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Wasn't going to post this originally but another thread encouraged me to.
I picked up a prescription for hydrocodone about a week ago but tried my darndest to do without it. Decided I needed it today. The firearms are in the cabinet and I haven't carried or driven all day.
Assuming tomorrow is a better day, how should I proceed in regards to carrying a firearm?
I imagine the stuff'll still be in my system whether I'm rollin' or not...
I think that staying away from your firearms is a good idea. As far as when you should resume their use I think consulting with your MD would be the best bet.
I am a probation officer and do drug tests on a regular basis. The standard science on a synthetic opioid pain medication is 48-72 hours in your system visible by a drug screen. That being said, if you take one today, I would be safe in saying you would be good 24 hours after your last usage for any impairment. You should consult your MD no matter what though.
In my very limited experience, Vicodin didn't do anything at all to impair my judgment, but it made me sleepy. Pain was a bigger factor affecting my judgment.
The half life is 3.8 hours. This means that about 90% + is gone in around 16 hours after your last dose. (1/2 gone in 4 hours; 75% gone in 8 hours; ca. 88% gone in 12 hrs. etc. The effect should be gone much sooner. This is different than the amount of time its use can be detected by a drug screen. That is something different from effective dose.
Based solely on limited personal experience, if I had pain sufficient to use Vicodin, I'd likely not be trying to go about any business outside the home. I'd not hesitate to carry or keep one near, while in my own home.
YMMV.
Unless you're on a heavy-duty dosage (It comes in different strengths) and/or assuming you take only as directed..... IMO Vicodin shouldn't impair your abilities
Please note: IANAL...nor am I a physician. My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it. It just doesn't affect me in any way that would make it inadvisable to handle or carry firearms
Upon leaving the hospital from bypass surgery I was on Oxycodone for two weeks then switched to Hydrocodone for another month and a half. I did stay to the recommended dosages and schedule and the only effect was a welcome relief of the pain with no restrictions on driving or other activities except shooting, the doctor advised no shooting for six weeks to allow for healing. The only side effect was constipation so keep plenty of laxatives handy.
As long as you are in pain then hydrocodone will not make you "high" unless on a strong dose.
I wouldn't mention a thing about guns to my doctor. He holds your future in his hands. If he's an anti, he could easily have your rights taken away. Leave the guns alone until you know the effects, then make your decision.
I am trained in drug testing using the EMIT system, which is reagent based and not a lithimus test. The Diagnostic Analyzer that I used to use was set to detect drug use by SAMSHA standards. The cut off for opiates is anything above 1000 nanograms per deciliter. As JWhite stated you should be clear and the drug metabolites should be well below this in 24-48 hours.
This will solve the problem you are speaking of.Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Husker
Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie
After my double knee surgery last year, I locked mine away (the gun, not the knees) until I was not only off the meds but also off the crutches and on the cane.
The meds for the same reason mentioned already, but I didn't trust my ability to present my firearm if needed and work around the crutches or what would happen if I stumbled dropping one of the crutches to draw. Of course it helped that I never really went anywhere until I was on the cane.
The substance being detectable in your system and impairment are two radically different things.
Only you can judge how long after a dose you determine you are impaired. Easy if you don't take RX pain meds. Use your first "High" as a base line. Yes you will get used to it, but like an alcoholic, you may think you are OK, but you're not.
My sleep meds hit within 15 minuets, and last 4-6 hours or so, yet 20 hours later still shows up in drug test. I know I am good to go after 7 hours and a cup of coffee.
I've taken hydrocodone before...not heavily affected, but it can reduce pain. I would never get behind the wheel of a vehicle, but my sidearm would still be on the end table near me.
Good safe advice, I agree.Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Husker
A question to all, what if the next day he is not impaired and has to use the weapon? If by chance a drug test is administered, would this be something an overzealous prosecutor would use? I clearly would not submit to a drug test voluntarily, but has anyone heard of it being done as part of a shooting investigation?