How Long Does Norco Stay in Your System? – Norco can be detected in a person’s urine for as long as four days and in the blood for around 24 hours after the last dose.
Common side effects of Norco use include the following:
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Euphoria
- Nausea and vomiting.
Less common side effects include confusion, anxiety, mood swings, and constipation.
Norco Facts and Regulations
Norco is a prescription drug that contains a combination of the semi-synthetic opioid painkiller hydrocodone and the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol). Hydrocodone is derived from the opiate codeine, an opium alkaloid. The analgesic effects of hydrocodone start to take effect within 60 minutes following oral consumption and last between 4-8 hours.
The acetaminophen in Norco also provides pain-relieving effects for up to six hours. Acetaminophen has a slightly more rapid onset than hydrocodone, as effects onset within 10 to 30 minutes following oral consumption.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates Norco distribution, as it has been classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II substance. Short-acting opioids such as Norco have a high potential for addiction and overdose when abused or combined with other drugs or alcohol. Because of the risk of liver damage, all products containing acetaminophen, including Norco, must limit single doses to a maximum of 325 mg.
Other Drugs Abused With Norco
When misused or used for non-medical purposes, Norco is commonly found combined with other opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives/hypnotics, and alcohol. When used in conjunction with these other central nervous system depressants, the risk of life-threatening complications, such as severe respiratory depression, increases dramatically.
Other commonly prescribed drugs that contain hydrocodone include Lorcet, Lortab, Lortab, Vicoprofen, and Hycomine. Vicoprofen contains ibuprofen instead of acetaminophen, and Hycomine is a combination of hydrocodone and an antihistamine.
How Norco Impacts the Body
The hydrocodone in Norco achieves its pain-relieving effects by attaching to specific opioid receptors in the body in order to reduce central nervous system activity. By activating these opioid receptors, hydrocodone can mitigate the patient’s perception of pain.
In the body, hydrocodone has an average half-life of just under 4 hours, an onset of 20-30 minutes, and a duration up to eight hours. The half-life of acetaminophen used orally is 1.25 to 3 hours and reaches peak concentrations between 10-60 minutes following consumption.
Factors That Affect How Long Norco Remains In The Body
Several factors impact the length of time that Norco stays in a person’s system. Both acetaminophen and hydrocodone depend on the liver for metabolism, and therefore, patients with impaired liver functioning may tend to have longer clearance times and higher peak concentrations. Age is another factor, because as a person ages, their metabolism slows, which result in less efficient processing of medications such as Norco.
The frequency of use also has a significant effect on how long Norco stays in the system. The higher the amount used and the and more frequent the treatment, the longer it takes the body to eliminate the drug. The patient’s height/weight ratio and body fat percentage are additional factors. Some gene mutations may lead to longer elimination times as well.
Drug Testing for Norco
Hydrocodone is commonly tested for in the blood and urine for evidence of abuse. Norco can be detected in the urine for up to four days following oral consumption and can remain present at testable levels in the blood for 24 hours. Hair follicle tests can identify the presence of Norco for as long as 90 days following the last dose.
Many opioid tests only screen for the presence of opioids in general and their metabolites. Hydrocodone is a bit unique in that it can be precisely identified using chromatographic techniques. For example, blood and plasma levels range from 5 to 30 ug/L when Norco is used therapeutically. When misused or taken recreationally, however, blood and plasma concentration can range from 100 to 1,600 ug/L in cases of severe dependency or overdose.
Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction
Addiction to hydrocodone is a potentially devastating condition that adversely affects all aspects of a person’s life. Fortunately, addiction can be effectively treated using a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, and group support.
Recovery By The Sea employs professional addiction specialists who provide clients with the education, tools, and emotional support they so direly need to achieve abstinence and enjoy a long-lasting recovery. We are dedicated to ensuring that each client learns to manage triggers effectively, resist cravings, and prevent relapse indefinitely.
You can reclaim the fulfilling life you once had – the life that you deserve – and we can help! If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, please contact us immediately to discuss treatment options and discover how we can help you on your recovery journey!