Lortab

Lortab is a generic name for a prescription painkiller that is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Trademarked names for this drug include Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet, Zolvit, Zydone. These are among the most widely-abused prescription drugs in the United States.

Hydrocodone is an addictive painkiller in the same family of opiate drugs as heroin and morphine. It can produce euphoria as well as relieve pain, and it is the addictive substance in Lortab.

Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter painkiller, frequently sold under the name "Tylenol". One danger of Lortab addiction is that as the person tends to take in too much acetaminophen. As he builds up a tolerance to the drug and needs to take it in higher doses to get the effect he wants, he will consume more than the medically-recommended dose of acetaminophen, which can cause permanent liver damage. This has become such a widespread problem in the United States that the federal government has moved to limit the amount of acetaminophen in these pills.

People who are physically dependent on Lortab will experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, headaches, vomiting, fever, sweats, seizures, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Depending on the length of time the person used the drug and in what amounts, these symptoms can be severe and last up to ten days. Medical interventions can help ease withdrawal symptoms.