My 61 year old father has lost the will to live. He is healthy, but has becomeunemployed for the first time in over 40 years. He has about 15 percoset and about the same quantity of lortabs, he keepsthreatening us that he will take them all. He wont tell

	Asked by rbo1948 (Male; 61; unknown; Relevant drugs:none ) on Mon 14, Dec 2009 09:30am :
	My 61 year old father has lost the will to live. He is healthy, but has become unemployed for the first time in over 40 years. He has about 15 percoset and about the same quantity of lortabs, he keeps threatening us that he will take them all. He wont tell us where he has hidden them. My question is, will that quantity of pain killers kill him if he takes them all at once? I'm afraid he will do it, he will not seek out help.I think with Christams coming up time is of the essence
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	Answer by Dr. A. Srivastava (doctor) on Mon 14, Dec 2009 12:47pm: Hi, A very warm welcome to AMD forum. I appreciate your concern for father’s health. Percoset is a narcotic analgesic containing acetaminophen and oxycodone (a narcotic pain-killer) which is used for moderate to severe pain. Here any over dosage of this drug can lead to liver damage and CNS depression which may also lead to respiratory depression therefore a judicious use of this medicine is important. Lortab is also a narcotic pain killer containing hydrocodone which also is centrally acting depressant. I would say 15 tablets of lortab or/and percoset can definitely be overdose and harmful leading to increased morbidity or even lethal to your father's health but any forceful or stubborn attempt to retrieve the medicine may worsen your problem. It would be best to talk to your father to sort out the psychological problem he might be facing after unemployment. Make your father feel wanted in the family to improve his psychology by handing over a few simple household works/ responsibilities to keep him busy. A psychologist's consultation may prove helpful in improving his condition. For precaution sake, the first signs of overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, excessive sweating, confusion etc. Some serious symptoms like drowsiness, pinpoint pupils; cold and clammy extremity, fainting, weak pulse, shallow breathing etc need to be checked in case your father behaves something different from normal. In any such case an immediate call to emergency is recommended. Hope this helps and enjoy your Christmas with happiness and safety. Take care and do keep us posted in case of future doubts. Regards AMD forum.
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	Comments: Response by Dr. Harsha Priolcar on Tue 15, Dec 2009 04:41am: Hello, Your concern is natural. Dr. Srivastava has given sound advice. The best way to address his behavior would be to make efforts to make him realize that he is important to the family with or without a job. I agree with Dr. Srivastava that any attempts to recover the tablets forcibly may backfire. Try and get him involved in routine activities around the home or perhaps he can volunteer at an institution where he can help people deal with their troubles. Often this results in a fresh perspective of one's own problems. Talking to a counselor will help, but from what you have described of him, he may not be easily convinced. In the meantime, watch carefully without appearing to do so, for any signs of strange behavior or withdrawal from life and family. Do take care and I hope this Christmas is a happy and safe one for you and your family. Warm regards.
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