Description

Watson 853 refers to a specific tablet that is a generic version of Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen, which is commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. The medication is often used after surgery, injury, or for chronic pain conditions.

What is Watson 853?

• Watson 853 is the imprint on a combination pill that contains:
  • Hydrocodone: An opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone is used to treat pain by affecting the central nervous system (CNS), changing the way the brain and body respond to pain.
  • Acetaminophen: A non-opioid pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic). It works by blocking certain chemical messengers in the brain that signal pain and cause fever.

The Watson 853 tablet contains 10 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen, which is a typical combination for moderate pain relief. This specific combination is commonly prescribed for pain that cannot be managed by non-prescription pain relievers alone.

Appearance of Watson 853:

• Imprint: “Watson 853”
• Shape: Oval
• Color: White
• Size: Approximately 15 mm in length
• Manufacturer: Watson Pharmaceuticals, which later became Actavis and is now part of Allergan.

How Does Watson 853 Work?

The hydrocodone in Watson 853 binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and producing feelings of euphoria or relaxation, which is why hydrocodone can be addictive if misused. Acetaminophen enhances the pain-relieving effect of hydrocodone and works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and pain.

Important Safety Information:

Because of the presence of hydrocodone, a potent opioid, Watson 853 comes with a risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. Some important safety points include:

• Risk of overdose: Taking too much hydrocodone or acetaminophen can lead to serious, potentially fatal consequences, such as respiratory depression (slowed breathing) or liver damage (from too much acetaminophen).
• Respiratory depression: Opioids like hydrocodone can slow down or stop breathing, particularly when combined with other depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
• Side effects: Some common side effects of this medication include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Serious side effects can include liver damage (from excessive acetaminophen) or severe allergic reactions.
• Addiction and dependence: Hydrocodone is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. Long-term use or misuse can lead to tolerance (requiring higher doses for the same effect) and physical dependence.

Prescription and Use:

Watson 853 is available only by prescription, and it should only be used according to the directions provided by a healthcare provider. It is typically prescribed for short-term use, as long-term opioid use can increase the risk of dependency, overdose, and other complications.

Legal and Regulatory Status:

As mentioned, Watson 853 contains hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. This means that while it is available by prescription, it is tightly regulated due to the risk of abuse and dependence.