Hydrocodone Overdose Treatment, Signs & Symptoms

Like for every opioid, hydrocodone overdoses are not only possible but are a threat that must be taken seriously. Perhaps the scariest thing to consider with hydrocodone overdoses, in particular, is that unintentional overdoses are so common.

Hydrocodone overdoses can occur for several reasons: an individual self-medicates by taking more pills than directed by their physician, a patient mistakes hydrocodone for another medication, or they take the drug without a prescription at all to achieve a hydro high. Additionally, adding other drugs into the mix intensifies the risk of overdoses. Alcohol and other opioids compound the effects and dangers of hydrocodone in the body. The inclusion of acetaminophen, as is the case in Vicodin, also increases the likelihood of overdosing as well as irreversible liver complications.   

The recommended dosages are 10–25 mg in a 12-hour period, depending on tolerance. This is the most important factor to consider. An individual that exhibits tolerance to hydrocodone must take larger doses to relieve their pain symptoms. Or, if using the drug illicitly, in order to still get high.

Experts point to 90 mg in a day as a fatal amount of hydrocodone. This is just 9 times larger than the smallest recommended dose. It’s easier than one may think to accidentally take this tiny number of pills. Taking this amount when seeking out feelings of euphoria, is even more likely. 90 mg is also just a benchmark. Several use behaviors can lower the necessary milligram total to overdose. Crushing and snorting hydrocodone pills is particularly dangerous and the lethal amount actually shrinks when alcohol is brought into the equation.

Hydrocodone overdose symptoms range in severity and affected body systems. Some of these symptoms may include:

• Digestive problems: this problem may occur from one end to the other, with bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and spasms.
• Nervous system imbalances: ranging from sleepiness to incoherent thoughts and behaviors.
• Breathing concerns: opioids manipulate the parts of the brain that regulate breathing. Victims may have shortness of breath or more serious respiratory failure.
• Skin discoloration: blue or purple skin can be the result of oxygen deprivation.

Never overlook a symptom. Hydrocodone has the false perception as being a harmless opioid compared to its potent relatives, even at higher doses. Nothing could be farther than the truth. Seek out intervention from emergency responders if you, a loved one, or even a stranger displays these symptoms.

Hydrocodone is among the most nondescript prescription drugs in existence. It looks like a stereotypical small, white pill. So, it is often mistaken for something else entirely. This cannot happen in an overdose scenario. Lives are at stake. If you’re able to communicate with first responders while overdosing, or you are observing someone else experiencing an overdose, always inform medical professionals that hydrocodone was the cause of the overdose. Opioids require specific action.

Hydrocodone overdoses often require the use of naloxone. This is an anti-overdose compound that quells the overdose at the receptor level. While not an outright antidote, naloxone saves thousands of hydrocodone and opioid overdose victims each year. But its use does not come lightly. Victims can experience debilitating withdrawal symptoms whenever naloxone is administered. It is a heavy price to pay for the chance of keeping one’s life.

Worried about your hydrocodone intake? Know someone addicted to drugs or alcohol? Help and healing are closer than you think. Call The Recovery Village today to speak with a caring representative who can help you get the care you need.