history of adrenal insufficiency should use Lortab with caution, as it may exacerbate symptoms.
Administration and Monitoring
Lortab should be administered exactly as directed by a healthcare professional. The dosage and frequency of administration should be carefully monitored to prevent overdose and addiction.
Administration:
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Lortab should be taken orally with a glass of water.
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The dosage should be adjusted based on the patient’s response to the medication.
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Lortab should not be crushed or chewed, as this may increase the risk of overdose.
Monitoring:
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Patients taking Lortab should be closely monitored for signs of respiratory depression, including shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, and drowsiness.
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Patients should also be monitored for signs of addiction, including increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive use.
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Regular liver function tests should be performed to monitor for potential liver damage.
Interactions with Lortab and Other Drugs
If you are taking other medications or drugs in combination with Lortab, it could change the way that this drug works in your body or result in additional, serious side effects.
Patients may have tried other pain medications before being prescribed Lortab, especially if those alternatives have either failed or cannot be tolerated.
It’s essential to speak with your doctor if you are taking other medications such as cough medicines (or codeine), marijuana (cannabis), alcohol, muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol), drugs for anxiety or sleep problems (lorazepam, zolpidem, alprazolam), or antihistamines (diphenhydramine, cetirizine).
Other medications include macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin), azole antifungals (ketoconazole), HIV medications (ritonavir), and mifepristone.
Addiction to Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone
If you take Lortab according to the prescription and dose, there is a low chance that you will develop an addiction to the drug. The circumstances in which people develop dependence and/or abuse happen when they start to use the drug more than directed or when it is no longer necessary for pain management from an injury or procedure.
When you start taking more than is directed, your body begins to build a tolerance, making it need more of the drug to obtain the same effect. This causes the body to start to crave it and become addicted to the substance. Opioid withdrawal can occur when someone dependent on Lortab suddenly stops or reduces their use, leading to painful symptoms that can hinder recovery from opioid addiction.
If you are addicted to Lortab, it’s essential to reach out for help. AToN Center is ready to assist you right away. Our qualified and experienced staff can help you understand the reason behind your addiction, along with helping you find coping strategies to deal with why you are choosing to use drugs.
Getting Help for Your Drug Addiction
Getting help for a drug addiction can be incredibly challenging, especially if you are not ready to admit that you have a problem. Drug addiction is complicated, and using opioids, such as Lortab, can make it more difficult to stop because it seems as though you are using it to manage your pain.
Individuals seeking treatment may face severe withdrawal symptoms, especially if they have developed a physical dependence on opioids. Abruptly discontinuing hydrocodone and acetaminophen therapy can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, alongside uncontrolled pain and suicidal tendencies, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring in such cases.
No matter what your addiction is, there is help available to treat your opioid addiction problem. Our drug and alcohol addiction rehab can help you with your problem and allow you to begin living a healthy life free from drugs or alcohol.
Addiction Treatment Help at AToN Center
AToN Center is a premier addiction treatment center that specializes in addiction treatment for all types of drugs, including opioids such as Lortab and other substances. We understand the struggle that can occur with opioid use, and we are here to help every step of the way. Our staff undergo multitudes of training to provide the best care possible for you or your loved one during your stay at our clinic. We bring many years of experience and work diligently to provide you the most cutting-edge and comprehensive treatment.
Following your healthcare provider’s instructions for prescription medications during treatment is crucial to ensure proper use and minimize risks.
Before you begin detox at our facility, there is a screening process to determine every patient’s circumstances and needs. Intake staff screens every new patient beforehand to determine the need for detox, and then the Program Director or covering psychologist and a consulting Medical Doctor screen them again more thoroughly upon admission.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to one of the caring support coordinators at info@atoncenter.com and get the help you need to get clean and remain free from drugs or alcohol. Contact us today.
Conclusion
Lortab is a powerful opioid analgesic that should be used with caution and under the close supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients should be aware of the potential precautions and contraindications and carefully follow the administration and monitoring guidelines to ensure safe and effective use. By understanding the risks and benefits of Lortab, patients can make informed decisions about their pain management and reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Originally posted on October 29, 2020 @ 4:30 am
