Norco Overdose

Norco is a highly addictive opioid-based medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain in cases like back pain, fibromyalgia, and pain associated with depression. Norco consists of a combination of narcotic (hydrocodone) and non-narcotic (acetaminophen) drugs and is prescribed by a health care professional in pill or liquid form. Unfortunately, despite its beneficial pain relieving effects, Norco addiction is a common occurrence and can lead to overdose if the dosage is increased, the prescription is extended or if it is mixed with other opiates. A Norco overdose is exceptionally common and Norco addiction, even more so.

What are the Signs of a Norco Overdose?

A Norco overdose may manifest itself with a number of different signals because the drug is a combination of two separate medicines. It is possible to overdose on both hydrocodone and acetaminophen separately. Together, the two can be overwhelming.

A serious hydrocodone overdose can be characterized by shallow or labored breathing, cardiac arrest, coma and death can occur. You may also experience:

Drowsiness or sleepiness
Muscle weakness
Cold and clammy skin
Low heart rate
Low blood pressure

In the case of an acetaminophen overdose, the liver and kidneys are usually the first to show signs of damage, including:

Decreased urine production
Jaundice (yellowish tone to the skin)
General discomfort
Excessive sweating

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

If you suspect you have overdosed on Norco, it is critical to contact 911 immediately. The emergency operator will ask for the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and their physical condition
The name of the prescription that was taken and any other drugs that were mixed with it, including alcohol
The time of the last dose
The amount of Norco taken over the past 24 hours
Whether or not the Norco was prescribed for the patient

Bring the prescription bottle to the hospital if it is available.

The National Poison Control Center is always available if you are suspicious that you may be experiencing a Norco overdose but need more information. Poison Control can be reached from anywhere in the United States by calling 1-800-222-1222. The experts at Poison Control will require the same information that would be provided to 911.

How is a Norco Overdose Treated?

Immediate treatment of a Norco overdose includes reducing the drug absorption in the body. This is done primarily by inducing the patient to vomit with syrup of ipecac or performing a gastric lavage. Along with removing the Norco from the body, medical staff will stabilize the patient by supporting the cardio-respiratory functions. Medications such as naloxone will be given to reverse respiratory depression caused by hydrocodone and acetylcysteine may be administered if the acetaminophen dosage exceeds 140 mg. Intravenous fluids and vasopressors may be employed as supportive measures.

Meditox can help you avoid a Norco overdose with a personalized outpatient treatment program using Suboxone treatment.

How Do I Avoid a Norco Overdose?

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any other prescription or non prescribed drugs in addition to Norco. You should avoid acetaminophen, a common ingredient in many over the counter medications, so read labels carefully. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist or your doctor. Also, abstain from drinking alcohol; Norco can cause side effects that may become more pronounced if mixed with alcoholic beverages.

Avoid a Norco Overdose Through Norco Addiction Treatment at Meditox

Meditox offers an unparalleled Norco addiction treatment program that utilizes the prescription medications, Suboxone and Subutex. To help you break your dependence on Norco, Subutex and Suboxone both are prescribed in steadily decreasing doses, allowing you to immediately stop taking Norco and begin your journey to a drug-free life.

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

RxList.com: Norco Overdose
WebMD.com: Norco Overdose

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“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way.”

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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