Back Pain Home > Effects of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a drug that has many beneficial effects. For example, it is often used to decrease pain and relieve coughing. There are also certain recreational effects of the drug, which is why the medication is commonly abused. In most people, hydrocodone produces effects similar to morphine and can cause people to experience euphoria. However, frequent use of hydrocodone leads to tolerance and dependence.
Hydrocodone is an active ingredient in many different prescription medications. It is most often used to treat pain, although it is sometimes also used as a cough suppressant.
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine. Hydrocodone is effective at decreasing pain and relieving coughing, but also causes drowsiness, mood changes, and mental "clouding." It is thought that opioid pain relievers (such as hydrocodone) work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
(Click What Is Hydrocodone Used For? for more information.)
Hydrocodone is commonly abused. In most people, it produces effects similar to morphine. People may experience euphoria due to hydrocodone. Frequent use of hydrocodone leads to tolerance and dependence. This means that a higher hydrocodone dosage will be necessary to achieve the desired effects, and the body will become accustomed to the effects (and hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is stopped).
(Click Hydrocodone Addiction for more information.)