Hydrocodone is an antitussive (cough suppressant) and analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Studies indicate that hydrocodone is as effective, or more effective, than codeine for cough suppression and nearly equivalent to morphine for pain relief.

Hydrocodone is very frequently prescribed. There are several hundred brand name and generic hydrocodone products marketed. Hydrocodone diversion and abuse has been escalating in recent years. Poison control data, medical examiners’ reports, and treatment center data all indicate that the abuse of hydrocodone is associated with significant public health risks, including a substantial number of deaths.On the street is known as “vikes”, “hydro”, “norco”, etc

Although hydrocodone is an analgesic and antitussive agent structurally similar to codeine but with effects more similar to morphine, it is abused for its opioid effects. Widespread diversion via bogus call-in prescriptions, altered prescriptions, theft and illicit purchases from Internet sources are made easier by the present controls placed on hydrocodone products. Hydrocodone pills are the most frequently encountered dosage form in illicit traffic. Hydrocodone is generally abused orally, often in combination with alcohol.

As with most opiates, abuse of hydrocodone is associated with tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The co-
formulation with acetaminophen carries an additional risk of liver toxicity when high, acute doses are consumed. Data suggests that some individuals who abuse very high doses of acetaminophen-containing hydrocodone products may be spared this liver toxicity if they have been chronically taking these products and have escalated their dose slowly over a long period of time.

The excuse of being used as medicine must not make us forget that it’s action is addictive and the side effects are very risky for the human body.

We strongly recommend to everyone reading this article to stay out of heroin’s use, however, if you or someone close to you have problems with oxycodone addiction, we suggest you to visit Drug Rehab Treatment Programs in Canada.