Anexsia Addiction and Abuse

Anexsia, a discontinued drug containing hydrocodone and high-dose acetaminophen, was an opioid that could put people at high risk of addiction and dependence.

Anexsia was formerly a brand name of a hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination product. It contained 5 mg of hydrocodone and 500 mg of acetaminophen. The drug was discontinued following a 2011 guidance from the FDA limiting the amount of acetaminophen in combination drugs to 325 mg. For this reason, any Anexsia currently available is likely to be expired or counterfeit.

Anexsia Addiction

Anexsia was classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act, meaning that it had a high potential for abuse, dependence and addiction. Anexsia’s addictive potential was due to hydrocodone, an opioid pain reliever. Opioid pain relievers can be very addictive because they trigger the brain’s reward system. Overall, up to 29% of people prescribed opioids misuse them, and up to 12% develop an opioid use disorder.

Signs which may point to addiction include:

• Becoming obsessed with finding and taking Anexsia or other opioids
• Uncontrollable cravings
• Losing interest in the hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
• Performing poorly at work or school

What is Anexsia?

Anexsia was an opioid that was prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. The drug combined 5 mg of hydrocodone with 500 mg of acetaminophen. The drug was pulled from the market after the FDA limited the acetaminophen component of combination drugs to 325 mg, a limit that Anexsia exceeded. The FDA sought to prevent liver injury by people who unknowingly took too much acetaminophen.

Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects of Abuse

Anexsia is known to cause side effects, some of which are common, while others can be extremely dangerous.

Common side effects of opioids like Anexsia include:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shallow breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Confusion
• Extreme dizziness
• Excessive sedation that may lead to a coma and death

Hundreds of medications are known to have drug interactions with Anexsia, which can enhance or add to these side effects, depending upon the drug.

Anexsia and Alcohol

Anexsia should not be mixed with alcohol. Both alcohol and hydrocodone are central nervous system depressants, meaning they suppress the brain’s activity. Combining the two can increase the risk of overdose and death.

Further, the acetaminophen component of Anexsia can be toxic when mixed with alcohol. Because both alcohol and acetaminophen are processed by the liver, there is a drug interaction between the two substances that makes combining them dangerous.

Overdose Risk

Drug overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.

Pinpoint pupils, decreased level of consciousness and severely depressed respiration are referred to as the “opioid overdose triad.” In addition to these three primary signs, overdose patients may present with a pale face, limp body, muscle weakness, jaundice, cold, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting and purple or blue-colored lips and fingers.

Several factors can influence one’s risk of an overdose. Liver and kidney health are two influential factors. The individual’s size, including weight and body fat percentage, also play a role. Drug tolerance is also highly influential and increases with the frequency of use.

If you suspect that someone is having an overdose, it is important to act quickly. Naloxone should be given if it is available. This drug, sometimes called by its brand name Narcan, is an opioid antidote that comes as a nasal spray or injectable drug. It can be used when an overdose victim has:

• Slowed breathing
• Stopped breathing
• Passed out and is not waking up

If you give naloxone to someone, you should always call 911. This is true even if the person seems to get better when the naloxone has been given. Naloxone starts to work within three minutes but wears off within 90 minutes. Therefore, it is possible for someone to stop breathing again after the drug wears off.

Long-Term Consequences

Long-term effects of misusing Anexsia can include physical dependence on the drug. When your body becomes used to the presence of the drug, it starts to adapt, expecting the drug to be there. If you suddenly stop taking Anexsia, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Additionally, people who misuse opioids are at risk of overdose and death.

Anexsia Withdrawal

If you want to stop taking an opioid, you should consult your doctor or an addiction specialist. You should never stop an opioid abruptly or “cold turkey” as this increases your risk of experiencing greater withdrawal symptoms.

People who are having difficulties managing withdrawal symptoms should never be afraid to ask for help. In some cases, you may need to enter a medically-assisted detoxification program during this potentially difficult time.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Anexsia withdrawal symptoms are similar to that of other opioids. They can include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Increased tearing
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Yawning
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Remember, never suddenly stop taking Anexsia as your risk for the aforementioned withdrawal symptoms will substantially increase.

Withdrawal Timeline

Because any Anexsia that is currently available is likely to be counterfeit or expired, it is difficult to predict a withdrawal and symptom timeline. Generally, if you take a medication regularly, you can expect withdrawal symptoms to start around the time that you would have taken your next dose.

Anexsia Addiction Treatment & Detox

People who struggle with opioids like Anexsia often need assistance in successfully overcoming their addiction. Withdrawal from opioids can be difficult to manage without medical help, making medical detox useful for many people.

