Permit me, please to make some comments about
hydrocodone and its use in the system and its origin:
1. First, we need to understand what an analog (analogue-Engish spelling) is: an analog is a chemical compound that has similar properties and simiar chemical properties but differs from the chemical from which it is derived by a single element or group. For example, Amoxicillin is an analog of penicillin. It's an antibiotic, just as penicillin is, but it contains the addition of an amino group. It still remains amid the larger group of antibiotics.
2. Hydrocodone is the codeine analogue of hydromorphine. It is a SEMI-synthetic form of codeine. It is an opiate narcotic derived from either of two naturally occurring opiates: codeine and thebaine. It is an orally active narcotic analygesic and antitussive, six (6) times stronger than codeine by mouth.
3. One may become addicted to hydrocodone and suffer withdrawal symptoms upon its withdrawal, although acetominophen added to the hydrocodone in Vicodin, largely prevents the drug from becoming a recreational drug and permits easier withdrawal from the use of Vicodin, where addiction does not often occur, especially in short-term medical treatment.
4. It does have several symptoms that may occur with its use, one of which is nausea, as Tortoise has experienced.
It is our oblilgation to listen to our doctors, but it really isn't a moot point in my view, because one who is sensitive to codeine may very well be sensitive to hydrocodone in Vicodin, and patients need to do their own research to learn how close the proximity is to a highly addictive narcotic opiod such as codeine or morphine. It could make a difference in the choice of medications one might ask for.
5. I would add that, having had morphine in a hospital when recovering from major surgery, I did not develop an addiction and had no nausea from its administration intravenously by hospital staff. I don't think I will ever choose Vicodin as a pain reliever having learned of Tortoise's experience. Had Tortoise known about
the value of medication to numb pain receptors in the brain three days before surgery, she might have gone through this without the extreme difficulty she has had.
6. I have superior doctors, but I always check behind their prescript
ions to make sure that I'm not getting something that might be really a problem. For example, one time I had an internist who prescribed 5 different medications to treat different conditions, but each of them had an increased risk of pneumonia. I had double pneumonia twice that year and finally told my internist about
the risks. I was switched immediately to different medications. I'm suggesting to everyone to do your homework and to be careful about
what you take.
Thank you for listening.
It's Genetic
Post Edited (It's Genetic) : 3/11/2012 3:14:24 PM (GMT-6)