What is Norco
Norco is the brand name of a combination of hydrocodone and Acetaminophen used to relieve severe pain. Norco comes in a capsule or tablet form, as well as in oral solutions in 5 mg, 7 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg doses. It is classified by the FDA and the medical community in narcotic. Norco should not be used in higher doses than prescribed, or without a doctor’s prescription.
Norco Works to Treat Severe Pain
Norco is prescribed to patients with chronic pain, acute pain due to surgery, back pain or other injuries. It blocks nerve impulses in the brain that cause pain.
Muscle Relaxants & Cough Suppressants
Norco is a muscle relaxant that’s typically prescribed to treat moderate to mild muscle spasms or stiffness. It can be combined with other medications such as codeine or acetaminophen. It is also a cough suppressant. Hydrocodone works directly on the cough centre in the brain.
Norco has Opioid Properties.
It is true that one of the ingredients in hydrocodone is an opioid. This medication, which has been synthesized, can be used to treat moderate or severe pain. It works on the same part in the brain that opiates do, which come from poppy plants. Norco contains acetaminophen, marketed under the brand name Tylenol. It is not as potent but can still be harmful if taken at high doses for long periods.
What are Opioids
Opioids can be prescribed for people with major chronic pain, surgery or chronic pain. Opioids are synthetic or natural, but the majority of them are synthetic. Opioids include oxycodone and other powerful narcotics such as morphine codeine fentanyl carfentanil. They bind with receptors found in the brain and elsewhere to reduce pain. Constipation, nausea and sleepiness are the most common side effects of opioid use. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any breathing difficulties. Norco can become habit-forming, so it should be taken regularly. If you miss a dose, withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening may cause damage to your liver or central nervous system.
Possible drug interactions
Overdosing on opioids can be caused by trying to make up for a missed dosage. Call your doctor if you experience overdose symptoms and seek emergency medical attention.
Norco Abuse has become popular
Norco is used by people who are addicted to opiates to get high when their preferred drug is not available. The hydrocodone in Norco can provide a high that lasts several hours.
Norco is available through counterfeit prescriptions or the “street” sale of copies that may contain other drugs, such as fentanyl.
Serious Drug Interactions
Norco can cause serious side effects requiring emergency medical attention. Both of its components can have negative effects when combined with alcohol .
- Combining alcohol and hydrocodone can lead to drowsiness and impaired motor control. There is also a risk of an overdose.
- Alcohol and acetaminophen mixed together can cause liver damage, as well as impaired breathing.
Norco can cause serious interaction with:
- Eluxadoline is an anticholinergic.
- Sodium Oxybate
- Sodium Fusidate
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Norco’s Toxicology
Norco is a Schedule III controlled substance that has been approved by the FDA for short-term pain relief. It can become habit-forming and can have serious side effects, including liver damage. Acetaminophen in high doses has been linked to breathing problems and kidney failure. Use of hydrocodone can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression (breathing difficulties), especially when combined with other central nerve system (CNS ) depressants.
Norco Side Effects
Norco may cause constipation, urinary incontinence, breathing problems, and respiratory depression. The drug information leaflet warns that slow breathing or any serious breathing problem should be looked for. It is therefore important to carefully follow the instructions for taking the prescribed dose and keep track of the time until the next scheduled dose. Norco can cause difficulty urinating or slow breathing. Contact your healthcare provider for more information on Norco’s possible toxicity.
Short-term Side Effects
The following are some of the short term effects:
- Lightheadedness
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
After using the medication for some time, you may notice that these side effects decrease. Call your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Long-Term Effects
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Bronchospasm
- Normal nervous system function
- Hearing loss
- Breathing problems
- Head injury is possible
- Heartbeats that are slowed or rapidened
- Allergic reactions
- Kidney disease
- Liver Disease
- Liver damage
- Vocal cord swelling
Is Norco Addictive?
Norco is addictive if a physical dependency develops. Norco addiction can be characterized by an obsession with Norco, a lack of interest or enthusiasm for hobbies or other activities, financial problems, and a poor performance at home, work or school. Norco drug addicts may also be dealing with co-occurring disorders. The healthcare professional who advises them on treatment will have to decide if the disorders are treated together or in which order.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of stopping Norco?
Yes. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Norco suddenly after regularly taking it. Even one missed dosage can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Sudden discontinuation of the drug may cause severe withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, uncontrollable discomfort, and thoughts of suicide.
Norco Withdrawal
The symptoms can start as soon as 12-24 hours following the last Norco dose and last up to several weeks. These include:
- Anxiety
- Poor appetite
- Difficulty in urinating
- Irritability
- Concentration problems
- Insomnia
In serious situations, withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening may occur. Some of these symptoms include high blood tension, breathing problems, allergies, slow breathing or death.
Norco Overdose: Can it be fatal?
It is possible to overdose if you take too much prescription medication such as Norco. The effects of an overdose are similar to those experienced by someone who has taken opioids. However, they may not be felt immediately. It could take several hours for the overdose victim to feel the effects. Some overdose symptoms include:
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dry Mouth
Slow breathing and respiratory depression are the most dangerous side effects, as they can cause death. It is vital to seek help immediately if someone is worried about an overdose.
Norco Adult Dosage
It is crucial to follow a doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice in order to avoid developing a physical dependency. The average doses for this medicine are determined by the strength of the medication, how many doses per day you take, the amount of time between doses and the duration of time that you take it.
For oral dosage form (capsules):
- Adults: 1 or 2 capsules as needed every 4 to 6 hrs. Most people do not take more than eight capsules per day.
Adults who weigh 101 pounds or more:
- As needed, 11.25 milliliters of (mL) can be taken every 4 to 6 hrs.
Adults weighing at least 101 pounds (or more) oral dosage form
- As needed, 7.5 milligrams per 325mg per 15 mL (or 1 tablespoonful) every 4 to 6 hrs.
- 15 milliliters or 1 tablespoonful per 4 to 6 hours, as needed
- 10 milligrams [mg] per 325 mg per 15 mL solution
Adults oral dosage form (5 mg per 325mg tablet):
- Norco 5/325 : Take 1 or 2 tablets as needed every 4 to 6 hrs.
- Norco 7.5/325 : Take 1 tablet every 4 to six hours, as required.
Adults’ oral dosage form (10 mg per 325 mg tablets):
- Norco 10/325 : Take 1 tablet every 4 to six hours, as required.
Always follow instructions
You should inform your doctor about any other medications you take to prevent Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) from being misused. The doctor will be able prescribe the medication that is safe for your condition.
You should always read and follow all instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.
The medication should be accompanied by a medication guide or drug information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions regarding the information.