Lorcet is a generic acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It is known by such brand names as Anexsia, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet 10/650, Lorcet Plus, Lortab 10/500, Lortab 2.5/500, Lortab 5/500, Lortab 7.5/500, Lortab Elixir, Maxidone, Norco, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, Xodol, Xodol 5, Zamicet and Zydone.
The hydrocodone in Lorcet is part of a group of narcotic pain relievers, as well as an analgesic opiate. The acetaminophen in Lorcet increases the effects of hydrocodone. The combination of the two offered in Lorcet is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is generally taken every four to six hours in tablet, capsule and liquid form by mouth.
Abuses of Lorcet
Lorcet, is abused for its opioid effects. Due to the hydrocodone, it is one of the most popular types of prescription drugs in the country. It is associated with tolerance, dependence and addiction. Lorcet also contains acetaminophen which carries an additional risk of liver toxicity when the drug is abused as the user will ingest high, acute doses.
A person can develop a physical dependence on Lorcet very quickly as it stimulate opiate receptions and triggers intense feelings of pleasure and reward. A quick high is followed by a state of relaxation and contentment that can last for several hours. Over time, a Lorcet abuser will find it more difficult to function without the drug.
Effects of Lorcet
Lorcet is a combination of medications, which is why it is known to work so well. It is often prescribed for an individual following surgery, an injury or for chronic pain. The hydrocodone binds to the pain receptors in the brain, alleviating the sensation of pain. The acetaminophen stops the production of prostaglandins, which in turn cause pain.
Lorcet travels through the bloodstream to reach the body’s production of dopamine to produce relaxation and contentment that can last for hours. At the same time, an individual can also experience dizziness, nausea, euphoria, vomiting, constipation, allergic reaction or rash, blood disorders, changes in mood, difficulty urinating, irregular respiration, liver or renal dysfunction and hearing loss.
Withdrawal of Lorcet
If a patient or abuser stops taking Lorcet right away, it can cause an adverse reaction, although the effects are unlikely to be life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can be a normal reaction to the reduction or cessation of any narcotic and do not necessarily signal abuse.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of Lorcet can include, but are not limited to:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• A runny nose
• Goose bumps
• Agitation
Treatment of Lorcet
Even if withdrawal from Lorcet is non life-threatening; it can still be unpleasant for an individual. While some treatment centers will attempt talk therapy to work with an individual in overcoming their addiction, the individual could have both a psychological and physical addiction, making it necessary to apply a comfortable detox. It is recommended that users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist.
Entering a detox center for 24/7 treatment will ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely. A quality treatment center will do a full physical on a patient to determine the right medications for this method, which is used to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual suffering with a Lorcet addiction and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug.