Lortab is a medication prescribed by healthcare professionals that combines acetaminophen and hydrocodone. People should be informed about its potential adverse events before deciding to take it.
Side effects of Lortab include drowsiness, lightheadedness, constipation, nausea, or vomiting. More serious side effects can occur, such as fainting or seizures, though these are very rare. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects from using Lortab.
Some common side effects of Lortab include the following:[1]
It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects while taking Lortab, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
While constipation and dizziness are among the most common side effects experienced by patients taking Lortab, there are also some less frequent but more severe possibilities to keep in mind.
Respiratory distress is a particularly concerning symptom that may be indicative of an underlying issue that requires urgent treatment. Other potentially serious problems include seizures, mood changes and hallucinations.
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or a rash, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
Some more serious side effects associated with Lortab include the following:[2]
It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these severe side effects while taking Lortab. Don’t wait and see. Seek out immediate care.
There are many types of medications that opioids like Lortab should not be mixed with, as this can increase the risk of severe side effects and even overdose. Some medications that should not be mixed with opioids include the following:
To ensure optimal health outcomes when taking multiple medications simultaneously, transparency with your healthcare provider is key. Disclose all prescribed drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements you’re taking before initiating any new treatment.
You should also discuss any illicit or recreational substances you intend to take. Doctors aren’t the police, and your privacy is protected. They need this information to ensure you stay safe while taking Lortab or other prescribed medications.
When Lortab or other opioids are used alongside other medications without caution, one of the most concerning adverse effects could be respiratory compromise, leading to overdose and potentially permanent brain damage or death.[3] Remember that opioids are potent medications that need to be handled with care.
There are several dangers worth noting about Lortab, including these:
Again, it's essential to take Lortab only as prescribed. Inform your healthcare provider of any concerning or persistent side effects you experience.
An addiction to Lortab is an opioid use disorder.[5] This is a chronic medical condition characterized by the recurrent use of opioids despite negative consequences on physical, mental, and social health. OUD can develop gradually over time as the brain becomes accustomed to the drug's effects, leading to tolerance and then dependence.
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) is considered the gold standard in treating opioid use disorder. MAT employs powerful medicines like methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone) to manage the symptoms of withdrawal as well as significantly reduce cravings associated with opioid use disorder.
By stabilizing one's dependency on drugs and diminishing the associated risks of withdrawal, it becomes easier to prevent relapses. This enables people who undergo this type of treatment plan to start making significant improvements to their behavior.
Additionally, behavioral therapy allows individuals with OUD to recognize detrimental thought patterns or habits contributing to their addiction.[6] They also learn healthy coping mechanisms, such as practicing better health habits or mindfulness meditation. All this helps to form the basis of a balanced, healthier life in recovery.
Many MAT programs combine the use of medications and therapy to provide a multidimensional approach to addiction recovery. At Bicycle Health, you’ll meet with your doctor virtually via our telehealth services. You can then pick up your prescription for Suboxone from your local pharmacy.
You can also participate in therapy and support group meetings online. This makes treatment for Lortab misuse and OUD easier to access than ever before. Telehealth addiction treatment has been shown to be as effective as in-person care, helping to make recovery treatment more accessible.[7,8,9]
If you’ve had difficulty maintaining recovery in the past, MAT can be life-changing for you. Reach out today to learn more about how you can get on the path to a brighter future.
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role of the brain dopamine system in substance use disorders and in aging. He also studies brain function in obesity and eating disorders.
