Hydromorphone and hydrocodone belong to the same drug class. This opioid medication is also prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain and coughing. Morphine is also similar in strength to this hydromorphone. Despite its similarity to morphine, it has a shorter half-life, and sedation is a more likely side effect. A drug’s half-life is the time it takes the body to eliminate half of it from the bloodstream, which significantly reduces its effectiveness. Hydrocodone use can lead to feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and general well-being for some people. Some people misuse this drug as a result of these sensations. Using substances and developing a substance use disorder results from such misuse. Hydrocodone binds to opioid receptors all over the body—especially in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks pain signals from being sent and received, which allows patients with moderate-to-severe pain symptoms to find relief. The user perceives pain and discomfort differently, but the underlying cause remains the same. When the drug wears off, the pain can return. A capsule containing an extended-release formulation of hydrocodone is sold under the brand name Zohydro ER. Pain relief is available for a longer time with the extended-release version. Vicodin is a powerful drug physicians frequently prescribe. It contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, which is a fever reducer. Norco, Lorcet, and Lortab are also trade names for this drug. Frequent hydrocodone use can cause several health problems, including liver damage and acetaminophen toxicity.