What is Hydrocodone in Australia?
Hydrocodone in Australia is primarily prescribed to alleviate severe pain in patients who are tolerant to opioids and require continuous pain relief over an extended period. It is not intended for short-term pain management, such as post-surgical recovery, or for mild pain relief. This medication is specifically designated for managing persistent and severe pain that necessitates prolonged opioid treatment, especially when other pain medications have been ineffective or are not well-tolerated.
Categorized as an opioid analgesic, hydrocodone operates on the central nervous system to alleviate pain. Prolonged use of hydrocodone can potentially lead to habit formation, resulting in mental or physical dependence. However, individuals experiencing persistent pain should not be deterred from using opioids to alleviate their discomfort due to the fear of dependence. Mental dependence or addiction is less likely to occur when opioids are used for legitimate pain management purposes. While physical dependence may lead to withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation of treatment, these symptoms can typically be mitigated by gradually tapering the dosage before discontinuing treatment altogether.
In Australia, hydrocodone is obtainable both with and without a prescription. Additionally, products like Hysingla® and Zohydro® are exclusively accessible through a restricted distribution program known as the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.
Hydrocodone Addiction And Its Effects On The Body in Australia
Hydrocodone is a potent opioid that is widely used for pain management in Australia. Its mechanism of action involves binding to mu opioid receptors in the brain, which leads to the weakening or blocking of pain signals. These mu opioid receptors are also associated with the euphoric effects of the drug, which can lead to a reinforcing cycle of drug-taking behavior.
Repeated use of hydrocodone in Australia can lead to physical dependence, as the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. This dependence can manifest in various ways, including a diminished ability to control decision-making and regulate mood due to the drug’s impact on the frontal cortex.
In addition to the typical oral route of administration, some individuals who abuse hydrocodone may crush the pills and either snort or inject the resulting powder, leading to more rapid and intense effects. It’s worth noting that many individuals initially develop a hydrocodone addiction through the misuse of a
prescription from a healthcare provider, which can make it challenging to recognize the signs of addiction.
The spectrum of hydrocodone addiction ranges from mild to severe, with signs including taking more than the prescribed amount and prioritizing drug use over personal or professional responsibilities. As tolerance to the effects of hydrocodone builds, individuals may find themselves requiring higher doses to stave off withdrawal symptoms, which can further perpetuate the cycle of addiction.
Types Of Hydrocodone:
In Australia, Hydrocodone comes in various forms, including well-known brands like Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab. These formulations combine hydrocodone with acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. Additionally, there is a version of hydrocodone available without acetaminophen, known as Zohydro. Despite the similar effects of opioids when taken in large quantities, individuals with a hydrocodone addiction may have a preference for a specific brand due to practical and psychological reasons.
Vicodin, available in 5mg, 7.5mg, or 10mg combined with 300mg of acetaminophen, is recognized by its white tablets with dosage amount imprinted on one side and “VICODIN” on the other. Each tablet contains 300mg of acetaminophen and is available in three different hydrocodone dosage levels. It is typically recommended to take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours, but individuals struggling with addiction may consume much higher doses than prescribed.
In the past, Vicodin was widely prescribed to millions of Americans, often in unnecessary strength and quantity. Due to the increasing risk associated with hydrocodone combination products, lawmakers reclassified them from Schedule III to Schedule II controlled substances in 2014 in Australia. Furthermore, the FDA mandated that manufacturers stop marketing products with more than 325mg of
acetaminophen due to the heightened risk of liver damage and accidental acetaminophen overdose when taken daily. Previous formulations contained 500mg to 750mg of acetaminophen per pill.
