Drugs!

So when I was in America and hurt my knee I was given these really strong painkillers. The name wasn't familiar to my doctor here and I didn't really think anything more of it...Until the other day. I think it was when I was watching Greys Anatomy I heard the name of the drug and was like ah that's what I had! I just searched it on Google and came up with quite a good description of it!

Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (marketed as Vicodin, Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan, Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Tussionex, Vicoprofen) is an opioid derived from either of the naturally occurring opiates - codeine or thebaine. Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic and antitussive that is marketed in multi-ingredient Schedule III products. The typical therapeutic dose of 5 mg to 10 mg is pharmacologically equivalent to 30 to 60 mg of oral codeine. Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in recent years, as have diversion and illicit use. Hydrocodone is commonly available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form. (Source: Opiate equivalancy taken from Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia)

As a narcotic, hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It may be taken with or without food, but should never be combined with alcohol. It may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is in FDA pregnancy category C: its effect on an unborn embryo or fetus is not clearly known and pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking it. Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, euphoria, vomiting, and constipation. Some less common side effects are allergic reaction, blood disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess, anxiety, lethargy, difficulty urinating, spasm of the ureter, irregular or depressed respiration, and rash.

Hydrocodone can be habit-forming, and can lead to physical and psychological addiction. In the U.S., pure hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15mg per dosage unit are considered Schedule II drugs. Those containing less than 15mg per dosage unit are Schedule III drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination with other drugs such as Paracetamol (acetaminophen), Aspirin and homatropine methylbromide. In the UK it is listed as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

For anyone who I've talked to about how I felt when I had them this pretty much explains it!! Thought it was an interesting read. Looks like I was given some pretty hard core stuff.