Tiger Woods was taken into custody on Friday in Florida for suspected drunk driving. Reports suggest he had two hydrocodone pills in his left pocket after flipping his Land Rover.
This medication is typically prescribed for chronic pain relief, especially following surgery or injury. However, it has notable risks associated with its use.
As a highly addictive opioid, hydrocodone shares a classification with oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, making its potential for abuse concerning. In fact, prescriptions have dropped by a third since reaching their peak in 2011.
What is hydrocodone used for?
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid mainly used for managing moderate to severe long-term pain when other non-opioid medications don’t suffice.
The drug blocks pain signals while increasing dopamine levels, which can lead to feelings of euphoria.
Immediate-release hydrocodone is usually combined with other ingredients, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to provide short-term relief. It is also employed as a cough suppressant in certain medications.
Are there any dangerous side effects?
As with many medications, hydrocodone can lead to various side effects, some of which can be serious.
Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased sweating, and reduced sexual desire. More severe reactions, though less common, could involve shortness of breath, dizziness, extreme drowsiness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, hallucinations, or fever.
Combining hydrocodone with certain drugs like some antidepressants or alcohol can significantly elevate the risk of serious complications like breathing difficulties or even coma.
Is hydrocodone addictive?
Yes, hydrocodone can lead to physical dependence and addiction, primarily due to the feelings of pleasure it induces. Discontinuing the drug suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
It falls under the Schedule II category as defined by the DEA, reflecting its potential for abuse. Interestingly, combination products containing hydrocodone were reclassified from Schedule III to Schedule II in 2014 following increased misuse.
Suddenly stopping hydrocodone can lead to unpleasant symptoms like restlessness, sweating, chills, and irritability. It’s advisable to use this medication strictly as directed to avoid such issues.
How does it compare to oxycodone and other opioids?
Hydrocodone, like other opioids, works in a similar manner but varies in its chemical structure, onset time, and legal classification.
For instance, hydromorphone, another opioid, takes longer to show effects compared to hydrocodone and oxycodone, which kick in within 10 to 15 minutes.
Potency also differs among opioids; codeine is weaker than hydrocodone, while heroin and oxycodone are considerably stronger.
Besides hydrocodone, other Schedule II drugs include fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, whereas heroin is classified as a Schedule I substance.
Is there a black market?
Indeed, hydrocodone is available illegally on both the dark web and the streets.
Despite a decline in prescriptions, the demand persists among those dealing with chronic pain or addiction.
The risk of buying hydrocodone from unregulated sources is significant, as these pills may be counterfeit and potentially laced with lethal doses of fentanyl.
