Hydrocodone

General Information

Hydrocodone is the most prescribed prescription pain reliever in the United States. It is also the most abused prescription drug, showing up in 40-50% of the prescription drug abuse cases worked by law enforcement agencies.

Typical abusers that law enforcement encounters may be taking 15-20 tablets per day, with some consuming over 40-50 per day. Although this practice is extremely dangerous and illegal, abusers also can consume extraordinarily high levels of the over the counter medications mentioned above, which can negatively affect their liver or stomach.

Prescription drugs can be abused in a variety of ways, but those abusing hydrocodone are almost all taking the drug orally. Street values of hydrocodone can vary across the United States, but usually one pill is worth between $4-$8, depending on the strength, and the supply and demand in the area.

Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, constipation, vomiting, and euphoria. Vomiting in some patients is so severe that hospitalization is required. Some less common side effects are allergic reaction, blood disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess, anxiety, lethargy, difficulty urinating, irregular or depressed respiration, and rash. 

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine.

Some side effects of hydrocodone


Some symptoms of a hydrocodone overdose