Do you suffer from frequent or chronic pain? If this is the case, you should know that various medications can provide you with relief. Although these medications can be very beneficial, some of them can be incredibly dangerous. To better understand these medications, you should look at their side effects and the high-life of each. Hydrocodone is one of the medicines which is used for this purpose. Within this article, you will learn all about this drug, its side effects, and its half-life.
What Is Hydrocodone?
As mentioned above, Hydrocodone is a medication that is commonly used to help alleviate pain and suffering. It is an opioid and is sometimes classified as a narcotic. There are several different forms of medication, and some of them are extended-release versions. Zohydro ER and Hysingla ER are, and they can be used throughout the day. These particular versions of the medication aren’t used when pain spirals out of control. Instead, they are used throughout the day to keep pain levels low at all times.
When it comes down to it, the medication should only be used as prescribed. It should never be crushed or broken, and the dosage recommendations should be followed strictly.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Blood
Hydrocodone will stay in the blood for 6-8 hours, and it has a half-life of 3-4 hours. Each hydrocodone tablet is designed to provide adequate pain relief for a specific period. Simultaneously, many physicians will prescribe one 10 mg dose every 12 hours or one 20 mg dose every 24 hours. This should sufficiently and effectively control your pain and keep your levels at a minimum. It would help if you took advantage of non-meditating pain relief, such as meditation, because it will allow you to control your pain more effectively.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Your Urine
Hydrocodone will stay in the urine between 3-5 days after the last dose was taken. Many individuals will feel that water will decrease the detection of Hydrocodone in the urine, but this is only a myth. Make sure that you keep this in mind so that you can be prepared for any upcoming events.
If you have any questions about this drug, you should speak with your pain management physician or pharmacy. It is best to learn the facts, instead of taking the risks of going off secondary information, which may not be reliable.
Before Consuming Hydrocodone
Before consuming this medication, it is vital to learn how long does Hydrocodone stay in your system. At the same time, you should examine your history and take note of any preexisting conditions. The drug can have a negative impact when consumed by those that suffer from some conditions. Below, you will discover a list of the preexisting conditions that might cause problems when using Hydrocodone. If you have any of these, you should consult with your doctor before using the medication.
- Asthma or breathing problems
- Paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction
- Lung disease
- History of head injury or injuries
- Brain tumor or seizures
- Problems urinating
- Kidney or liver disease
- Long QT syndrome
- Blockage in your intestines
- Gallbladder, thyroid, or pancreas problems
- History of drug abuse, addiction, or mental illness
Again, if you experience any of the complications above, you should avoid using Hydrocodone until you speak with your primary medical professional. Also, if you’re pregnant or plan on breastfeeding, you should not consume this medication.
Respiratory Distress
A high quantity intake of Hydrocodone can lead to respiratory distress. This is a life-threatening situation that can lead to death. It is important to remember that this opioid should only be utilized as prescribed by your physician. If you find yourself requiring a higher dose to combat your pain, you should speak with your primary care physician. Never alter your dose, even if you are experiencing severe pain, because your physician may prescribe you another pain medication to be used for breakthrough pain.
Addictive Nature
Whether you consume Hydrocodone that is prescribed or drugs that you’ve purchased from a street vendor, it is vital to know that it can be very addictive! Even when used at the recommended doses, Hydrocodone can be habit-forming. If you have a history of drug addiction, you might want to refrain from use. Compared to other medications, Hydrocodone is very similar to morphine and other opiates in a chemical sense. The drug is incredibly addictive, which is why the Controlled Substances Act has labeled the drug as a Schedule II drug!
Dependence
When it comes down to it, you should know that Hydrocodone addiction is different from Hydrocodone dependence. Using the drug responsibly and its intended purpose, you can become dependent on the medication without being addicted. In this sense, being dependent on Hydrocodone means that you cannot stop utilizing it without experiencing withdrawal side effects. At the same time, those who depend on the medication may feel the need to increase their dosage frequently to overcome their tolerance.
How To Avoid Addiction
When it comes down to it, not everyone who utilizes Hydrocodone will become addicted to the drug. Some individuals will be able to use it responsibly and won’t experience an addiction to it. Below, you will be able to discover tips for avoiding Hydrocodone addiction.
- Never mix the drug with alcohol! This is incredibly dangerous and will enhance the drug’s effects and its addictiveness.
- It would help if you never chewed Hydrocodone, as this will destroy its controlled released properties.
- The medication should never be crushed or dissolved in water.
- Never consume more than the recommended dosage
- Do not consume Hydrocodone more frequently than recommended
- By avoiding the practices above, you will safely and responsibly use the drug without becoming addicted to it.
Side Effects
Hydrocodone is a very effective pain reliever, but it also causes many different side effects. While many of these side effects are tolerable, others may not be. Make sure that you take the time to read the pamphlet that is provided by the pharmacy, so you will be aware of the risks and side effects of this drug before you even take it. If you know beforehand what to expect, you will not become unnerved when you begin to experience the side effects.
As mentioned before, respiratory distress is highly likely, if you overuse this opioid or another form of opioid for that matter, so follow the instructions carefully and precisely. Shortness of breath and tremors are very common, and the severity of these effects may be higher if you have been diagnosed with asthma or seizures. Ensure that you provide your primary care physician with a thorough medical history before being prescribed this drug.
Confusion and light-headedness should be expected since Hydrocodone causes a calming euphoria. Never operate a vehicle or heavy machinery when you are under the influence of this drug because you may be at a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents since your cognitive functions may be altered.
Bowel Motility
Opioids not only interfere with the respiratory mechanisms, but it can also interfere with bowel motility. This term refers to the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestine or colon will contract to move the wastes through the intestinal tract and out the rectum. If this process becomes altered, it can lead to diarrhea or constipation.
Opioids are highly known for slowing or decreasing bowel motility, which will lead to severe constipation.
Never Mix Alcohol And Hydrocodone
Many drug abusers will attempt to get a more impactful high by mixing Hydrocodone and alcohol, but this is a terrible mistake. When these drugs are combined, the result could be death! Even a tiny quantity of alcohol can have a negative effect. Therefore, you should monitor your foods and drinks to ensure that you do not consume alcohol when using Hydrocodone.
Conclusion
Hydrocodone can be an effective way to alleviate pain, but it does come with some potential risks. By fully understanding the drug’s negative effects and potential addictiveness, you will keep yourself safe while using it! This will ensure that you reap all of its benefits without experiencing any negative side effects. Just make sure that you get permission from your primary medical physician before using Hydrocodone.
