Mixing Norco & Alcohol | Effects & Health Risks

Norco is a brand-name prescription painkiller containing a combination of 325mg acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) and either 5mg, 7.5mg, or 10mg formulations of hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid or opiate narcotic. 

Norco is similar to Vicodin, which contains 300mg acetaminophen and 5mg hydrocodone. 

Because Norco and Vicodin are widely prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain and often used outside of a hospital or medical setting, it is not unusual for people to consider drinking alcohol before, during, or after taking hydrocodone. 

However, Norco should never be used with alcohol, as this can result in a harmful drug interaction.

Effects Of Concurrent Norco & Alcohol Use

Opioid pain relievers like hydrocodone work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and in other parts of the nervous system, blocking pain signals and stimulating a pleasurable release of dopamine. 

Overall, these effects slow down the central nervous system (CNS) with analgesic (pain relieving) effects at low doses, and a euphoric high with severe cognitive impairment at higher doses.

Alcohol, though it does have some initial stimulant effects if consumed in a large enough quantity, also acts as a CNS depressant, slowing down your body and mind.

Combined Effects

While each substance can cause serious side effects if misused on its own, together with alcohol and hydrocodone have a synergistic effect, working together and producing a greater degree of CNS depression than either substance would otherwise. 

This can lead to symptoms of drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness, and impaired thinking, judgment, and decision-making.

Health Risks Of Mixing Norco & Alcohol

Mixing these substances also greatly increases the risk of overdose. Accordingly, the FDA requires all hydrocodone medications to include a boxed warning stating that the use of this medication with alcohol can cause respiratory depression, coma, or death. 

Alcohol/Opioid Overdose

A person experiencing an alcohol/opioid overdose will likely exhibit a variety of physical and mental effects, many of which can be recognized by those nearby.

These effects may include:

• extreme drowsiness and cognitive impairment
• slow or irregular heart rate
• low blood pressure
• low body temperature
• vomiting or gurgling noises
• blue-tinted fingernails or lips
• limpness
• pale, clammy skin
• impaired coordination or movement
• unconsciousness or non-responsiveness
• slow, shallow, or stopped breathing (respiratory depression, a condition which can be lethal without immediate treatment)

If you suspect a person has overdosed on an opioid drug you should contact emergency medical services as soon as possible and administer the anti-opioid overdose medication Naloxone if possible.

It should be noted Naloxone is not effective against overdose caused by excessive alcohol consumption or other non-opioid substances.

Long-Term Effects & Health Risks Of Mixing Hydrocodone & Alcohol

In addition to serious short-term effects, both hydrocodone and alcohol abuse each cause long-term health effects that are intensified by concurrent use. 

Liver Damage

Both alcohol and acetaminophen are processed and detoxified by the liver. 

When these substances are taken in high doses or in combination, the increased liver toxicity irritates and damages the liver tissue, which can eventually develop into liver disease, hepatitis, and potentially cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure.

Mental Health Effects

Both alcohol and opioids likely make a person feel better while active in the body. But misusing these substances over time can contribute to the development of major depression and anxiety disorders. 

Memory Dysfunction & Brain Damage

Any form of substance abuse resulting in addiction is known to change the structure of a person’s brain as well as their priorities, behavior, and personality. 

But these substances and their neurological effects can also contribute to the development of several types of lasting memory dysfunction and, ultimately, dementia.

Dependence & Addiction

Alcohol and opioids are addictive and ongoing mutual abuse only intensifies the speed and severity at which tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction will develop. 

Once dependence forms, a person will likely experience uncomfortable or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking one or both substances. 

Treatment For Polysubstance Abuse

When misused, both alcohol and prescription opioid pain medications are highly addictive. Treating this addiction and detoxing from both drugs often requires the services of a professional addiction treatment program, including detox support to better manage withdrawal. 

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse, contact our helpline today.