Can you get addicted to Albuterol?
If you are taking Albuterol to get quick relief from your asthma problem or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease then you might also be wondering whether you will get addicted to it or not. The answer is no, but it is possible to:
- Use too much Albuterol
- Feel like you are getting dependent on it
- Use it in the wrong way
All these things might make you suffer from other kinds of problems.
It is important for you to know that people suffering from asthma condition often use two types of inhalers in order to treat their condition:
Maintenance or long-term control medicines
These medicines are taken regularly to manage the symptoms of asthma and avoid asthma attacks effectively.
Rescue or quick-relief medicines
Rescue or quick-relief medicines are good at providing relief from the symptoms of asthma. You can also use rescue medication during an asthma attack.
It is vital to understand that Albuterol is not addictive but people who manage asthma poorly can develop a dependence on this medication.
Addiction vs. Dependence
Addiction is a condition when a person starts to use a medication impulsively or nonstop without considering the negative health or social effects which might be linked with this behavior.
You need to know that dependence is further divided into physical dependence and psychological dependence. Physical dependence is determined via the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medication.
On the other hand, psychological dependence takes place when a medicine turns out to be noticeable in your activities or thoughts. People suffering from psychological dependence can have a strong desire to use medication.
This need can be further tied to things such as not using the medication for a while or to particular emotions like depression or boredom. When used too often, you might become psychologically dependent on Albuterol.
Dependence and Albuterol
Now, you might be wondering how dependence relates to Albuterol. Though Albuterol is not addictive but there are some people who start developing a psychological dependence on it.
This condition takes place in people whose maintenance medicines are not managing the symptoms of asthma well. When this happens, they might start using their rescue medicines more often to get relief from symptoms.
When rescue medicines like Albuterol are used more often than directed by the doctor, they might make your asthma symptoms dangerous and even more frequent. This further leads to a cycle of continuing overuse.
Since, Albuterol and other rescue medicines are available easily and quickly to provide relief from the symptoms, using them might become linked with feelings of relief or security.
Instead of using the rescue medicine too often, if your asthma is not managed properly then consult the doctor for a new maintenance medicine. In case, your asthma symptoms are frequent or get worse with time then immediately meet the doctor.
What happens when you overuse Albuterol?
Almost 25% of people who use Albuterol often take it more than they require to. In this way, the symptoms of asthma become more often like:
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Night-time awakenings
People who use Albuterol more often than directed by the doctor can also experience asthma attacks frequently. Your risk of asthma-related hospitalization increases automatically than people who use Albuterol only at the right dose or when they have experienced an asthma attack.
Most overuse takes place when Albuterol is used to control asthma rather than as a rescue medication. When you use this medication in the absence of asthma symptoms, the chances of experiencing side effects increase. When you do not have symptoms of asthma and you take Albuterol, it can cause side effects.
People who overuse Albuterol can have a hard time with their asthma condition. It can also be because they are not able to understand their treatment well or because their condition makes them suffer from a negative self-image.
Some people also tend to overuse Albuterol, if they experience depression. Anxiety about your asthma problem can also lead to overuse as well as psychological dependence. If you do not have an Albuterol inhaler nearby, you might also feel terrified.
Keep one thing in your mind, Albuterol is only a quick fix and not a long-term treatment.
How to monitor your Albuterol use?
In case, you start experiencing side effects of Albuterol or your asthma condition is not controlled properly, consult the doctor about how and when you need to take it.
Change the way you get it
In case, you are using a nebulizer for your medication then you might experience a few symptoms when you shift to a metered dose inhaler. When using an inhaler, attach a space or chamber device to it to help the medicine reach your lungs.
Therefore, Albuterol is only a rescue medication for treating asthma conditions. Overusing it can worsen your condition.
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It is important to understand that Albuterol, while not addictive, can lead to psychological dependence if used too often or in the wrong way. Always consult with a doctor about how and when you need to take it, and be sure that you are using maintenance medicines correctly in order for it to work properly. If done right, it can provide quick relief from asthma symptoms without leading to any addiction or dependency issues.
