Lortab
Lortab, also known as lorcet, norco, and vicoden is a combination of a narcotic and a non narcotic drug, those being hydrocodone, the narcotic, and acetaminophen the non narcotic. The two medications within lortab also make up the generic name, which is hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Lortab is used in patients who have extreme pain, such as patients recovering from surgery. The way in which lortab works is a two-part process, the hydrocodone works by attaching with opioid receptors in the brain and in the spinal chord, and the acetaminophen works by decreasing the production of prostaglandins which then decreases the feelings of pain.
Lortab doses are prescribed by the condition of the patient and the pain relieving needs. Being a narcotic painkiller it can become habit forming and due to this reason it is important to only take the recommended dosage, not to use excessively, not to use after the prescribed amount of time. Prolonged use of lortab, aside from causing addiction, can also decrease in effectiveness as your body becomes more used to the medication. As with most painkillers lortab is also most effective if taken before the pain becomes severe, if the pain is severe when you take lortab the chances of it relieving all the pain are greatly decreased although it will still give some relief. Lortab is also more effective if taken without food but this can cause nausea and possible vomiting, if this occurs it is recommended to take it with food.
Some side effects of lortab are as follows nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, vision changes, or mental/mood changes may occur, if any of these side effects continue for a long period of time or increase in frequency or severity it is highly recommended to contact your doctor immediately. In some rare cases breathing and heartbeat could slow down and a trouble in hearing can occur, if these are to happen contact your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