Further, inpatient and outpatient rehab following detox can offer resources and treatment programs to help people start a new life without Anexsia.

Anexsia Medical Detox

Medical detox is the first step in overcoming opioid addiction. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be very hard to control on your own because your brain has become physically dependent on the presence of an opioid that is no longer there. In medical detox, you are admitted to a facility and closely monitored by a medical team that can treat your symptoms as they occur.

Further, many people who struggle with opioids require medication-assisted treatment or MAT. This includes methadone and buprenorphine-containing products which can be started during medical detox and continued over the long term to help you fight your addiction.

Anexsia Rehab

Medical detox is the first step in overcoming an Anexsia addiction, but it is not the only step. To live an Anexsia-free life, it is important to get help exploring why you started to rely on Anexsia in the first place. It is also important to build coping skills so that you are able to avoid Anexsia in the future. Inpatient and outpatient rehab options continue this work that medical detox started, helping to set you on the right course for life without Anexsia.

Inpatient Rehab
The first treatment option available for patients in inpatient rehab. This program requires patients to live on campus at one of The Recovery Village’s designated inpatient centers while they recover from their addiction. This is extremely beneficial for patients with severe addiction, as well as for those who may find recovery difficult due to distractions from the outside world.

Outpatient Rehab
Once a patient completes the inpatient rehab program, they will often start an outpatient program. This program allows patients to live at home while they attend scheduled visits at The Recovery Village for treatment appointments. Some patients may begin treatment with the outpatient program if they are experiencing a mild opioid addiction. This option is helpful for patients that are experiencing mild addiction because it is easier for them to remain active in their daily life than it is with the option of inpatient rehab.

Choosing an Anexsia Rehab Center

Choosing a rehab center is an integral decision in every patient’s path to living a happier, substance-free life. To make an informed decision, it is recommended patients discuss their needs and which features to look for in a rehab center with their doctor.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, get professional help right away. The staff at The Recovery Village are experts in helping you work through your options for overcoming opioid addiction. Contact us today to discuss treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.

• Orlando Recovery Center: A premier rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Florida that helps individuals recover from addiction and substance use disorders. The center also offers the opportunity to treat co-occurring disorders.
• The Recovery Village Columbus: Located in Ohio, this facility provides inpatient, outpatient and aftercare treatment for people looking to begin detox. The center provides individualized plans to help patients through recovery while addressing their unique co-occurring disorders or any setbacks that may happen during recovery.
• The Recovery Village Palmer Lake: In Colorado, this facility offers inpatient, outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals looking to kick-start their journey to recovery.
• The Recovery Village Ridgefield: Located right in southern Washington, this facility provides patients with outpatient and aftercare programs. Just 20 minutes outside of Portland, this facility assists individuals who are ready to begin treatment.
• The Recovery Village: In Umatilla, Florida, this is a rehabilitation facility that provides resources for individuals seeking drug and alcohol treatment. There are inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment programs available for those suffering from Ambien addiction.
• IAFF Center of Excellence: Specializes in assisting firefighters who struggle with behavioral health problems and addiction. Members can enter the recovery process sooner so they can return back to work as quickly as possible. Inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are all available at this facility, where patients can address their Ambien addiction in a safe, supportive environment.
• Denver Mental Health & Counseling: Denver Mental Health and Counseling by The Recovery Village is a physician-led outpatient center specializing in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments, offering services such as TMS, IOP, and personalized care for both ongoing and new patients, dedicated to fostering long-term recovery and overall well-being.
• The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health: The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health is a premier physician-led treatment center in South Florida, offering a comprehensive spectrum of services from medical detox to outpatient programs for alcohol, drug, and co-occurring mental health conditions, with a commitment to rejuvenating lives, families, and communities, and facilitating same-day admissions.
• The Recovery Village Atlanta: Located in Roswell just outside downtown Atlanta, is a 62-bed physician-led treatment facility offering a comprehensive range of services, from medical detox to outpatient care, specializing in alcohol, drug, and co-occurring mental health conditions, dedicated to transforming lives, families, and communities throughout Georgia.
• The Recovery Village Kansas City: The Recovery Village Kansas City, an 80-bed facility in Raytown just 10 miles from downtown, offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments for addiction and mental health conditions, overseen by physician leaders, and is dedicated to revitalizing lives, families, and communities throughout the Midwest.
• The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper Health: The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, situated just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, is a leading rehab facility in South Jersey providing comprehensive, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments, ranging from medical detox to teletherapy, with a dedicated team committed to guiding adults on their path to lifelong recovery.

Editor – Rob Alston

Rob Alston has traveled around Australia, Japan, Europe, and America as a writer and editor for industries including personal wellness and recovery. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more