Lortab Detox and Withdrawal

What is Lortab and how does withdrawal and detox work?

Lortab is a prescription medication that contains both hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid painkiller. Due to the hydrocodone component, Lortab use is associated with the risk of developing physical dependence and addiction. Once a person is dependent on Lortab, their body cannot function normally without it, and withdrawal symptoms may occur when drug use stops.

Opioid detoxification processes are performed to help a person taper from a drug safely and lower the risk of experiencing a setback. The detox process and withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable. While some people attempt detoxing on their own, it is safest to have professional assistance to help ease the discomfort and increase the chance of success.

Lortab Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone is dependent on Lortab and suddenly stops taking it, withdrawal occurs. Common symptoms of Lortab withdrawal include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Shaking
• Irritability/nervousness
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Body aches
• Increased heart rate

Safely dealing with these symptoms is an important part of the withdrawal process, and doing so with professional assistance can help prevent relapse due to the discomfort associated with these symptoms.

How Long Lortab Withdrawal Lasts

Lortab withdrawal can start within several hours of the previous dose. Serious discomfort begins within a day or two of the previous dose. Withdrawal symptoms are usually at their worst in the first five days of stopping Lortab use. Withdrawal can continue for days or even weeks after this initial period and can last even longer if the person used Lortab for a long period before stopping.

The duration of the withdrawal period is dependent on the individual’s overall health, age, genetic factors, body weight and more.

Lortab Withdrawal Deaths

For some substances, the withdrawal process itself can be deadly. Withdrawal from an opioid medication like Lortab is usually not associated with death but is often associated with great discomfort. Many deaths that are attributed to opioid withdrawal are not due to withdrawal itself, but due to the severe discomfort that can cause the person to resume Lortab use to relieve the withdrawal symptoms. After ceasing opioid use, the body becomes less tolerant. At that point, resuming opioid use can result in overdose and death.

Lortab Withdrawal Cold Turkey

Withdrawing from Lortab cold turkey, without assistance, is possible for some people. However, the success rate is low and most people experience so much discomfort that they seek out Lortab again to stop the withdrawal symptoms. Professional Lortab detox is the safest option.

Lortab Withdrawal Tips

Medically-supervised detoxification can help a person deal with the symptoms of Lortab withdrawal safely and may help the resumption of Lortab use. A multifaceted approach to withdrawal and detox can help a person manage the process successfully.

Lortab Detox

Detoxification is the period after stopping Lortab use in which the drug is slowly eliminated from the body. As the body processes the Lortab in the system, the amount of Lortab decreases until it is finally gone. The majority of withdrawal symptoms occur during detox, but they can continue to occur after the last of the drug has left the body.

Lortab Withdrawal Medications

Medications are available to assist with the detoxification and withdrawal process. They can help stop cravings as well as reduce withdrawal-related anxiety and physical discomfort.

One such medication is called buprenorphine, which can decrease the time it takes for detox to occur. Buprenorphine is sometimes combined with another drug called naloxone, which can prevent the misuse of buprenorphine itself.

Another medication is called methadone, which is a long-lasting drug that treats Lortab withdrawal symptoms by binding with opioid receptors.

Finding a Lortab Withdrawal and Detox Center

It is important to seek medical treatment if you or someone you know struggles with Lortab misuse, abuse, or addiction. The Recovery Village can help you to get the treatment and care that you need. Contact a representative at The Recovery Village to learn how detoxing in a safe and supportive environment is key to successful drug withdrawal. Your health is too important to risk, 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