What Does a Tussionex Overdose Look Like?
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that pharmacists sell under a variety of trade names. Tussionex is the trade name for an extended-release suspension of hydrocodone that is sold in the United States. It is similar to other preparations sold in Europe such as Codipertussin, Paracodin and Tusscodin.
“Tussionex overdose symptoms are similar to those of codeine and morphine.”
Tussionex has the potential for psychological and physical dependence like all opioids. Tussionex overdose symptoms are similar to those of codeine and morphine.
What is Tussionex and How is it Used?
Preparations of Tussionex that contain up to 15 mg of hydrocodone per dosage unit are classified as Schedule III drugs and those that contain more than 15 mg hydrocodone are Schedule II drugs. Drugs containing hydrocodone were very common prior to 2006 when the Food and Drug Administration began recalling them due to reports of infant deaths. The FDA has now removed about 88 percent of drugs containing hydrocodone from the market.
The primary medical use of Tussionex is for the treatment of coughs and moderate-to-severe pain. Doctors typically prescribe it for patients who are allergic to codeine or histamine (which is produced when codeine is metabolized). Tussionex is currently one of the few hydrocodone-based syrups still available in the United States.
Medications that contain hydrocodone in the United States must also contain non-controlled drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, homatropine methylbromide and acetaminophen. The primary reason for this mixture is to produce Tussionex overdose symptoms when taking this medication in amounts greater than the prescribed dose. Compounding these drugs also increases the analgesic effect of Tussionex.
Did You Know?
The analgesic properties of hydrocodone are about 59 percent as potent as those of morphine.
Common Symptoms of Withdrawal
Tussionex is widely available and commonly used as a recreational drug, especially among teenagers and young adults. Tussionex overdose symptoms primarily include euphoria, sedation and drowsiness. Many users also report a strong sense of satisfaction, especially when taking Tussionex in high doses. Some users of Tussionex also report a pleasant warming sensation throughout the body, which is one of the most common effects of opioids. The signs of an overdose on Tussionex include severe pain and a pins-and-needles sensation throughout the body.
The physical withdrawal symptoms of Tussionex also include:
- Fever
- Depression
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Sweating
Psychological symptoms of Tussionex withdrawal include:
- Strong craving for the drug
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Depression
What are Typical Signs of an Overdose?
“Those who are aware of the danger of acetaminophen typically switch to drugs that do not contain acetaminophen.”
Tussionex overdose symptoms can include the effects of acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage in extremely high dosages. Severe addicts may consume enough Tussionex to ingest 10 to 15 grams of acetaminophen per day, while 15 to 20 grams per day can be lethal. Addicts often do not realize that the acetaminophen in Tussionex is more likely to be fatal than the hydrocodone. Those who are aware of the danger of acetaminophen typically switch to drugs that do not contain acetaminophen, such as oxycodone.
Getting Necessary Treatment
Tussionex overdose treatment generally involves addressing the symptoms of overdose as they present themselves. This can include various forms of supportive care, such as resuscitation, IV fluids and CPR, if need. In detox, patients are tapered off the drug gradually. An abrupt discontinuation of Tussionex can be extremely dangerous, depending on how long you have been using it and how much you usually take. This type of discontinuation can cause seizures and even death in the case of severe addiction.
A gradual reduction of Tussionex reduces the adverse side effects to a safe level until you can stop taking it completely. Tussionex addiction is often treated on an inpatient basis in a treatment center. A rehab center restricts the patient’s access to Tussionex, which reduces the temptation to relapse. Call at any time for more information on Tussionex overdose treatment.
A detoxification drug such as flumazenil is also a treatment option for Tussionex addiction. This drug significantly reduces the withdrawal symptoms of opioids, and it can shorten the withdrawal period to as little as one week. The primary side effect of flumazenil is seizures, and these occur in 1 to 3 percent of patients.
Did You Know?
Therapeutic users of the drug Tussionex may have up to 30 mcg of hydrocodone per liter of blood. Tussionex addicts routinely have hydrocodone concentrations in excess of 100 mcg per liter of blood.
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