Hydrocodone is one of the most frequently prescribed narcotic analgesics in the United States. It is very effective for treating chronic pain and many suffering from pain after surgery or from sporting injuries and even from dental pain have benefited from it’s pain relieving effects. It is also prescribed to treat coughs and diarrhea that can’t be controlled by over the counter medications.

Is Hydrocodone an Opiate?

Yes. Hydrocodone falls into the opiate family of drugs that includes a wide list of prescribed pain relievers. Opiates work by blocking pain stimulus in the brain by sending feel good chemicals to help lift the person’s mood so that they can begin to feel better. It is combined with acetaminophen which is an over the counter medication that people take every day to relieve minor aches and pains and even to control fever.

Long term use of Hydrocodone can lead to liver failure if more than 4000mg of acetaminophen are taken every day. It is very important to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor and not take more than is recommended.

You should also consult your doctor before starting treatment with Hydrocodone if you are already taking other medications that might be mixed with acetaminophen. Be cautious of taking these over the counter medications in addiction to your prescribed pain medications as the maximum daily dose can be exceeded quickly if taken in multiple forms.

What are Other Names for Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone the generic name for the opiate and it is sold under the name of Lortab, Lorcet, Norco and Vicodin and is classified as a Schedule III drug . They are prescribed to relieve pain, chronic cough and sometimes diarrhea.

These drugs are sold under different brand names because different companies manufacture and sell the drugs under many different commercial names. This prevents one company from “cornering the market” on the sale of the drug and keeps cost down because there is competition to sell the most.

Is Oxycodone the Same as Hydrocodone?

Oxycodone, Percocet and Roxicet are similar drugs but are slightly stronger and hold a Schedule II rating. It is more likely to be prescribed for more serious pain from injuries and chronic pain from serious illnesses. The schedule number is an indicator of how likely the person is to abuse it. Schedule I being the most likely to lead to dependence and Schedule III being the least likely to lead to dependence. Hydrocodone is however more likely to cause a psychological dependence.

Physical Effects

Hydrocodone is a pain reliever that can cause euphoria. It may also cause nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and can lead to a tolerance to the drug which may require treatment from a professional drug treatment facility.

According to NIDA, “When abused, prescription and OTC drugs can be addictive and put abusers at risk for other adverse health effects” It can also lead to an overdose and the chances of that increase even more when the drugs are taken in combination with other barbiturates or alcohol.