Lortab Addiction

What Is Lortab?

Lortab is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone (an opioid analgesic), and used to treat short-term moderate to severe pain. Lortab is usually prescribed for injuries, after surgeries, or for chronic pain when other non-narcotic pain medications have not been effective.

Lortab is similar to other acetaminophen and hydrocodone containing drugs such as Vicodin and Norco. Lortab is sometimes preferred due to it being available in liquid form for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills. The brand name Lortab has been discontinued but other generic acetaminophen and hydrocodone-containing products (HCPs) are still on the market.

Side Effects of Lortab Abuse

While Lortab can be effective in pain management, taking it also comes with risks. Taking Lortab other than how it was prescribed or with other substances can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Some of the immediate side effects of Lortab abuse include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Slurred speech
• Confusion and impaired judgement
• Nausea, heartburn, and vomiting
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Lack of coordination
• Itching
• Low blood pressure

Long-term or excessive use of Lortab can cause more dangerous side effects, including:

• Respiratory problems (i.e., shallow or labored breathing)
• Liver damage or failure
• Jaundice (i.e., yellowing of the skin)
• Hyperalgesia (i.e., hypersensitivity to pain
• Bowel obstruction (caused by chronic constipation)
• Hormone imbalances
• Mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, etc.)
• Joint or muscle pain
• Infrequent urination or concentrated urine

Lortab Abuse and Addiction

Lortab was heavily prescribed in the early 2000’s before the addictive potential was recognized. In 2014, the DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Administration) changed Lortab and all other hydrocodone-containing products (HCPs) from a Schedule III to a Schedule II classification, making it a more controlled substance, due to the increasing rate of abuse and addiction.

How to Recognize Lortab Abuse

Many people start out taking Lortab for short-term pain relief after an accident or surgical procedure and don’t realize an addiction is forming until it already has a hold on their life. Recognizing the signs of abuse and addiction early on may help prevent you or a loved one from becoming addicted to Lortab.

Signs of Lortab abuse can include the following:

• Taking Lortab any other way than how it was prescribed
• Taking Lortab for any reason other than pain relief
• Using other substances such as alcohol or drugs to enhance the effects of Lortab
• “Doctor shopping” or lying about pain to get more Lortab

Signs of Lortab Addiction

Once someone begins abusing their Lortab prescription, physical and psychological dependence can develop and an addiction may follow.

Common signs of Lortab addiction include: 

• Increased tolerance (needing higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect)
• Strong cravings for Lortab
• Emotional instability or mood swings
• Financial issues
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
• Continuing to take Lortab despite negative consequences
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Lortab

Lortab Withdrawal

When taking Lortab regularly, your body and brain adjust to accommodate having the drug in your system by no longer creating endorphins and relying on the drug to manage pain and stabilize mood. When doses are stopped or decreased, your body may experience negative side effects known as withdrawal.

Withdrawal from opioids like Lortab is usually similar to having the flu. The intensity of symptoms depends on the severity of the addiction, including how high doses were or how long Lortab was taken for.

Typical Lortab withdrawal symptoms include:

• Body aches
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Anxiety and depression
• Mood swings
• Agitation and irritability
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Fatigue

Lortab Overdose

When taking products containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone, there is a potential to overdose on either or both medications. Overdosing on acetaminophen can damage the liver while hydrocodone overdose is much more dangerous and in severe cases can cause death. Taking Lortab in high doses or for long periods of time, or using other substances in addition to Lortab increases the risk of overdose.

Typically, Lortab overdose symptoms will include:

• Respiratory depression or apnea (slowed breathing or absence of breathing)
• Severe drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Extreme confusion
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Bluish lips or fingertips
• Slowed heart rate or low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Death

If someone is exhibiting signs of an overdose, you should call 911 immediately. If Naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer it. If the person is conscious you should try to keep them awake and roll them onto their side to prevent choking in case they vomit while you wait for help to arrive.

Lortab Addiction Treatment

Treating a Lortab addiction can be multifaceted and manage the addiction from various angles including rehab or medical detox, medication for symptom management, counseling, and group therapy to address emotional and psychological factors.

Lortab Detox

Detoxing from Lortab will look different depending on the individual, the severity of their addiction, and personal factors such as mental health history or home life. The worst of Lortab detox usually takes place within the first week and most detox programs last 5-7 days.

For more severe or long-term addictions, medical detox is the safest option to closely monitor the individual and treat symptoms as they arise. Those with milder addictions may choose to detox at home. It is important to always consult a medical professional or addiction specialist before attempting to detox from Lortab.

Lortab Rehab Programs

Rehab programs exist to help individuals safely and effectively quit Lortab. Rehab programs for Lortab can be inpatient or outpatient and typically last 30-90 days. Rehab can be personalized to address each individual’s struggles and place them in an environment conducive for healing and recovery.

Varying levels of intervention and monitoring are available ranging from 24/7 care at an inpatient facility, to weekly check-ins for outpatient programs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is another option to aid in the detox and withdrawal process by helping to minimize withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings. Regardless of your situation, help is available in many forms.

Therapy for Lortab Addiction

Addiction is not only physical, but mental and psychological as well. When treating a Lortab addiction it is important to address all aspects, and therapy can help identify underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to addictive behaviors and change negative thought patterns.

Some forms of therapy that have proven to be helpful in treating opioid addictions including Lortab are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and group therapy. Surrounding yourself with support during detox and recovery can greatly increase your chances of achieving your goals.

Lortab Statistics

As the most commonly prescribed opioid in the U.S., hydrocodone and HCPs including Lortab are associated with more abuse and diversion than any other opioid.

• The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 3.6 million people over the age of 12 misused hydrocodone in the U.S. in 2023
• Prescriptions for HCPs in the U.S. peaked at approximately 144.5 million in 2011 and have steadily decreased over the years until declining to 47.4 million in 2024
• According to the CDC, over 75% of nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid
• From 1999 to 2022, approximately 294,000 deaths were due to prescription opioid overdoses
• Around 75% of those addicted to opioids don’t receive available treatment despite its effectiveness
• Studies reflect that those who receive Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) are 60% more likely to achieve long-term recovery

Get Help for Lortab Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with a Lortab addiction, along with millions of other Americans, you are not alone. Support and treatment are available to help you quit Lortab for good. You can start by reaching out to your doctor or healthcare provider, or by contacting SAMHSA’s free helpline at 1-866-902-6268 or using their online treatment locator at FindTreatment.gov.

Written by

Kerilyn Ward

Registered Nurse

Kerilyn Ward, BSN, RN, is a compassionate Registered Nurse who specializes in maternal and neonatal health. Focusing on supporting drug-affected mothers and their infants, she combines medical expertise with empathy to empower her patients and educate them on healthy lifestyles. Through her writing on AddictionHelp.com, she reaches a broader audience, offering practical insights into health and recovery.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
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Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.