Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension Addiction

Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension is a prescription drug whose primary ingredients are chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone. 

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, while hydrocodone is an opioid. Tussionex is mostly prescribed as a cough suppressant, or to treat the common cold.

Hydrocodone is a controlled substance, which means it’s a target for drug abuse and addiction.

How Does Tussionex Work?

The two main ingredients of Tussionex work to treat respiratory symptoms and reduce pain.

Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, is an inhibitor for histamine. Histamine triggers allergic reactions in the body to keep substances out, but can overreact when the body is experiencing a cold. 

Chlorpheniramine can help suppress coughs, reduce congestion, and remove blockages, which are known as anticholinergic effects.

Hydrocodone, an opioid, affects the central nervous system. It binds to opioid receptors to create feelings of sedation, pain relief, and euphoria.

Hydrocodone is a more potent substance than chlorpheniramine. Many hydrocodone combination products have risks when taken, and Tussionex is no exception.

Tussionex Side Effects

Even when not abused, Tussionex can cause a number of health effects. A combination of antihistamines and opioids can cause general impairment in some people. 

Feelings of drowsiness and sedation caused by Tussionex can prevent some people from functioning normally. They may have reduced capabilities for operating machinery or doing other daily tasks.

Tussionex has other side effects caused by both chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone. Some pre-existing conditions, such as thyroid problems, head injury, or glaucoma, can become worse with Tussionex. 

General side effects of Tussionex include:

• ileus (buildup or blockage in the bowels)
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe drowsiness

Tussionex may be risky for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and their children. Hydrocodone can affect unborn babies and cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. 

Some studies have also shown that hydrocodone can appear in breast milk, which will also be harmful to nursing infants.

Taking recommended Tussionex dosings will reduce your risk of serious side effects. However, Tussionex is potentially a habit-forming drug because of its euphoric effects.

Tussionex Abuse

Tussionex can be abused to experience the positive effects of hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine. Hydrocodone’s pain relief and chlorpheniramine’s feelings of sedation can cause people to use Tussionex improperly.

Tussionex can be abused by:

• mixing other substances with Tussionex (benzodiazepines, alcohol, other opioids like codeine)
• not following recommended doses
• taking shots of Tussionex or mixing it with carbonated beverages or other cough medicines

Some of these abuse methods can create toxic drug interactions. It is not recommended to drink alcohol with Tussionex or combine Tussionex with other depressants. 

Is Tussionex Addictive?

Tussionex can cause drug addiction. While chlorpheniramine is not addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms, hydrocodone is an addictive substance. 

Hydrocodone products can cause physical dependence due to the strength of the drug, which may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the future. 

Tussionex is one of many brand name controlled substances which contain hydrocodone. It can also cause psychological dependence when taken over long periods of time. A person may crave the drug, or feel as though they cannot function without it.

Tussionex Overdose

Taking an excessive dose of Tussionex can result in an overdose. People who suffer from Tussionex abuse or addiction are at higher risk for overdose. Tussionex overdose can be caused by either of its primary ingredients.

Chlorpheniramine Overdose

Antihistamines are not addictive, but can still be life-threatening if overdosed on. 

Symptoms of chlorpheniramine overdose include:

• extreme sleepiness
• dry mouth
• fever
• insomnia
• blurry vision

Hydrocodone Overdose

Hydrocodone overdose affects the central nervous system. It can be life-threatening in a different way from an antihistamine overdose. 

Signs of hydrocodone overdose include:

• respiratory depression (extremely slowed breathing)
• shallow breathing
• general breathing problems
• slowed heart rate
• clammy skin

Antihistamine and hydrocodone overdose both require immediate medical help. Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one show signs of overdose.

Treating Tussionex Abuse

Tussionex abuse and addiction are both treatable. Several treatment methods exist for people struggling with hydrocodone use.

Chlorpheniramine is not a habit-forming substance. Quitting an antihistamine can be as simple as walking away from the drug due to its low risk of addiction. 

However, Tussionex’s combination of chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone may make quitting less simple.

Professional healthcare may be required to treat someone struggling with a hydrocodone product abuse, including Tussionex.

To learn more about drug abuse and potential treatment options, talk to your healthcare provider or contact us today.