Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has a range of definitions related to disaproval over use or overuse of mood altering substances. These fall into four main categories: Substance abuse may lead to addiction or substance dependence. Medicaly, dependence requires the development of tolerance leading to withdrawal symptoms.Oxycodone Addiction Oxycodone works by stimulating certain opoid receptors that are located throughout the central nervous system, in the brain and along the spinal cord. When the oxycodone binds to the opoid receptors, a variety of physiologic responses can occur ranging from pain relief, to slowed breathing to euphoria. Withdrawal reactions include anxiety, irritability, sweating, trouble sleeping and diarrhea. Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Intervention A drug and alcoholism intervention is an attempt by family members and friends to help a chemically dependent person get help for his or her addiction. Heroin Rapid Detox As an Opioid heroin use escalates as the body’s tolerance for the drug increases. The increased tolerance is the cause of many overdose deaths given that the heroin user may be injecting 3 to 5 times the lethal dose in order to maintain their high. Rapid detoxification from high tolerance heroin use is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Relapse for a heroin user after some period of absence can also be fatal as their tolerance level is no longer present and the same amount used during their last episode prior to a period abstinence will often kill the user.
Zydone Addiction - A Mixture of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen
What is Zydone?
Zydone is a mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen (or Tylenol). Zydone is sold under many different names including: Allay and Anexsia. Zydone is an opiate which works as such an effective painkiller because it combines these two medications. Acetaminophen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins by the body. Hydrocodone attaches to the opiate or pain receptors in the brain and causes feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
How is Zydone Prescribed?
Zydone can be obtained in capsule, liquid form and tablets. Zydone is usually taken every four to six hours by mouth. Zydone should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
What are Side Effects of Zydone Use?
The most common side effects of Zydone use include:
* light-headedness
* dizziness and sedation
* nausea and vomiting
Side effects of Zydone use by body system include:
Central Nervous System: Drowsiness, mental clouding, impairment of mental and physical performance, fear, psychic dependence, mood changes.
Gastrointestinal System(stomach): constipation
Genitourinary System: urinary retention and spasms of the ureters
Respiratory System: depression of the respiratory center, especially in the case of overdose in which case respiratory depression can lead to death.
Dermatological System: scratching or itchiness
Blood Disorders: allergic reactions, rash, thrombocytopenia (blood does not clot effectively, can lead to bleeding) and agranulocytosis (a decrease in white blood cells run the immune system).
Other Side Effects: there have been cases of hearing impairment or complete hearing loss. This however, is usually found in individuals who have overdosed.
What are the dangers of Acetaminophen in Zydone?
Anything that one consumes is processed by the liver. Medications are no different. Acetaminophen is especially hepatotoxic or harmful to the liver. This is why an individual taking a drug with acetaminophen may see a yellowing of the skin or jaundice after prolonged use. A reduction of white blood cells or agranulocytosis, as mentioned above, is also due to liver damage as is itching or increased bleeding time. The liver is responsible for creating what are called clotting factors. Itching occurs because since the liver cannot process substances properly bile salts, which are usually contained in the liver, are released through the skin causing dry and pruritis (which is itching).
What are the Signs of Zydone Overdose?
As with all drug use, there is always the chance for addiction, both physiological and psychological, as well as overdose. Since Zydone is a mixture of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, all the risks associated with opiate use apply to Zydone. The specific signs that an individual is experiencing an overdose include the following: extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, nausea, sweating, vomiting, blue lips, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), confusion, weak pulse, cold and clammy skin, muscle weakness, fainting, slow heart rate, coma, shallow breathing, or no breathing.
What are Treatment Methods for Zydone?
There are many different ways in which Zydone detoxification can occur. Treatment medications are often used in order to block the withdrawal symptoms of the drugs. Medications can also be used in order stop drug cravings related to opiod addiction. The current medication used is methadone, which at a satisfactory level when combined with behavioral therapy, can help to reduce death rates as well as diminishing the many health complications associated with Zydone abuse.
Behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing thought processes of drug users thereby changing behaviors, is very effective with drug treatment. Behavioral therapies include: counseling, psychotherapy, support groups, or family therapy. These treatments help provide long term abstinence from drug abuse, especially when used in combination with medications. Zydone addiction is quite treatable, so if you or someone you know is having a problem with Zydone or any other type of Hydrocodone derivative, seeking treatment can and will help.
This article was last modified on 1/26/2008.
References
Anderson PO, Sauberan JB, Lane JR, Rossi SS. (2007). Hydrocodone excretion into breast milk: the first two reported cases. Breastfeed Med. Mar;2(1):10-4.
Johnson, P. A. Editor. “Opioids” Encyclopedia of Cancer.
Oh, A.K., Ishiyama, A. and Baloh, R. W. (2000). Deafness associated with abuse of hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Neurology, Vol. 54, Issue 12, 2345
Rodriguez RF, Castillo JM, Del Pilar Castillo M, Nunez PD, Rodriguez MF, Restrepo JM, Rodriguez JM, Ortiz Y, Angel AM. (2007). Codeine/acetaminophen and hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination tablets for the management of chronic cancer pain in adults: a 23-day, prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.
Clinical Therapy. Apr;29(4):581-7.
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