Lortab Side Effects
Constipation, dizziness, and nausea are some of the common side effects that have been reported with Lortab. In most cases, side effects are minor; however, some are potentially serious and may require immediate medical attention. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience such side effects of Lortab as severe drowsiness, anxiety, or difficulty passing urine.
As with any medicine, Lortab® (hydrocodone/APAP) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Lortab. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Lortab side effects with you.)
Common Lortab side effects include:
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Constipation (see Lortab and Constipation)
Many people consider themselves "allergic" to Lortab if they experience nausea and vomiting while taking it. However, this is a common side effect and does not indicate a true allergy. In many cases, this side effect goes away as a person continues to use Lortab. Taking the medication with food may also help reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting.
Some Lortab side effects, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- The urge to take more Lortab than prescribed or for a non-medical purpose (see Lortab Abuse)
- Difficulty passing urine
- Anxiety or fear
- Severe constipation
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Severe drowsiness
- Signs of liver damage, such as:
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Upper-right abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Unexplained rash
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Difficulty breathing.