Is Lortab an Opioid?

Lortab is a combination medication containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Lortabis a brand-name prescription opioid. Lortab is a Schedule 2 controlled substance, as classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means it has high abuse potential and can cause dependence oraddictionin people who misuse it. Lortab is only legally available with aprescription.

Lortab isa combination medication, which means it fights pain in two ways: in this case, the drug useshydrocodoneand acetaminophen. Because hydrocodone is an opioid, Lortab qualifies as an opioid. Lortab also contains acetaminophen which is a non-opioid pain reliever found in medicines like Tylenol. One key difference between Lortab and other medications containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen is that brand name Lortab is currently only available in a liquid form, calledLortab elixir.

Lortab is usually prescribed to patients who are experiencing short-term pain, likely due to having surgery or sustaining an injury.

How Does Lortab Work?

The hydrocodone component of Lortab works like other opioids. When someone takes opioid pain medicine, it decreases pain signals transmitting through thenervous system. Instead of blocking pain it changes the perception of pain. Opioids accomplish this by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

To curboverdosesand deaths from the use of opioidpainkillerslike Lortab, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) createdguidelineson how opioids should be prescribed. Based on the guidelines, opioids like Lortab should only be used for short-term treatment of acute pain, as opposed to a long-term, chronic pain.

Any time someone takes an opioid, there is the potential to develop a dependence and tolerance, especially with long-term use. If someone has a physical dependence on an opioid-like Lortab, withdrawal symptoms will occur when Lortab is stopped, especially if it is stopped suddenly.

Lortab Side Effects

Because Lortab is an opioid, many people are concerned about the potential side effects that the prescription can cause. The hydrocodone contained in Lortab is associated with several adverse effects, such as:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Slowed breathing

The acetaminophen in Lortab may cause liver damage or liver failure, which can be fatal. Side Effects vary based on personal factors. Always consult with your primary care provider if you develop any unexpected side effects following Lortab consumption.

Lortab Tolerance and Dependence

Toleranceand dependence are two intertwined concepts. Tolerance develops when the brain and body become used to Lortab. Over time, achieving the desired effect requires higher and higher doses. As tolerance develops, and higher doses are consumed, the risk of addiction and overdose increases. Also, as more Lortab is consumed, the risk of acute liver failure increases because of the acetaminophen contained in the drug.

Dependence develops when a person relies on the drug to function. If a person with anopioid dependencestops using the drug — especially if abruptly — they experiencewithdrawal symptomsfrom opioids. Symptoms ofopioid withdrawalinclude aches and pains, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, chills, sweating, and involuntary leg movements.

Addiction is a disease of the brain that is characterized by compulsions regarding a substance. Someone who is addicted to an opioid like Lortab might experience cravings, feeling uninterested anything other than the drug or their behavior might change. It’s also important to note that someone can be physically dependent on opioids including Lortab without being addicted.Tapering the opioid, or decreasing the amount used little by little, can help to avoid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

If you or a loved one struggle with Lortab dependence or addiction,contact The Recovery Villageto find out how personalizedtreatment programscan help achieve a healthier future. Don’t put your future on hold, call today.