To comprehend what propoxyphene-APAP and Lorcet are and do, it's best to talk to a doctor. However, a simple explanation is that propoxyphene-APAP is medical talk for pharmaceutical drugs that contain both propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Lorcet, on the other hand, is a brand name drug that is formed using a pharmaceutical opiate called hydrocodone. This chemical, however, is only available commercially when combined with other substances, says the National Library of Medicine. A common substance hydrocodone is combined with is acetaminophen. This makes hydrocodone products share some similarities with manufactured drugs containing propoxyphene.
Propoxyphene and Hydrocodone Products
Products containing either propoxyphene or hydrocodone are given only to people with prescriptions. This is due to the potency and addictive nature that all drugs similar to these two types have. Since propoxyphene or hydrocodone products are often extremely similar, it is best for a patient to discuss individual drugs and their generic forms with licensed medical professionals. The immense variety of products that contain either of the two substances may seem overwhelming, so having this discussion may help to clarify some things for patients in need of this type of medication. Unfortunately, these types of drugs are also used for illicit purposes, such as strengthening illegal opiates and fortifying their effects. Someone taking a propoxyphene or hydrocodone product should know that sharing these substances with other people is unlawful.
Intended Effects
Propoxyphene and hydrocodone products both belong to a large group of substances usually referred to as narcotics. All narcotics have opiate like effects. This means is that both propoxyphene and hydrocodone have dulling, soothing, and depressive effects. This makes mild analgesic uses, or pain relief, the most common and useful purpose for these drugs. They alleviate pain by changing how a patient perceives and experiences pain. The body feels pain through nerves that send signals to the brain when they receive stimuli. When propoxyphene and hydrocodone products are introduced to the body, they effectively increase the amount of stimuli required for the nerves to send the same signals to the brain. This in turn makes patients experience less pain. This use, however, only extends to mild and moderate pain. If a patient is in severe pain, it is likely that doctors will prescribe more potent opiate analgesics.
Legal Methods of Use
Since propoxyphene and hydrocodone products are not made by a single manufacturer and are not one single drug, but rather, belong to a group of drugs made by several companies, it is natural for these substances to be available in a large variety of forms. For example, hydrocodone can be found as a tablets, capsules, syrup, solutions, extended-release capsules, and extended-release liquids, says the National Library of Medicine. Products containing propoxyphene and hydrocodone are usually prescribed without a set schedule and are taken as needed. As a result, there is no need to worry about missing doses, but a general rule of thumb does apply. A patient should follow directions given by medical professionals, take the medication only when needed, and keep rigorous track of how much of the substance he has consumed.
Side Effects
As with all drugs, propoxyphene and hydrocodone products do not cause one single intended effect but also manifest in different side effects. These are usually mild but can be dangerous. The National Library of Medicine recommends calling 911 as soon as anyone taking these pain relievers experiences slowed or irregular breathing or tightening of the chest. Drugs.com adds confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizures, and jaundice to this list. These two sources also list nausea, drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision, rashes, anxiety, constipation, and dry mouth as less severe side effects caused by these substances.
Overdose
Because propoxyphene and hydrocodone products have been chemically refined and altered to increase their potency, it comes as no surprise that they can be addictive and are drugs that may induce overdose when consumed in large enough quantities. Because of this, it is crucial to keep track of the quantity of medicine consumed. Symptoms of overdose for both propoxyphene and hydrocodone are extremely similar and manifest as narrowed or widened pupils, slowed breathing, cold, clammy skin, fainting, seizures, excessive sleepiness, and slowed heartbeat. In case of overdose or the appearance of any of these symptoms in anyone talking these substances, contacting emergency services remains the first priority.
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