Skelaxin and hydrocodone

Answer 1

Skelaxin is a muscle relaxing medication used to treat muscle spasms or soft tissue injuries. It relieves pain by releasing the tension in the muscle. It will not relieve any other type of pain. It is not a narcotic, but requires a prescription for use. It is not considered a medication that is typically abused, since it is not associated with any type of a high and does not produce a hypnotic state. It does contain a sedative like quality.

Hydrocodone, or vicodin is a narcotic. It relieves many different types of pain. When taken as prescribed, is does not usually create a high or hypnotic state because it is relieving moderate to severe pain. If taken when NOT in moderate to severe pain it does contribute to the desired effects an addict finds tempting. When taken as prescribed for chronic pain, it is NOT addicting, but the body does develope a DEPENDENCE on the medication, which is very different to the dependence an addict developes. Even when prescribed, a person should always carefully evaluate the severity and type of pain, and consider if something else might be just as effective. The body will develope a tolerance for hydrocone over time, and will require larger doses to equal the same relief, therfore ongoing evaluation is very important. Chronic pain should be actively treated with a doctor or with a pain management center.

An important note: 1 tablet of vicodin also contains 500mg of Tylenol. When used in moderation, Tylenol (or acetaminophen) is a safe and effective way to treat pain. However, no more than 4,000mg of Tylenol should be taken in any 24 hour period, and should not be used at these levels on a long term basis because permanent liver damage may occur. You doctor may prescribe 1-2 tablets of vicodin every 4-6 hours, but you may not have more than 8 tablets in any 24 hour period. If you are finding your pain is not relieved and are taking the maximum amount of vicodin daily, talk to your doctor about other pain medication which contain less Tylenol that may be more suited for you. Also, you should NEVER drink with any type of pain medication, but especially medciations containing Tylenol. Alcohol and Tylenol are lethal to the liver, can cause acute liver failure resulting in the need for a transplant.

ANY scheduled narcotic will result in a positive drug screen. Routine drugs screens generally do not test for non-narcotic medications, although if you eat poppyseed breads and rolls reguarly, you will test positive for opiates.