SymTan Abuse Signs
Know the SymTan Abuse Signs and learn how to can help.
SymTan is a combination medication used to temporarily treat cough and congestion caused by the common cold, flu and other breathing illnesses. Know the SymTan Abuse Signs. A suspension acting as decongestant, antihistamine and cough suppressant, it works by: constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages, locking the action of histamine (thus, reducing symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose) and in the brain by blocking the dry cough reflex.
SymTan is used for relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing and cough due to colds, upper respiratory infections and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by a Doctor. This combination medication does not cure or shortens the length of the common cold, but merely alleviates the conditions of the patient.
Since this combination medication is commonly found in a liquid formulation, the dosage is fixed depending on the needs of the patient, medical condition, age and response to treatment.
Despite the fact that this medication is available only by prescription, SymTan abuse and SymTan addiction are quite common, mainly because of the presence of Hydrocodone on its formulation, and its characteristic for being highly addictive, causing withdrawal reactions in patients that have been using it for long periods of time.
Another factor to be taken into consideration before taking SymTan, is the presence of inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. A patient in need of a SymTan prescription, should disclose to the Doctor of Pharmacist in charge, his or her medical history, especially if he or she has suffered from abdominal problems (such as chronic constipation, gallbladder disease), adrenal gland problems, blood vessels problems, brain disorders, breathing problems, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pleasure and/or heart diseases.
Side Effects
Reported side effects arising from the use of SymTan are:
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Fast, Slow or Irregular Heartbeat
- Unusual Tiredness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
Although serious allergic reactions to SymTan are uncommon, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occurs: rash, hives, itchiness, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, swelling of mouth or face and/or seizures.
In addition, there are certain precautions to take into consideration when taking SymTan while being pregnant, since it slightly increases the risk of birth defects and may cause harm on the unborn baby if taken within the first 2 months of pregnancy.
Addiction & Dependency
While SymTan is prescribed for the treatment of sinus congestion and coughing caused by the common cold, its components combination often leads to a mild dependency and the presence of withdrawal symptoms, that - if unsupervised - can lead to SymTan abuse signs.
Patients that develop a resistance with prolonged use, may find themselves increasing the dosage in an attempt to make up for that tolerance. This medication in particular, is comprised of the cough suppressant pseudo-ephedrine, the antihistamine hydrocodone, and the decongestant brompheniramine. Of this three narcotics that make up the final formulation of SymTan, pseudo-ephedrine and hydrocodone are the only two known to cultivate dependency issues in long-time users.
Pseudo-ephedrine is not, strictly speaking, addictive in its prescribed from. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is the truly addictive component that leads to SymTan drug abuse, since it is a narcotic capable of producing feelings of euphoria and calmness in users.
While dependence is normal, and happens to everyone who takes a particular medication for a long period of time, it's important to notice the difference between common withdrawal symptoms from those that point an addiction.
Some signs that could indicate SymTan withdrawals are:
- Intense Craving
- Irritability
- Muscle Ache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
A SymTan addiction caused by the component Hydrocodone will show signs of:
- Euphoria
- Tremors
- Constricted Pupils
- Chills
- Extreme Dizziness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Clammy Skin
- Mental Confusion
With the high risk of psychological dependency Hydrocodone may cause, it is important to take the medication under strict medical supervision and only when necessary to treat a specific illness.
Treatment for Addiction
SymTan drug addiction requires the full commitment of the patient in order to be successfully rehabilitated. While the process can be complex, it often depends on the amount of time the patient has been suffering the addiction for, which other drugs have interacted with SymTan and the patient's mental and overall physical health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction or abuse, call Cleveland Drug Treatment Centers today at (877) 804-1531 for help finding treatment programs that will give you the support and resources to overcome your addiction.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-94405/symtan-oral/details
http://www.opiate.com/hydrocodone/what-are-the-most-common-hydrocodone-street-names/
https://www.drugs.com/schedule-2-drugs.html
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-94405/symtan-oral/details#uses
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-94405/symtan-oral/details#precautions