Lortab ®

Lortab ® is a combined pain-relief medicine formulated with acetaminophen and hydrocodone:

• A semi-synthetic narcotic painkiller, available by prescription.
• Acetaminophen in Lortab ® has less potent pain relief action but increases the effects of hydrocodone.
• Indicated to treat moderate to severe pain of both acute and chronic types.
• Contraindicated for patients allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or hydrocodone.
• Lortab ® displays both analgesic and antitussive properties with multiple actions.
• Lortab ® may produce acute withdrawal syndrome with abrupt cessation of drug after chronic use.
• Acetaminophen overdose may cause liver damage.
• Lortab ® in pregnant women is harmful to an unborn fetus, and may pass through milk when breast-feeding infants.
• Classified by the U.S. government as a Schedule III narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
• Contraindicated in patients with asthma, bronchial disorders, respiratory problems, or other serious breathing illnesses.
• Lortab’s compound formula carries greater risk of liver toxicity with chronic, high doses.
• Lortab ® increases the effect of sedatives, sleeping aids, and muscle relaxers.
• Elderly patients tend to display more acute side effects.
• Alcohol and other narcotics adversely affected Lortab ® and increase its action.
• Caution for possible contraindications or allergic reactions for patients with:
• a history of head injury, brain tumor, or cranial pressure
• an under-active thyroid, Addison's disease, or other adrenal gland disorder
• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other respiratory disorders
• liver, kidney, stomach or intestinal disorders
• low blood pressure and circulatory disorders
• mental illness or suicidal thoughts
• or, drug or alcohol addiction history.
• Circulatory collapse may occur in severe overdosage (of hydrocodone).
• Lortab ® is reported to be habit forming and must be taken only under doctor’s orders and prescription.
• Aggravated symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
• short, slow, or shallow breathing
• low or irregular pulse and heartbeat.
• Lortab ® can trigger severe, and sometimes fatal, circulatory or respiratory depression.
• Unless used infrequently, Lortab demonstrates potential to cause moderate to high physical or psychological dependence.
• Concomitant use with sedatives or alcohol increases serious side effects, such as:
• dizziness,
• somnolence,
• unconsciousness,
• and breathing problems.
• Increased dosage or chronic use, other than prescribed by a doctor, can lead to dependency or addiction.
• Of the 6.4 million Americans misusing prescription drugs, more than 73% misused prescription pain relievers like Lortab ® (2006, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, NSDUH). (i)

More about Lortab addiction and the Waismann Method of Rapid Detoxification.