Lortab Addiction and Abuse

If misused, Lortab addiction can develop, so it’s important to use this medication only as prescribed.

Lortab is often compared to other pain relievers, such as Vicodin and Percocet, when discussing its effectiveness in treating pain and its addictive qualities. If misused, Lortab addiction can develop, so it’s important to use this medication only as prescribed.

What Is Lortab?

Lortab is a pain reliever which is made of two ingredients: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a frequently prescribed opioid commonly used to ease moderate to severe pain. The opioid component is what contributes to Lortab addiction. Acetaminophen is a component of many over-the-counter pain relievers. Although acetaminophen is used to treat mild pain, its effects are amplified when combined with hydrocodone.

These two ingredients each work in different ways to relieve pain. Hydrocodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the pain signals sent by the nervous system. Acetaminophen reduces the chemical in your brain that stimulates pain nerves.

Lortab is currently only manufactured in a liquid formulation, so legitimate tablets or pills are unavailable. Generic forms of hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets are available, however.

Lortab Street Names, Other Brand Names, and Generics

Lortab is a name brand combination drug product that contains both hydrocodone and acetaminophen and is only available via prescription. This combination of medications is also available in generic form and other brand-name products, such as:

• Vicodin
• Vicodin ES
• Vicodin HP
• Lorcet
• Lorcet Plus
• Lorcet HD
• Norco

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, when sold on the street, Lortab, or products similar to Lortab, may be nicknamed the following:

• Hydros
• Tabs
• Vics
• Veeks
• Vikes
• Fluff
• Dro
• Droco

Remember that legitimate Lortab is only available in a liquid formulation and that any pills or tablets sold as Lortab are fake or expired.

What Is Lortab Used For?

Lortab is to be used only with a health care provider’s prescription, to manage severe pain that cannot be managed with non-opioid medications. It is important to only use Lortab for the shortest length of time possible and at the lowest dose that controls pain.

Lortab Side Effects

Lortab use is associated with side effects similar to those of other opioids, which include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Constipation
• Blurry vision
• Dry mouth

How Addictive Is Lortab?

Lortab, like other opioid medications, has the potential to become addictive, especially with long-term use. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 25 percent of people who are prescribed opioid medications like Lortab become addicted.

Lortab misuse can lead to addiction, resulting in any of the following side effects:

• Increased risk of experiencing a potentially fatal overdose
• Increased mood swings
• An escalation in anxiety or depression
• Destruction of relationships

Lortab addiction can be a severe condition and should prompt professional treatment as soon as possible.

Lortab Addiction Statistics

Regarding Lortab addiction in the United States, actual addiction statistics for the specific brand name drug are not known. However, there is data regarding the misuse of prescription opioids as a whole.

According to a CDC report using data gathered in 2016, of people 12 years and older, 4.3 percent said they misused prescription opioid pain relievers during the previous year. This figure equates to over 11 million people. Note that misuse doesn’t necessarily indicate addiction, but misuse can lead to addiction. When analyzing this figure by gender, 4.8 percent of males reported misuse and 3.8 percent of females reported misuse.

In this same report, over 1.7 million people said they were diagnosed with a substance use disorder involving prescription opioids over the past year, which means they met specific criteria for drug dependence or abuse.

Lortab Addiction Treatment

Like any other opioid, Lortab carries the potential of addiction, especially with long-term use. If you or a loved one struggle with Lortab addiction, call The Recovery Village today. Individualized treatment programs are used to address addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. You deserve a healthier future, call today.

Editor – Thomas Christiansen

With over a decade of content experience, Tom produces and edits research articles, news and blog posts produced for Advanced Recovery Systems. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Christina Caplinger, RPh

Christina Caplinger is a licensed pharmacist in both Colorado and Idaho and is also a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist. Read more