Harmful Interactions National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA
Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. Long-term use of opioid medication may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men or women. It is not known whether opioid effects on fertility are permanent. Since hydrocodone is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose.
The Dangers of Mixing Hydrocodone and Alcohol
- Immediate-release hydrocodone treats pain very quickly, typically lasting between four and six hours.
- Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
- By any name —Vicodin, Lorcet orLortab— you may receive hydrocodone for chronic pain, unmanageable coughing or after major surgery.
- This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines.
- It works by blocking the effects of opiates to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by high levels of opiates in the blood.
When taken alone, opioids like hydrocodone can cause slowed breathing, shortness of breath, extreme drowsiness and coma. Mixing even moderate amounts of alcohol with hydrocodone increases the risk of severe side effects like trouble breathing and overdose, which can be fatal. These medications are controlled substances, require a prescription, can be habit-forming and lead to serious injury or death if not used properly. Opioid painkillers, when mixed with alcohol can lead to life-threatening interactions, such as slowing or stopping breathing.
Following your doctor’s instructions for taking it is imperative. This Schedule II drug connects to your brain’s opioid receptors, creating a high that is all too easy to become hooked on. Abusing opioids comes with its own set of problems that areoftenexacerbated when you add alcohol to the mix. If you have found yourself unable to quit a drug habit, don’t try to go it alone. It’s imperative that you seek medically assisted treatment to fully detox from these substances and cope with the withdrawal symptoms.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
After all, addiction is the hijacking of the reward pathways as a response to neurochemicals. No one chooses the brain’s response, and no one chooses addiction. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of hydrocodone if your doctor wants you to continue taking this medication. If you continue to have pain after you finish your hydrocodone prescription, call your doctor.
While taking hydrocodone, you should talk to your doctor about having a rescue medication called naloxone readily available (e.g., home, office). Naloxone is used to reverse the life-threatening effects of an overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opiates to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by high levels of opiates in the blood. Your doctor may also prescribe you naloxone if you are living in a household where there are small children or someone who has abused street or prescription drugs. How to Get Sober and What to Expect Your doctor or pharmacist will show you and your family members how to use the medication.
Medicines may have many ingredients
It should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery. This medicine should not be used to treat pain that you only have once in a while or «as needed». It is also used to manage severe and persistent pain that requires an extended opioid treatment and when other pain medicines did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Other drugs may interact with hydrocodone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medications—including many popular painkillers and cough, cold, and allergy remedies—contain more than one ingredient that can react with alcohol.
Effects and Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Opioids
Hysingla® and Zohydro® are available only under a restricted distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription. Extended-release hydrocodone is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain. While you’re waiting, do everything you can to keep the affected person conscious. If they cannot stay conscious, do not leave them under any circumstances.
