Vicodin now requires a prescription from a physician before you can buy it from a retail pharmacy in Edinburg, Texas. This was because of a decision in 2014 when the Drug Enforcement Agency voted to put the drug under Schedule II as defined by the Controlled Substances Act.
When a drug is placed under Schedule II, it is tagged as medicine with a high risk of being misused or abused. At that point, Vicodin can only be prescribed by doctors and no longer available OTC. The sale of Schedule II drugs is severely limited by the law to certain cases.
The reason why Vicodin can no longer be bought without a prescription from a pharmacy is the active substance hydrocodone. Hydrocodone, while being a popular choice of painkillers, is known for its addictive attributes. As an opioid, the medicine becomes morphine when absorbed into the bloodstream and reacts to opioid receptors.
This bond results in a rush of pleasure that numbs the pain felt by the recipient. Because of that, some people become addicted to the “high” brought about by the hydrocodone component of the medicine. The effects are reportedly similar to the effects of heroin.
The real danger is when the “rush” settles down. The person experiences clouded judgment, sleepiness, and slowness in heart function and breathing. The last effect can be life-threatening, which means Vicodin is too dangerous to be sold over the counter in an independent pharmacy.
In addition, repeated use of painkillers, and not just Vicodin, can have detrimental effects on the liver. Prolonged abuse can lead to, among other things, renal failure.
For your medical supply needs, contact us at RGVMEDS Pharmacy. We are also a compounding pharmacy in Texas. We can customize your medicines to fit your circumstances.
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