Hydrocodone Overdose Facts and Statistics

What is a Hydrocodone Overdose?

Hydrocodone overdose is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur after ingesting too much hydrocodone.

Having a valid prescription for hydrocodone doesn't preclude the possibility of overdose.

Other common overdose situations result from intentional hydrocodone misuse either for recreational purposes or with the intent for self-harm.

Symptoms and Signs of Hydrocodone Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose occur in addition to the side effects commonly associated with opioid medications and may appear as more pronounced or severe degrees of those side effects.

Signs of hydrocodone overdose include:

• Difficulty breathing, including slowed or shallow breathing.
• Respiratory arrest or stopped breathing that can lead to brain damage or death.
• Unconsciousness.
• Severe drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.
• Very small or "pinpoint" pupils.
• Sweating.
• Clammy skin.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Profound physical tiredness and weakness.

Medications containing hydrocodone are commonly combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) which also carries a risk of overdose.

Concurrent ingestion of hydrocodone with alcohol can drastically lower the threshold for experiencing acetaminophen toxicity.

Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose may not appear up to 12 or more hours after use and include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Severe liver damage.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
• Coma.

Understanding the Causes of Hydrocodone Overdose

While overdose can happen to anyone who takes too much hydrocodone, there are certain populations who are at an increased risk.

Demographic risk factors identified in past research include males, non-Hispanic Whites, and those between the ages of 45-54 years old (different than the age range for heroin overdose).

Other known risk factors for hydrocodone overdose include:

• Use of hydrocodone for chronic pain conditions, being prescribed higher doses, and having multiple or overlapping prescriptions for opioid medications.
• Use of prescription sedatives such as benzodiazepines in conjunction with hydrocodone.
• Non-medical or recreational use of hydrocodone.
• Concurrent alcohol use.
• History of opioid abuse or dependence.
• Mental health diagnoses.

When to Get Medical Help

If hydrocodone overdose is suspected or symptoms are present, it is absolutely necessary to seek emergency medical attention by calling 911 or the local emergency number.

A hydrocodone overdose cannot and should never be treated at home or without appropriate emergency care.

When seeking emergency care, try to:

• Find as much information about the individual suspected of overdose as possible.
• Locate the medication or container if available, or know the name and strength of the medication taken.
• Determine the amount of hydrocodone ingested and the timeframe between dose and presentation of symptoms.
• Determine if the medication was prescribed to the individual

Find a treatment center to help you with your Hydrocodone addiction.[/cta]Another source of information about hydrocodone overdose is the National Poison Control Center, available at 1-800-222-1222.

Get Help Today [ADD CONTENT] This hotline is free of charge, confidential and may be used:

• In the event of a suspected overdose.
• When more than the prescribed amount of hydrocodone was taken.
• To learn about hydrocodone overdose and prevention.

Again, an overdose is a life-threatening emergency and 911 should be contacted immediately if symptoms are present.

How to Avoid an Overdose

Hydrocodone Overdose Treatment

Due to the dangers of respiratory arrest, restoring oxygen supply through CPR, ventilator, or by reversing respiratory symptoms with medication is the first priority.

Increased awareness of opioid overdose nationwide has led to the use of "opioid overdose toolkits" by first responders and other medical professionals.

These toolkits provide instruction for emergency treatment and include naloxone--an opioid antagonist medication that is administered by injection and:

• Reverses the symptoms of an overdose.
• Prevents brain damage and death from respiratory arrest.

Having a valid prescription for hydrocodone doesn't preclude the possibility of overdose.

At the emergency room, treatment may include:

• Additional supply of oxygen.
• Gastric suction or "stomach pumping."
• Use of activated charcoal inside the stomach:
  • Absorbs the drugs ingested.
  • Prevents further absorption and damage.
• Medications:
  • Prevents or reduces acetaminophen poisoning.

Emergency room personnel will continue to monitor symptoms of overdose with appropriate therapies until the risk of severe and permanent harm and death has reduced.

If acetaminophen toxicity is suspected, an 'antidote' medication called Mucomyst (acetylcysteine) can be administered to mitigate the extent of liver damage.

Recovering from Hydrocodone Overdose

Recovery from a hydrocodone overdose depends on the amount of medication taken and how soon medical attention is received.

Rapid reversal of symptoms, particularly respiratory arrest, lowers the potential for permanent damage and an individual may return to normal functioning within a few days if the overdose was treated in time.

Hydrocodone overdose cannot be treated without proper emergency medical care.In cases of opioid medication abuse or dependence there is help available following an overdose in the form of:

• Detox facilities.
• Residential programs.
• Outpatient treatment.
• Self-help programs.

Remember that hydrocodone overdose cannot be treated without proper emergency medical care and to always contact 911 or the local emergency number if an overdose is suspected.