Tussigon is a prescription medication used to relieve dry coughs.

It contains two drugs that have an active effect on the body:

• Hydrocodone: An opioid painkiller and cough suppressant. It works to treat moderate to severe pain and, in Tussigon, stops the urge to cough.
• Homatropine: A nausea-inducing drug included to discourage overdose.

Hydrocodone is one of the most common painkillers prescribed to relieve pain. It is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from the natural opiates codeine or thebaine. Hydrocodone is more potent than codeine and also more addictive. These traits have landed it on the Schedule II list in US drug control policy.

A few other similar medications use hydrocodone:

• Hycodan®
• Hydromet®
• Mycodone®
• Vicodin Tuss®

Anyone who uses Tussigon can develop an addiction.

This includes when it is used as prescribed by a medical professional. Dependence can occur very swiftly within a few weeks of use, first psychologically then physically.

There are some known risk factors in people who are more likely to develop a narcotic addiction. These can be environmental, historical, or genetic. Some common factors include:

• A personal or family history of addiction
• A stressful or precarious living situation
• A social circle in which there’s high-risk drug use
• Severe depression or anxiety
• Childhood trauma or neglect

Changes in behavior that may suggest you or someone you live with has developed an addiction to Tussigon include:

• Taking it in a way not intended by the doctor, such as in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed
• Taking it when not in pain or after a cough has subsided
• Losing medication or lying about symptoms to receive further prescriptions
• Seeing multiple doctors for a cough or cold
• Buying Tussigon on the black market
• Frequent swings in mood or energy level
• Secrecy about the medication, making an effort to take it in secret
• In teens, changes in friends at school or coming home drowsy

When someone has developed a substance use disorder, they may start to cover up some of these behaviors. Claims to be taking the drug “just in case” symptoms resume or that they are just trying to have a supply for “backup” are not part of normal cough or cold treatment. If you are worried that you or someone you know is abusing Tussigon, it is wise to trust your intuition.

Confronting a loved one about substance abuse is understandably difficult, as is seeking help yourself. Overcoming these concerns and finding a way to talk about the problem is the first step to treating this condition and living a more healthy life.

Regular abuse of Tussigon often comes with the onset of many harmful side effects.

Even following a doctor’s prescription comes with a risk of respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening breathing problem. With frequent or prolonged use, users develop tolerance, and the side effects become more dangerous.

Some common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Problems urinating
• Mental clouding
• Low blood pressure
• Physical and psychological dependence
• Impaired mental function
• Serious breathing problems
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Overdose

Tussigon overdose is characterized by slowed breathing and heartbeat, cold or clammy skin, coma, and potentially death. If someone has overdosed on Tussigon, seek emergency help immediately. Following stabilization, you must find an appropriate treatment program.

Poly-drug Risks

The dangerous side effects of Tussigon abuse increase when people take it with other drugs. Other depressants, such as benzos or alcohol, can synergize with the effects of Tussigon and put the user at risk by way of severe drowsiness or unconsciousness, breathing problems, coma, or death. Life-threatening side effects also occur when the drug interacts with:

• Certain antibiotics
• Certain fungal infection medication
• Rifampin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Some medications developed to treat HIV or Hepatitis C

If you or a loved one is abusing or has developed a dependence on Tussigon and continues to drink or take other medications, they are at heightened risk of overdose. Often addicted users are aware of the poly-drug risks, but physical dependence makes self-control impossible.

Professional rehabilitation that combines medical detox with cognitive therapy can help save a life in these cases.

Tussigon addiction is treatable with appropriate medical help.

Cirque Lodge is a certified rehabilitation center that integrates clinical therapies with an abstinence-based 12-step program. We offer specialized treatment for people struggling with dependence on Tussigon and blend multiple approaches to offer effective, holistic treatment.

Our treatment plans are personalized but generally include:

• Medically-assisted detox
• One-on-one sessions with a committed therapist
• Group and breakout sessions
• A 12-step abstinence-only addiction program
• Guided experiential therapy designed to aid in long-term sobriety
• Drug counseling and education
• Long-term aftercare