What is Norco Pill?

Norco is the brand name for a prescription pain medication that contains a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. 

Hydrocodone is an opioid pain reliever that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block the perception of pain. It belongs to the class of drugs called opioids or narcotics.

Anxietymedsusa.com is an online pharmacy & health information site. Where you can easily buy Norco Pills online with same-day delivery. Additionally get all brands like Adderall, Xanax, and More generic medicines In the USA. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that belongs to the non-opioid category. Its mechanism of action involves blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body, which are responsible for causing pain and fever.

Norco is prescribed for the relief and management of moderate to moderately severe pain when an opioid pain reliever is needed for more than a few days. It can treat both acute and chronic pain associated with conditions such as:

• Back pain
• Arthritis 
• Dental pain
• Injuries
• Surgery
• Cancer

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Norco comes in various dosage forms and strengths:

Tablets

• Norco 5/325: Contains 5mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet
• Norco 7.5/325: Contains 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet 
• Norco 10/325: Contains 10 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet

Capsules

• Norco 5/325 capsules: Contains 5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen per capsule
• Norco 7.5/325 capsules: Contains 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen per capsule

Liquid

• Norco liquid is available as an oral solution containing 10 mg per 15 mL of hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg per 15 mL of acetaminophen 

The most common doses for treating moderate to severe pain are:

• 5mg/325mg taken every 4-6 hours as needed
• 7.5mg/325mg taken every 4-6 hours as needed 
• 10mg/325mg taken every 4-6 hours as needed

Doses above 40mg per day of hydrocodone are generally not recommended.

History and Brand Names of Norco

Norco was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1980. It was originally marketed under the brand name Hydrocet. 

Currently, Norco is marketed under numerous brand names including:

• Anexsia  
• Dolorex Forte 
• Liquicet
• Lorcet 
• Lortab ASA
• Stagesic
• Vicodin HP
• Xodol
• Zydone

Warnings and Precautions

Addiction: Norco has a high potential for addiction, even when used exactly as prescribed. With repeated use over time, the body builds tolerance to opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. The reward and pleasure pathways in the brain also become dependent on opioids. This creates strong cravings for the drug that can drive addiction.

Overdose: Excessively high doses of Norco can cause fatal respiratory depression by slowing breathing. This risk increases when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines like Xanax, or other central nervous system depressants. An overdose requires emergency medical treatment to prevent death. Signs include extreme drowsiness, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, slurred speech, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, loss of consciousness, and coma.

Acetaminophen toxicity: Norco contains acetaminophen in addition to hydrocodone. Taking too much acetaminophen over the course of 24 hours can cause irreversible liver damage. The total maximum daily dose from all sources should not exceed 4,000 mg per day for adults. Excessive acetaminophen doses can be toxic even at lower levels in those with pre-existing liver disease.

Side Effects of Norco

Norco contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, both of which can cause side effects. The typical side effects of Norco consist of:

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Headache

More serious side effects are possible with extended Norco use. These may include:

• Depression
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Changes in mood
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Hepatic injury caused by excessive acetaminophen consumption
• Hormone imbalance
• Decreased sex drive

Prolonged consumption of Norco may result in both physical and psychological dependency, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly discontinued. Withdrawal may cause drug cravings, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes.

Norco Interactions With Other Drugs

Norco can interact dangerously with several substances, most notably alcohol, opioids, and antidepressants. 

Alcohol

Mixing alcohol and Norco can significantly increase the risk of overdose and death. Both are central nervous system depressants that can lead to severe respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, coma, and death when combined. Even a small amount of alcohol can amplify the effects of Norco and should always be avoided.

Opioids

Taking Norco together with other opioid medications like oxycodone or heroin can also increase the chances of overdose. The combined effects of multiple opioids on breathing can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide and a dangerous lack of oxygen. Start with a lower dose if taking Norco with another opioid and monitor closely for signs of oversedation.

Antidepressants

Certain antidepressants like MAOIs and SSRIs may interact with Norco and cause serotonin syndrome – a potentially fatal condition with symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, high fever, and seizures. These combinations should be strictly avoided. Tell your doctor about any antidepressants you are taking before starting Norco.

Acetaminophen Toxicity

Acetaminophen is safe when taken at therapeutic doses but can cause severe liver damage in overdose. Taking more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day can put you at risk. Acetaminophen toxicity can occur after a single very large overdose or after taking higher than recommended doses over multiple days.

Early symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and loss of appetite. As it progresses, liver damage occurs which can lead to jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes), confusion, coagulopathy (impaired blood clotting), metabolic acidosis, acute liver failure, and death. 

Opioid Overdose

Overdose of the hydrocodone component in Norco depresses the respiratory and central nervous systems. Early signs of opioid overdose include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow breathing 
• Constricted pupils
• Clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting