SymTan, which is a combination of pseudoephedrine and hydrocodone, can be a habit-forming drug. If you or a loved one needs help overcoming an addiction to this antitussive medication, please call to speak with a treatment support specialist.
Hydrocodone Abuse
“SymTan, which is a combination of pseudoephedrine and hydrocodone, can be a habit-forming drug.”
Hydrocodone can cause sedation, euphoric feelings, and changes in the way a person responds to pain. It is only available in combination with other medications, such as pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen, but pharmaceuticals containing hydrocodone are widely available.
Did You Know?
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than 139 million prescriptions containing hydrocodone were dispensed in 2010, and this opiate is prescribed more frequently than any other drug in the United States.
Signs and Symptoms
When taking SymTan as prescribed or illicitly, people can develop a physical and psychological dependency to hydrocodone. A physical dependence, which develops from extended use of the drug, causes a person to experience withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops taking it. For this reason, it is recommended that people who have taken hydrocodone for more than a few weeks reduce their dosage gradually rather than abruptly stopping the medication. A SymTan detox center can assist with this process. Abrupt cessation may cause the following symptoms:
- Chills and sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
A physical dependency does not always indicate an addiction though. A person who is addicted to the medication may experience intense cravings, obsessive thoughts about the medication, and the idea that he or she cannot act or function properly without it. Other signs of addiction to hydrocodone include:
- Urges to take more of the medication than prescribed
- Taking larger or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Continued use of the medication when it is no longer needed
- Seeking other hydrocodone-containing medications from physicians
- Attempts to obtain multiple prescriptions
Did You Know?
If you use these medications without a prescription or medical reason, you are not alone. The DEA notes that 9.3 percent of people over the age of 12 in the US have used hydrocodone-containing products for non-medical purposes.
For help with overcoming this behavior and the urges to use SymTan, please call to get in touch with a SymTan detox center.
Rehabilitation for Hydrocodone Addiction
A SymTan withdrawal treatment facility offers medical assistance for withdrawal to make it a more comfortable process. If a person enters a hospital because of an overdose, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, a gradual reduction of the medication may not be possible during the initial stage of recovery. However, physicians can provide different types of treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms. A SymTan detox program also includes treatment for the psychological aspects of hydrocodone addiction.
Following the initial phase of detox, the patient can meet with a counselor to explore the underlying causes of his or her drug abuse. The counselor and other staff members work together to create and implement a treatment plan designed for the specific needs of the patient. Treatment may include attendance at Narcotics Anonymous meetings, family therapy sessions, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, routine drug testing and medication management for coexisting conditions.
A SymTan detox center provides support throughout the initial phase of recovery. Once a patient is sober and ready leave the inpatient facility, he or she can transfer to a residential facility or outpatient treatment center. These settings allow the person to maintain a job and transition back into their communities while they continue to receive support with their recovery.
People who do not require intensive treatment have the option of beginning treatment on an outpatient basis. In this case, a patient may be advised to attend community-based support groups and meet regularly with a physician and mental health professional. Treatment helps the person identify stressors and develop coping skills to remain sober and prevent relapses.
For more information on SymTan detox centers, please call our toll-free helpline at .
