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Hydrocodone FAQ
What is Hydrocodone?
Dextroamphetamine (Hydrocodone) is an amphetamine, belonging to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants it is a Schedule II controlled substance. Hydrocodone was often used in the late 60s and early 70s as a prescription diet aid, because one of the effects of such stimulant drugs is to suppress appetite. Hydrocodone (and its more potent cousin Benzedrine) was also commonly (and illegally) used by college students, either for the stimulant high it provided or as a study aid
How does Hydrocodone work?
This drug works by suppressing all spontaneous behavior. Hydrocodone reduces all spontaneous or self generated activates which is shown by the following characteristics: exploration and curiosity, socializing, and an increase in obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
What does Hydrocodone look like?
Hydrocodone is manufactured in orange 5mg, 10mg, 20mg tablets and 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg clear and brown capsules.
What side effects occur with the use and abuse of Hydrocodone? The side effects that occur with Hydrocodone are: addiction, agitation/irritability, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, nausea, weight loss, hallucinations, liver irritation/toxicity, increased heart rate, tics, Tourette's syndrome, sexual difficulties, behavior disturbances, and thought disorder, elevation of blood pressure, over stimulation, restlessness, dizziness, euphoria, headache, exacerbation of motor skills, diarrhea, and constipation.
What are the symptoms of a Hydrocodone overdose?
The symptoms of a Hydrocodone overdose are: abdominal cramps, assaultiveness, coma, confusion, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, fatigue, hallucinations, high fever, heightened reflexes, high or low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nausea, panic, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremor, and vomiting.
What drug interactions occur with the use and abuse of Hydrocodone? A)
The drug interactions which can occur with the use / abuse of Hydrocodone are:
MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days) - serious, even fatal, interactions can occur
Acidifying agents like guanethidine, reserpine, and fruit juices can lower absorption of Hydrocodone.
Alkalinizing agents such as Diamox (acetazolamide) increase absorption of Hydrocodone and other amphetamines.
Tricyclic antidepressants may increase their levels when taken with Hydrocodone. Although tricyclic antidepressants may be used with amphetamines to help make them work better, using the two medicines together may increase the chance of fast or irregular heartbeat, severe high blood pressure, or high fever.
Thorazine (chlorpromazine), lithium, and Haldol (haloperidol) can lower the effectiveness of Hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone increases the effects of norepinephrine.
Amantadine (Symmetrel), Caffeine (NoDoz), Chlophedianol (Ulone), Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Nabilone (Cesamet), Pemoline (Cylert)- these medicines may increase the stimulant effects of Hydrocodone and cause nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and possibly convulsions (seizures).
Appetite suppressants (diet pills), Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems, Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays) - these medicines may increase the stimulant effects of amphetamines and cause nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, or convulsions (seizures), and affect the heart and blood vessels.
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta blockers) may increase the chance of high blood pressure and heart problems when taken with Hydrocodone
Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine). Amphetamines may cause additive effects, resulting in irregular heartbeat.
Meperidine - when Hydrocodone is taken at with meperidine, it increases the chances of certain side effects such as fever, convulsions, and even coma.
Thyroid hormones-The effects either of these hormones or of Hydrocodone may increase when both are being taken.
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