From the Guidelines
Lortab (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, anxiety, agitation, and dysphoria.
Common Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Anxiety and agitation
- Dysphoria
- Piloerection
- Myalgias These symptoms can vary in severity and are typically resolved within 3-7 days 1. The onset of symptoms can occur within 12-30 hours after the last exposure to the opioid, depending on the half-life of the opioid and the amount consumed 1.
Treatment
Treatment of opioid withdrawal may be symptomatic, involving the use of α2-adrenergic agonists such as clonidine or lofexidine, as well as antiemetics and atypical antipsychotics 1. Buprenorphine or methadone can also be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and initiate medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for OUD. It is essential to note that physical dependence is an expected response for patients treated with opioids over an extended period, but these symptoms can be averted by tapering the drug slowly 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Physical dependence is a physiological state in which the body adapts to the drug after a period of regular exposure, resulting in withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dosage reduction of a drug Withdrawal also may be precipitated through the administration of drugs with opioid antagonist activity (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine), or partial agonists (buprenorphine). Common withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis Other signs and symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate
The symptoms of Lortab (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) withdrawal include:
- Physical symptoms: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea
- Cardiovascular symptoms: increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate
- Psychological symptoms: irritability, anxiety 2 2
From the Research
Symptoms of Lortab (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen) Withdrawal
The provided studies do not directly address the symptoms of Lortab (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) withdrawal. However, some studies mention adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms related to opioid use:
- Adverse effects of opioids, such as constipation, somnolence, nausea, and vomiting, are mentioned in the study 3.
- The study 4 discusses opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), a phenomenon where opioids can cause increased pain sensitivity in users.
- None of the studies provide a comprehensive list of symptoms associated with Lortab withdrawal.
Related Information
Some studies provide information on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and metabolism of hydrocodone:
- The study 5 summarizes the current knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and metabolism of hydrocodone.
- The study 6 evaluates the pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and safety of a hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination product in children.
- The study 7 reviews the pharmacodynamics, pharmacology, and evidence base for the use of hydrocodone in palliative care.
Adverse Effects
The studies mention the following adverse effects:
- Constipation, dizziness, vomiting, and dry mouth are reported as common adverse effects in the study 3.
- The adverse event profile in pediatric patients receiving hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination product is consistent with that expected of opioid-naive subjects receiving opioid-combination therapy, as mentioned in the study 6.