Hycodan
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Hycodan is one of many brand names representing the generic hydrocodone. Also available under such trade names as Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet and Vicoprofen, Hycodan is an opiate analgesic and antitussive agent similar in structure to codeine. The effects of the drug, however, are more like that of morphine.
Often prescribed as a pain medication, Hycodan is made up of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone. Hycodan is a frequently prescribed pain reliever and is also available on the street under such names as Vikes, Hydro and Norco.
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Abuses of Hycodan
Hycodan, as well as other derivatives of hydrocodone, is abused for its opioid effects. Individuals taking the medication for recreational purposes often develop tolerance, dependence, and addiction. As Hycodan contains acetaminophen, there is an additional risk of liver toxicity when the drug is abused as the user will ingest high, acute doses.
Abuse of Hycodan most often includes taking the pill orally or in combination with alcohol. Even if only taking the drug a few weeks and even for medical purposes, an individual can develop a physical dependence within a few weeks.
This highly psychologically addictive substance, Hycodan affects the user’s brain by stopping it from producing endorphins. Over time, a Hycodan abuser will find it more difficult to function without the drug.
Effects of Hycodan
Hycodan is often prescribed for an individual after surgery, an injury or for the treatment of chronic pain. The use of Hycodan can make a person feel sluggish, while also creating anxiety. An individual may also experience constricted pupils, drowsiness, euphoria, inability to concentrate, lethargy and a sense of relaxation.
The effects of Hycodan can be felt almost immediately. The pill is not time released and therefore those who have an addiction or abuse the drug often find themselves taking more and more of it to achieve the desired effect.
Withdrawal of Hycodan
Feelings of withdrawal from Hycodan can begin right away in patients who have been taking significant amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Withdrawal of this drug puts an immense amount of strain on the body, causing the individual severe pain and psychological distress in the process.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of Hycodan can include, but are not limited to:
• restlessness
• muscle pain
• bone pain
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• cold flashes
• goose bumps
• involuntary leg movements
• watery eyes
• runny nose
• loss of appetite
• irritability
• panic
• nausea
• chills
• sweating
Treatment of Hycodan Addiction
Hycodan addiction can often be very difficult to treat. Individuals develop a long-term mental and physical addiction to the drug, making it that much harder to successfully relieve the patient of an addiction. Detoxification is required to cleanse the body of this drug and must be done under the care of a physician.
A quality treatment center will use a comfortable detox program, complete with withdrawal medications specifically intended for Hycodan abuse. Such a center will do a full physical on a person and have a board-certified addiction psychiatrist determine the right medications for comfortable detox.
A comfortable detox method in Hycodan addiction helps to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug. Such a method helps to identify the reason for the addiction, while treating the whole person.
