I am being accused of driving under the influence of drugs. I am takinking lortab 10/500, have been for many years. When they drew my blood the results were Hydrocodone-187ng/ml. The forensic lab tech told me this was within the theraputic level, now she no longer works there and I can't get a straight answer. Does anybody have a clue what exactly that # means?

You will have to ask your doctor. But if it is a perscibed medication and you have been taking it for a long time then its possible that you have a build up in your system. Ask your doctor how the drug is treated by the body. Some drugs store in fat cells over time.

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Originally Posted by califdadof3

You will have to ask your doctor. But if it is a perscibed medication and you have been taking it for a long time then its possible that you have a build up in your system. Ask your doctor how the drug is treated by the body. Some drugs store in fat cells over time.

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Hydrocodone is not one of the drugs that stores in fat cells. So, what the test shows it what you have had in the last few days.

Have you been "double dosing"? Why be worried if you haven't been?

Trust me, I know the cycle of painkiller use, and abuse. I am in recovery myself(10 Months clean).

If you have been taking Hydrocodone for years, it is a very important part of your life right now.

The obvious question is, why haven't you gotten your doctor onboard to help you with this issue?

And remember driving under the influence does not mean you were taking illegal drugs, or even taking more than the doctor prescribed.

So assuming you had a prescription and assuming you were taking it according to doctors orders, you can still often be under the influence for dirving a car. Many medications till you not to operate equipment when taking, ( and they are serious) no one listnes, but you can be charged for merely taking your medication as ordered ifyou decide to drive a car.