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Dihydrocodeine
& Vicodin
Dihydrocodeine is also called Vicodin in North
America but the Dihydrocodeine name also known by the brand Contugesic
and Codesic is prevalent in South America and Europe.
Dihydrocodeine
was invented during the beginning of the 20th century as a synthetic
opiate based on codeine. It is twice as potent as codeine, 30mg
of Dihydrocodeine is equivalent to 60mg of normal codeine. It is
usually administered in its form after surgery to control moderate
to severe pain.
Being
synthetic Dihydrocodeine is less addictive than regular codeine.
However it is still addictive and tolerance can build up for the
drug over prolonged use. In any case it is prescribed for acute
pain and not usually chronic because of its high potency. It's high
potency has led to its abuse especially under the brand Vicodin
and due to such bad publicity it is now much more difficult to find
on the internet.
The
primary use of Dihydrocodeine is for pain relief but also has other
uses. Dosage should be strictly controlled under the supervision
of a doctor, side effects are similar to those of codeine including
drowsiness.
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