What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is an opiate that normally prescribed for the treatment of  mild to moderate pain. It is a semisynthetic opiate derived from the naturally occurring opiates codeine and thebaine.  It is available in several different pill forms:  Anexsia, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet® 10/650, Lorcet® Plus, Lortab® 10/500, Lortab® 2.5/500, Lortab® 5/500, Lortab® 7.5/500, Lortab® Elixir, Maxidone, Norco®, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin®, Vicodin® ES, Vicodin® HP, Xodol, Xodol 5, Zydone.  Hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to the opiate receptors in the brain, which send pain signals to the body.

Is Hydrocodone Addicting?

Hydrocodone is extremely addictive.  Within a matter of weeks, the human body develops tolerance to the drug, thus requiring higher and higher doses of Hydrocodone to fully block the pain receptors in the brain. Physical dependence also results in withdrawal, which can lead to the uncomfortable physical symptoms when the medication is decreased or stopped altogether.

What are withdrawal symptoms of Hydrocodone?

At first, withdrawal symptoms are minimal. These may include nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, abdominal cramping, and hot and cold sweats. However, if you don’t take another Hydrocodone dose in a short while, these symptoms will worsen. Without medical assistance you can expect stomach cramps, runny nose, agitation, irritability, sweating, hot and cold flashes, and muscle and bone pain. These symptoms begin within hours of your last dose, peak after a few days and continue for as long as several weeks.

Outpatient Detox Hydrocodone Treatment

Under the supervision of the professionals at Outpatient Detox, patients do not need to fear experiencing withdrawal symptoms.  Patients can detox off of Hydrocodone in the comfort of their own homes with personalized treatment plans that allow them to remain safe, calm, comfortable and able to sleep at night throughout the detoxification period.