Painkillers: Hydrocodone bitartrate

What is it?

Hydrocodone bitartrate is a prescription medication often combined with acetaminophen (which increases the effect of the hydrocodone) to relieve moderate to severe pain. In the United States there are over 200 products containing hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab). Hydrocone is also combined with aspirin (Lortab ASA), ibuprofen (Vicoprofen) and antihistamines (Hycomine).

Brand/Commercial Names

Hocodan®
Lorcet®
Lortab®
Vicodin®
Vicoprofen®
Tussionex®
Norco®

Street Names

Vike
Watson-387
Hydro
Tuss

Looks Like

Tablets, Liquid

How it is Administered/Used

Swallowed

Dangerous Because

Serious side effects include: Sedation, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, death

Teen Usage

1 in 5 teens have abused a prescription pain reliever

Important to Know

Most teens get their prescription drugs from their own family's medicine cabinet.

Fifty-five percent of teens agree it is easy to get prescription drugs from their parent's medicine cabinets.

Signs of Abuse

Nausea, constipation, confusion, euphoria, mental clouding, changes in sleep (increase when using, insomnia/irritability when withdrawing), acting as if in “stupor,” pinpoint pupils, problems with academics/extra-curricular activities