Norco Addiction and Abuse

What Is Norco?

Norco is a medication given to patients to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is a combination medication because it contains two different types of pain-relievers. The first component, hydrocodone, is an opioid analgesic that reduces pain by influencing how the brain responds to it. The second component, acetaminophen, is not an opioid but it helps to reduce fever in patients.

Norco should only be used by patients who are older than 6 years of age since young children are at risk for more serious side effects.

Norco can produce side effects in some patients during the beginning of treatment. Common side effects related to Norco use include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, and drowsiness.

More serious side effects of Norco include mood changes, agitation, confusion, hallucination, stomach or abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, unusual tiredness, and weight loss. Make sure you notify your doctor right away if any serious Norco side effects become noticeable.

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any fainting, seizures, slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, difficulty waking up, or signs of an allergic reaction after using Norco.

How Is Norco Used?

Norco should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it may be helpful for patients experiencing nausea to take Narco with a meal. If they are using Narco in its liquid form, patients should use a medical device to measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon or other measuring instrument, as this will likely administer an improper dose of Norco.

Be sure to use Norco when the first signs of your pain occur. Do not wait until the pain gets worse, as Norco will be less effective the longer you wait.

Norco Addiction

Patients using Norco to treat their pain are still at risk for developing a Norco dependence or addiction even if they use the medication exactly as their doctor prescribes. If you begin to suspect that someone in your life is struggling with a Norco addiction, seek professional help as soon as possible. Signs that may indicate someone has developed a Norco addiction include becoming obsessed with finding and taking Norco, losing interest in the hobbies you once enjoyed, exhibiting poor performance at work, home, or school, and suffering from financial problems.

The Importance of Aftercare

Seeking continued therapy after you have completed your first rehab program is important as each patient who has struggled with a substance use disorder is still at risk of relapsing. Finding an aftercare program that fits your post-rehab needs will help keep you on track to living a happier, healthier, substance-free life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Norco addiction or another type of substance use disorder, do not delay in getting the help you need.