Before you take any prescription medication, you should get answers to some basic but important questions. In the case of Norco, common questions include How will this drug affect me? Is Norco addictive? Are there any side effects I should be aware of? and How long does Norco stay in your system.
Before we answer how long does Norco stay in your system, let’s take a moment to discuss what this drug actually is.
Norco is the brand name of a prescription medication that is most commonly given to people who have been experiencing moderate to severe pain. Norco is composed of two ingredients, acetaminophen and hydrocodone:
Norco is similar to Vicodin, which is another prescription painkiller that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The primary difference between these two medications is that Norco contains slightly more hydrocodone, while Vicodin contains a bit more acetaminophen.
Doctors typically do not prescribe Norco unless a person has already built up a tolerance for opioids, such as from taking Vicodin or another medication that contains a drug from this category.
How long does Norco stay in your system? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including:
The half-life of Norco is four hours. Half-life refers to how long it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated. It typically takes about 5.5 half-lives for a drug to reach the level at which it is virtually undetectable. So, for Norco, this would equal about 22 hours.
However, evidence that you have taken Norco can remain in your system for longer than this.
Depending on which type of drug test you take, here’s how long Norco can be detected after your last dose:
When you use Norco as directed by the professional who prescribed it to you, it can be both safe and effective. But even if you follow all guidance, you may still experience some distressing side effects.
Your risk for side effects can increase significantly if you abuse Norco. Most people who abuse this medication do so for reasons such as the following:
Regardless of a person’s reason for first abusing Norco, doing so puts them in danger for an array of negative effects, including:
Once you have begun to abuse Norco or other opioids on a regular basis, it can sometimes be difficult to ascertain when you have crossed the line from substance abuse to addiction. If you suspect that you have become dependent on Norco, you should contact your doctor or an addiction treatment provider to schedule an assessment.
To determine if you should contact a professional, ask yourself the following questions:
Please note that you cannot diagnose yourself with Norco addiction after answering a few questions on this or any other website. But if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, that may indicate that you have a problem, and that you should schedule an assessment.
Untreated Norco addiction can be devastating. But if you receive appropriate addiction treatment from a reputable provider, you can end your Norco use and build a foundation for successful recovery. Nashville Treatment Solutions offers customized care at three outpatient levels (Nashville detox, partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, and outpatient rehab). At each level, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with a team of dedicated professionals.
To learn more about our programming, to schedule a free assessment, or to get answers to any questions you may have about Norco addiction treatment at our center in Nashville, please visit our admissions page or call us today.
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