Norco is a prescription medication that is classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II substances are defined as “drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” Norco is a mixture of two substances (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), making it both an opioid analgesic (pain reliever) and an antitussive (cough suppressant). In the medical field it is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Norco comes in the following forms: solution, tablet, and elixir. When used any way other than as prescribed by a medical professional, Norco can lead to dangerous effects. As is true with the abuse of any substance, there are a plethora of potential adverse effects that can manifest from abusing Norco.
Side Effects of Norco
There are many potential side effects that an individual struggling with Norco abuse may experience. Contributing factors such as one’s personal health history, any comorbid disorders, the frequency of abuse, the length of time someone abused Norco, the potency of the Norco abused, the dosage abused, and whether or not the individual mixed Norco with any additional substances will all weigh into the side effects an individual may exhibit. Some examples of side effects that have been reported in individuals that struggle from Norco abuse include any combination of the following:
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Lightheadedness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Ringing in one’s ears
- Low blood pressure
Please note the above side effects are examples provided by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Every individual is different and will likely experience varied side effects with differing severity levels and durations when it comes to abusing Norco.
Dangers
There are several medications and substances that have been reported as having dangerous drug interactions with Norco. The Mayo Clinic provides a robust list of medications that are unadvisable to be used in conjunction with Norco. Additionally, when Norco is abused, an individual is at increased risk of overdosing. Symptoms of Norco overdose include the following:
- Change of consciousness
- Decreased awareness
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Chest pain
- Extreme drowsiness
- Clammy and cold skin
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
- Not breathing
- Lightheadedness
- No detectible pulse
- Sudden decrease in the amount of urine
- Unpleasant breath odor
- Stopping of heart
- No muscle movement
Overdose occurs when an individual’s body is physically unable to metabolize all of the abused substance within the needed timeframe creating the excess substance to turn toxic within one’s body. It is imperative to obtain medical emergency assistance as soon as possible if the above symptoms occur.
Detox and Treatment
Any individual in need of treatment for struggling with Norco abuse must begin his or her recovery process with the detox phase. Detox is the process that rids one’s body of any abused substances. Once an individual that struggles with Norco successfully undergoes detox, a subsequent substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program is highly recommended. Any individual that has habitually abused Norco will have likely developed several unhealthy habits and patterns surrounding his or her active drug use. Substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs offer an individual life tools and healthy coping mechanisms to navigate living a sober life. There are countless treatment options available to those in need, with varying specialties, durations, therapeutic offerings, and more. When deciding which treatment program may be the best fit is important to consider your unique needs and make sure the program you select is able to accommodate your needs.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one.
