Tussigon or Hycodan is not usually talked about when it comes to addiction and substance use disorders. Still, it is a prescription medication that individuals have become addicted to. Prescription drug abuse is an ever growing concern in our society, and as we become more dependent on medications for treatment, it is not one that is going away anytime soon.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has estimated that 52 million people in the United States used prescription medication for non-medical reasons in 2011. In 2010, enough prescription painkillers were prescribed to provide every adult in the U.S. with a dosage every four hours for one month. They estimate that roughly over 5 million individuals abuse pain meds (NIDA: Prescription Drug Abuse in America). While in recent years these totals have plateaued, they are still at the highest numbers we have ever seen. In many states, prescription overdose is the #1 cause of accidental death. We need to help these people get treatment for their struggles.
What is Tussigon?
Tussigon® is the brand name given to cough suppression medicine containing hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide. It also goes by the brand names Hycodan®, Hydromet® or Mycodone®. It is found in both tablet and syrup form. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory / cough conditions such as bronchitis. Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic opioid and is the ingredient in the medication that has a narcotic effect. Hydrocodone is found in a number of prescription pain medications, including name brands like Vicodin and Lortab. Tussigon syrup is a schedule III medication. Homatropine is used in the medication to discourage intentional overdose.
Hydrocodone when introduced to the central nervous system blocks pains receptors in the brain. In the cough suppressants, the compound blocks cough receptors. It also releases dopamine, which is the pleasure receptor in the brain, creating euphoria. It is this euphoric sensation that leads to abuse, self-medication and possible hydrocodone addiction.
Side Effects of Tussigon
When taken, medications can have several side effects. Many of these are similar to the effects of most hydrocodone medications. This includes drowsiness, lethargy, and sedation. In others it can have the effects of anxiety, fear, and mood swings. Physical side effects can involve nausea, vomiting and extended use / abuse can result in constipation.
Another hydrocodone side effect is that of respiratory depression. It slows down the breathing patterns and function in the lungs. Overdosing Tussigon can lead to fatal respiratory depression in children, adolescents and adults. Some cases of overdose of these medications have also shown cardio-respiratory arrest, as well as death due to high toxicity.
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The use and abuse of medications can develop into a substance use disorder. It is recommended to use caution when taking this medication under the supervision of a medical professional. Like most medications that are addictive, use of Tussigon is meant to be a short term solution as a cough suppressant. Extended use can result in dependence and withdrawal when the medication is no longer in the system. In this case, an individual with an addiction will continue to use to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as: sickness, irritability, nausea, cold sweats, anxiety and headaches.
Treatment for Tussigon Addiction
It can take professional addiction treatment to help individuals who struggle with dependency. Treatments can involve personal therapies, empirically based therapies and support programs to help with long-term recovery. In some cases replacement therapies with medications are introduced to help in treating withdrawal. This is found through medical detoxification in most circumstances as an intervention.
Cirque Lodge – We are often commended for the integration of effective clinical therapies with the spiritual efforts of 12-step recovery. Woven into this effort is the unique balance of experiential therapy, which teaches coping strategies for relapse prevention and how to have fun in sobriety. There are answers for Tussigon® and similar forms of prescription drug addiction. Time in a residential facility can be what is needed to help you face your struggle. Call us today at 1-800-582-0709.
