How Much Hydrocodone Is Too Much? Overdose Signs & Prevention
Hydrocodone is a potent opioid medication commonly prescribed to alleviate severe pain. It is categorised as a Schedule II controlled substance owing to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Hydrocodone is effective in providing significant pain relief when used as directed. How Much Hydrocodone Is Too Much? Misuse can often lead to severe health risks due to overdose. To keep such dangers at bay, it is essential to understand the safe dosage of Hydrocodone and the signs of an overdose.
This article will delve into these crucial aspects of Hydrocodone use, steps to prevent an overdose and what to do in an emergency.
How much Hydrocodone is too much?
Hydrocodone is a potent medication used to ease severe pain. However, overdose can expose you to many health risks. To prevent such troubles, it is imperative to understand the safe dosage of Hydrocodone and the signs of an overdose.
The safe dosage of Hydrocodone depends on many factors:
– Person’s age
– Weight
-Medical condition
– Tolerance to opioids
It is essential to follow the prescribed safe dosage of Hydrocodone and never exceed the recommended maximum dose. For adults, the total daily amount is 60 milligrams. It is to be noted that the dosage dramatically varies based on the severity of the pain and the individual’s response to the medication.
Elderly patients are more prone to the effects of Hydrocodone and so require a lower dosage. The recommended starting dose for elderly patients is 2.5 to 5 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours. For children under age 6, it is advisable not to use Hydrocodone. Now for children aged between 6 to 12, the most advised maximum dose of Hydrocodone is 0.1 to 0.15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every 4 to 6 hours.
Signs Of Hydrocodone Overdose
Taking too much Hydrocodone can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Noticing any of these symptoms should be addressed with medical help immediately.
Physical symptoms include slow or shallow breathing, blue lips or nails, cold or clammy skin, constricted pupils, muscle weakness or limpness; seek emergency medical attention immediately.
While other behavioural and psychological symptoms include confusion, drowsiness, difficulty staying awake, slurred speech, impaired coordination or balance, extreme anxiety or panic, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
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How To Prevent Hydrocodone Overdose?
Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid medication that can be conducive to causing severe health problems and even death if misused. It is essential to take the proper steps to prevent overdose. The steps are listed below:
- Please do not take more than the prescribed dose or more frequently than recommended.
- Avoid mixing with other substances. Hydrocodone should not be taken with alcohol, other opioids, or drugs that can depress the central nervous system, as this can increase the risk of overdose.
- Hydrocodone should be stored securely, out of reach of children and pets. It should be stored in its original container and kept at room temperature.
- Unused Hydrocodone should be appropriately disposed of to prevent it from being misused or abused. One way to dispose of medications is to take them to a drug take-back program or pharmacy that offers medication disposal services.
- It is essential to communicate with a professional healthcare provider about any concerns associated with Hydrocodone use. A healthcare provider can guide safe and appropriate medication use and alternative pain management treatments.
Conclusion On How Much Hydrocodone Is Too Much?
Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid medication that is prescribed to manage pain. However, too much Hydrocodone can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death. The amount of Hydrocodone that is considered too much varies depending on several factors, including a person’s tolerance, weight, and overall health. Keeping in mind its dosage and having it under the medical practitioner’s prescription is essential to prevent yourself from any risks.
