Expert: Crystal - 9/3/2007

Question
QUESTION: i have a friend who is addicted to loratab can you tell me the long term effects of this drug what problems it can cause to your body?

ANSWER: Pat,

Loratab over time with excessive use can cause harm to the liver as everything filters through it. It can cause a fatty liver and can harm the kidneys as well as the heart. If you take narcotics for a long period of time it causes the heart to enlarge and can cause harmful long term effects. Being a suppressant it slows things down so it slows how fast toxins leave the system as well as the digestive track which can cause weight gain and constipation. Then constipation over time can cause bowel obstruction and so on, there are so many harmful side effects especially when it is not taken as directed.
Hope that helps.
Crystal

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can you tell me if it will cause you to hurt in your side and vomit constantly and information on this is very appreciated. God bless you  pat
ANSWER: Pat,

First, how many times does she vomit a day and which side hurts? You can definitely have pain in your side from vomiting due to the contractions of the stomach muscles but is she throwing up from taking them or not taking them? Another thing, taking that many a day is a HUGE flag for DANGER and you have every right to be concerned, it is overdosing everyday but the body has built up such a tolerance it is scary. She will absolutely need medical detox to come off and it needs to be inpatient for her own safety. Also, vomiting is a side effect of the narcotic and taking that many is what is making her vomit. That is VERY concerning to me as well and I urge you to find her some help in your area. Are there any available and is she willing to go?
Crystal

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: crystal, she refuses to believe that she has a problem i spoke to her today and told her that i was concerned and she said she was not going to stop taking them and she goes from doctor to doctor and county to county to get these pills any suggestions?

Answer
Pat,

What she is doing is illegal and is considered a felony. She will go to jail when she is caught. She needs to get help now or she will harm herself legally as well as medically. Does she realize the risks that she is taking and the consequences she could face?  Contact your local substance abuse treatment center and ask for advice, maybe there is a way to do an intervention. I urge you to seek closer advice as I do not live there and she is obviously a harm to herself.
I am sorry that you are going through this, unfortunately when you love someone who suffers with an addiction you suffer too.
I wish you good luck. I hope this works out for you and encourage you to attend alanon to help yourself as well.