Lortab Addiction

Signs of Lortab (hydrocodone/APAP) addiction may be difficult to distinguish from other problems, such as inadequate pain control or mental illness. Common signs of addiction include going through Lortab prescriptions too quickly, "doctor shopping," and secluded behavior. Seek help immediately if you suspect that a friend or family member is struggling with Lortab addiction, as the drug is a narcotic that is often abused.

 

Addiction to Lortab: An Overview

Lortab® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain medication. As a narcotic, it is a highly desired drug of abuse. Many people are afraid to take Lortab for fear of addiction, and many people who take Lortab wonder if they might have a problem with Lortab addiction. While some cases of Lortab addiction are quite obvious, others are not. Signs of Lortab addiction may be difficult to distinguish from other problems, such as inadequate pain control or mental illness.
 

Is It Lortab Addiction or Something Else?

People whose pain is not adequately controlled often display signs that mimic Lortab addiction. For instance, if your prescription is not strong enough for your pain, you may display unusual changes in behavior due to the pain, or you may take your Lortab more frequently than prescribed. If you feel your pain is not adequately controlled, please discuss this with your healthcare provider. However, many people start down the slippery slope of Lortab addiction by using inadequate pain control as an excuse.
 
Mental illness can also cause symptoms that mimic signs of Lortab addiction.
 
(Lortab Addiction Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;