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Lortab^® Addiction

Lortab addiction is a growing problem in the U.S. While illegal drugs like cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin remain in the headlines many individuals may be surprised to know that Lortab addiction could lurk right behind them as one of the most widely-abused drugs that people can get addicted to. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says that Lortab use has quadrupled in the last ten years, while emergency room visits attributed to Lortab abuse soared 500 percent.

Lortab is a narcotic that can produce a soothing state similar to heroin or morphine—and despite such important and obvious benefits in pain relief, evidence is pointing to chronic addiction. Pure hydrocodone, the narcotic in Lortab, is a Schedule II substance, closely controlled with restricted use. But very few prescription drugs are pure hydrocodone. Instead, small amounts of are mixed with other non-narcotic ingredients to create medicines like Lortab. This means they can be classified under Schedule III with fewer restrictions on their use and distribution.

Lortab—one of more than 200 other products that contain hydrocodone—is regulated by state and federal law, but it is not controlled as closely as other powerful painkillers. The lack of regulation makes them vulnerable to widespread abuse and addiction through forged prescriptions, theft, over-prescription, and "doctor shopping." Lortab pills have been sold for $2 to $10 per tablet and $20 to $40 per 8 oz bottle on the street.

Subject to individual tolerance, many medical experts believe dependence or addiction can occur within one to four weeks at higher doses of Lortab. Published reports of high profile movie stars, TV personalities and professional athletes who are recovering from Lortab addiction are grim testimony to its debilitating effects.

Lortab is structurally related to codeine and is approximately equal in strength to morphine in producing opiate-like effects. The first report that Lortab produced a noticeable euphoria and symptoms of addiction was published in 1923; the first report of Lortab addiction in the U.S. was published in 1961.

Every age group has been affected by the relative ease of Lortab availability and the perceived safety of these products by professionals. Sometimes seen as a "white-collar" addiction, Lortab abuse has increased among all ethnic and economic groups. DAWN data demographics suggest that the most likely Lortab abuser is a 20-40 yr old, white, female, who uses the drug because she is dependent or trying to commit suicide. However, Lortab-related deaths have been reported from every age grouping.

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Examples of how severe Lortab addiction has become:

• An estimated 7 million dosage units were diverted in 1994 and over 11 million in 1997.
• In 1998 there were over 56 million new prescriptions written for hydrocodone-based products like Lortab and by 2000 there were over 89 million.
• From 1990 the average consumption nationwide has increased by 300%. In the same period there has been a 500% increase in the number of Emergency Department visits attributed to Lortab abuse with 19,221 visits estimated in 2000.
• In 1997, there were over 1.3 million Lortab tablets seized and analyzed by the DEA laboratory system.

What are the side effects of Lortab?

Lortab's side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea / vomiting
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Allergic reactions
• Anxiety
• Blood disorders
• Constipation
• Decreased mental and physical capability
• Difficulty urinating
• Undue fear
• Hearing loss
• Itching
• Mental clouding
• Mood changes
• Restlessness
• Skin rash
• Slowed breathing
• Sluggishness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Flushing
• Dry mouth

Drug Interactions for Lortab

Other medications that may interact with Lortab are:

• Medicines for seizures
• Medicines for high blood pressure
• Alcohol
• Warfarin
• Cimetidine
• Sntacids

Because Lortab can cause severe drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of Lortab. Some other medicines that cause drowsiness are:

• Alcohol - containing medicines
• Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital
• Certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• Muscle relaxants
• Certain antihistamines used in cold medicines

People who become dependent on Lortab often get multiple prescriptions from different doctors to support their habit. Addictive drugs activate the brain's reward systems. The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to crave the drug and to focus his or her activities around taking the drug. The ability of addictive drugs to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and their ability to chemically alter the normal functioning of these systems can produce an addiction. Drugs also reduce a person's level of consciousness, harming the ability to think or be fully aware of present surroundings. What are the symptoms of Lortab overdose The symptoms of an overdose include:

• Muscle spasms
• Slow, shallow, labored breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Bluish skin (fingernails and lips)
• Cold and clammy skin
• Heavy perspiration - sweating
• Stomach spasms, cramps, pains
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Weaked pulse
• Low blood pressure / slow heartbeat
• Extreme sleepiness
• Coma
• If extreme overdose: death

Lortab abuse and addiction are serious threats to a person's health and well being. Do you think maybe you, or someone near you, is abusing or addicted to Lortab? The way out is to reach out: 866-323-5612. Call free and get help now.

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