Overdose

Hydrocodone/APAP (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) is a popular drug that is often prescribed to help with pain. This drug contains two different medications; these would include hydrocodone, which is a narcotic and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is Schedule III drug and it is often used by people recreationally. The drug comes in three dosage amounts; these are 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg.

As with other types of drugs, overdosing is possible when taking hydrocodone/APAP. The symptoms of these overdoses are dependent on many different factors. These would include how much of the drug was taken and if it was combined with other medications and substances.

An overdose on hydrocodone will occur when a person takes a more of the drugs that their body needs and can handle. There can be serious side effects associated with an overdose and sometimes it can be fatal. Hydrocodone can be found in prescription drugs such as Lortab, Lorcet and Vicodin. People who think they may have overdosed on the drug should get immediate medical treatment.

Symptoms of a Hydrocodone/APAP Overdose

In an overdose, the hydrocodone component may cause various symptoms, some of which are listed below:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Clammy and cold skin
  • Problems breathing
  • Reduced heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Heart attack
  • Severe drowsiness, that can lead to a coma
  • Death

In an overdose, the acetaminophen contained in the drug may cause additional symptoms, these include:

  • Irritation
  • Sweating
  • Yellowing of the eyes
  • Yellowing of the skin
  • Urine which is dark
  • Nausea
  • Dizzy spells
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Bleeding
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Failure of the liver
  • Reduced heartbeat
  • Death
  • Bleeding

Treatment for a Hydrocodone/APAP Overdose

If a personal overdoses on Hydrocodone APAP then they should immediately seek out medical treatment. If the overdose occurs early, then doctors should be able to pump the stomach. In doing so, it will prevent the body from absorbing the hydrocodone. People who have an overdose are often given an important medication called N-acetylcysteine (Acetadote, Mucomyst). This drug is able to stop liver damage, one of the symptoms of a hydrocodone overdose. Another drug called naloxone or Narcan is an antidote for an overdose. It is used to counter the hydrocodone side effects.

It should be noted that a person who overdoses can possibly need a liver transplant. If the liver has been damaged severely, then this possible.

What Happens if Someone Should Overdose on Hydrocodone?

Immediate medical help should be sought out if a person has an overdose of hydrocodone. This is extremely important as death can result from an overdose from this drug.