Dicodid
Dicodid is a narcotic drug also known as Hydrocodone (dihydrocodeinone). When combined with ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen, it becomes an analgesic that is used to relieve moderate to severe pain symptoms. Dicodid is also combined with phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine and other similar drugs and used as a cough suppressant. However for people with an intolerance to drugs like acetaminophen and phenylephrine, a 10 mg Dicodid tablet, which is pure hydrocodone, can provide a more effective antitussive than codeine. It is also a very strong analgesic.
Popular drugs that contain Dicodid are sold under trade names such as Vicodin, Norco and Lortab. These prescription medications have been associated with drug dependency, addiction and drug overdose. Vicodin in particular is said to be six times more potent than codeine when orally administered. Dicodid can be sold as hydrocodone hydrochloride tablets and as hydrocodone tartrate for an injectable delivery.
Drug Classification
Dicodid (hydrocodone) as a combination product with other drugs such as acetaminophen initially received a Schedule III classification. However, because of this drug’s propensity for abuse, dependence and addiction, all Dicodid products, under all its various trade names, has been reclassified as a schedule II drug by the Federal Drug Administration in 2014. This is also a prescription narcotic that can only be prescribed by a doctor who is licensed to prescribed opioid drugs.
This drug is a central nervous system depressant. Dicodid lowers neurotransmission levels that can result in reduced stimulation in various areas of the brain. Depressants are also referred to by some as downers.
The United States Federal Drug Administration has also mandated that all preparations of Dicodid (pure hydrocodone) in this country must contain other drugs, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, homatropine methylbromide and ibuprofen. This mandate is designed to discourage abuse and overdose fatalities that can occur when Dicodid is taken in high doses.
Effects of Dicodid
Like all combination hydrocodone products, Dicodid works on the functions of the brain to change how the individual experiences pain or to suppress cough. Primary effects are typically related to how the drug impact the central nervous system. The most risky reaction to Dicodid use is respiratory complications and depression. It is not uncommon for patients suffering from depressed breathing caused by Dicodid to require an artificial ventilator. Maybe the most destabilizing side effect of Dicodid is severe projectile vomiting which can occur when the drug is taken in conjunction with alcohol.
The following are other adverse effects that can occur from using or abusing Dicodid.
- Mood changes that can border on feelings of depression.
- Tachycardia or rapid heart rate that exceeds the normal range. This condition can be dangerous.
- Severe Constipation
- Lightheadedness, dizziness that cause difficulty with standing or walking.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness or abnormal sleepiness that cause you to nod off at inappropriate times.
- Profuse sweating that can lead to dehydration
Dicodid Abuse and Overdose
Prescription drugs are no longer limited to distribution from a pharmacy. The internet has changed the way all drugs, illicit and doctor prescribed, can be accessed. Today anyone with a computer and a valid credit or debit card can locate and purchase Dicodid from an internet website; no questions asked. Some legitimate online pharmaceutical outlets actually employ qualified physicians who are able and willing to write a prescription for drugs like Dicodid. Thanks to this new open drug market, drug abuse and overdose of otherwise hard to get drugs such as Dicodid is on the rise. To counter this proliferation of prescription drugs, a Federal law has been passed that requires patients to literally be face to face with a physician to get a prescription for an addictive drug.
Studies show that Dicodid is frequently abused in the United States. Those in search of a euphoric experience still remains the primary reason this drug is so widely used. Sedation is another popular reason for abuse of this drug.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Many Dicodid abusers are unprepared for the severity of withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using this drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- Extreme anxiety bordering on panic.
- Depression
- Sensation of Pins and needles all over the body.
- Severe pain
- Sneezing, fever and watery eyes.
Dicodid Treatment
Treatment for Dicodid addiction can be a slow process. Eliminating toxins built up in the body from habitual abuse is the first step in overcoming this addiction. Addiction clinicians typically take a gradual approach which may require several months to completely eliminate Dicodid from the body. This tapering approach effectively minimizes the discomfort of severe withdrawal symptoms associated with this drug. Abrupt withdrawal can be fatal in cases of long term addiction or regular use of a high dosage.
If you or someone you love one is abusing or has already developed an addiction to Dicodid, call us today at 877-855-3470. We can provide you with information about our inpatient detoxification process and customized rehabilitation treatment programs.