Lortab Overdose

Lortab is an opioid-based prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen. By binding to receptors in the nervous system, brain and spinal cord, the hydrocodone in Lortab blocks your experience of pain and triggers your reward system, creating a euphoric sensation or "high." A number of side effects can accompany the pain relief provided by Lortab, including constipation, blurred vision, alterations in mood, nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, if taken incorrectly, Lortab use can result in overdose. Abusing the drug by crushing it before swallowing it, snorting it or injecting it increases your chances of experiencing a Lortab overdose.

What are the Signs of a Lortab Overdose?

In many cases, the line between "normal" side effects and overdose is very thin when it comes to Lortab. However, the intensity of the symptoms can let you know whether or not what you are experiencing is normal. Some signs of a Lortab overdose include:

Shallow, laborious or slowed breathing
Faint heartbeat or pulse
Confusion and extreme mental fatigue
Stomach cramps and nausea or vomiting
Profuse sweating
Itchy skin or goose bumps
Fever and chills
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Overwhelming fatigue

If you are with someone who has taken Lortab and is unconscious and/or you can't find a pulse or they're not breathing, a Lortab overdose is almost definitely the cause and he or she needs prompt medical attention.

What Do I Do in the Event of a Lortab Overdose?

If you are afraid that you or someone you are with is experiencing a Lortab overdose, you must call 911 immediately. Avoid implementing home remedies, i.e., do not induce vomiting or force the person to eat or drink anything, but do CPR if necessary. If possible, find the Lortab pill bottle, stay with the victim and wait for paramedics to arrive.

How is a Lortab Overdose Treated?

If the overdose victim isn't breathing or has no pulse, the paramedics will react by restoring vital signs first. Next, a shot of naloxone may be necessary to stop the Lortab from shutting down any more organ systems. An opiate antagonist, naloxone works almost instantly, replacing the Lortab on the opiate receptors and shoving the overdose victim into immediate opiate withdrawal.

How Do I Avoid a Lortab Overdose?

The acetaminophen in Lortab is just as deadly as the hydrocodone, which means that you have a double concern when it comes to overdose. Not only should you inform your doctor of all the other prescriptions you are taking so that he or she can make sure that there are no negative interactions, but nonprescription, over the counter medications-especially the ones that contain acetaminophen-should also be noted. It takes only 10 milligrams of acetaminophen for the drug to be toxic to most adults depending upon their weight. Liver damage is a high risk, so you should avoid these products as well. Alcohol, too, should be limited while you are on Lortab as it increases your chances of liver damage and Lortab overdose.

Avoid a Lortab Overdose Through Lortab Addiction Treatment at Meditox

The best way to avoid a Lortab overdose is to take advantage of the Lortab addiction treatment provided by Meditox. Our clinicians and doctors are drug addiction specialists certified to prescribe Suboxone, a breakthrough medication that allows you to immediately stop taking Lortab without enduring the overwhelmingly painful withdrawal symptoms. If you would like to protect yourself from a Lortab overdose and need help detoxing off of the drug, contact Meditox for an appointment today.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

Drugs.com: Lortab Overdose
WebMD.com: Lortab Overdose

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