When used appropriately, the M365 pill can be a source of considerable relief. But this powerful medication also poses a serious risk of misuse, addiction, and overdose.

Learn more about our drug rehab programs in Atlanta or verify your insurance now.

What’s in the M365 Pill?

The two active ingredients in the M365 pill are hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The drug usually appears as an oblong, white or off-white tablet with “M365” imprinted on one side and a dividing line to facilitate breaking the pill in half on the other side.

All legitimately manufactured versions of the M365 pill contain 325 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen. They will also contain either 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, or 10mg of hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid, which means that it is derived from a naturally occurring part of the opium poppy plant. It is an analgesic (painkiller) that has been sold as a generic and under several other brand names, including Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet.

Hydrocodone is by far the more powerful of the two ingredients in the M365 pill. It is available only on a prescription basis, and it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. As defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Schedule II is for “drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” 

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that can also reduce fever. In addition to being present in the M365 pill and several brand name prescription medications, acetaminophen is also available on an over-the-counter (OTC) basis.

Popular brand name OTC meds that contain acetaminophen include:

• Tylenol
• Dayquil
• Robitussin
• Excedrin
• TheraFlu

Why Do People Use the M365 Pill?

Generally speaking, M365 use can be divided into two categories, medical and recreational.

• Medical: The primary medical use of the M365 pill is to alleviate moderate to severe pain, often in the aftermath of surgery or due to cancer. It is sometimes also prescribed to patients who have been living with chronic pain that has not responded to other medications.
• Recreational: As an opioid, hydrocodone causes deep relaxation, elevated mood, and an easing of pain. This has made the M365 pill and other meds that contain hydrocodone popular among people who are seeking a certain type of recreational high.

Is the M365 Pill Dangerous?

Virtually every prescription medication can cause unpleasant side effects, and the M365 pill is no exception to this rule. In addition to adverse effects that can result from appropriate use, other dangers include addiction and overdose.

Side effects

The more common side effects that may result from M365 use include:

• Drowsiness
• Impaired coordination
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Itchiness

More serious potential side effects include mood swings, diarrhea, skin lesions, liver damage, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

Addiction risk

Opioids are highly addictive substances. Anyone who uses hydrocodone or any other opioid for any reason risks addiction, though the likelihood of becoming dependent may be greatest among people who intentionally misuse them.

Once a person develops opioid use disorder (which is the clinical term for addictions to hydrocodone and similar substances), they may experience intense withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop. Detox, residential treatment, and/or outpatient care may be necessary to help a person manage their urges and end their hydrocodone use for good.

Overdose 

Opioids have been the primary drivers of the dramatic spike in overdose deaths that the U.S. has experienced throughout the 21st century. 

Signs of M365 pill overdose include:

• Extreme disorientation
• Loss of consciousness
• Inability to be awakened
• Faint heartbeat and pulse
• Slow, shallow, or labored breathing
• Blue or purple coloring near lips or fingertips
• Skin that is cool and clammy to the touch

If you are with someone who exhibits these signs after using the M365 pill, call 911 immediately. 

Even if you are able to revive the person with Narcan, they still need to be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Depending on how much hydrocodone they have in their system, they may still be at risk when the Narcan wears off. Also, an excessive dose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage or liver failure. 

Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Someone who has become addicted to hydrocodone may have symptoms such as:

• Experiencing strong urges to use the M365 pill or other opioids
• Frequently using opioids in larger amounts or for a longer amount of time than they intended
• Spending a great deal of time seeking and using opioids, as well as recovering from their effects
• Wanting to quit using the M365 pill and other opioids, but being unable to stop
• Failing to fulfill their responsibilities at home, in school, or at work because of your opioid use
• Continuing to use opioids even after they’ve experienced some type of physical, psychological, or social harm that was either caused or worsened by your opioid use
• Using the M365 pill or other opioids in circumstances that they know are particularly hazardous, such as by combining them with alcohol or other drugs
• Reducing or ending their participation in important activities because of their opioid use
• Developing tolerance, which means they need to use larger doses or more potent opioids to feel the drugs’ effects
• Having physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using opioids

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms above, or you know someone who has, an ideal first step is to consult with a doctor or schedule an assessment with a reputable addiction treatment provider in your area.

Opioid addiction is a treatable condition. But if you don’t get the help you need, you will remain at risk for a range of devastating outcomes, including death.

Learn More About Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Atlanta

Buckhead Behavioral Health offers personalized outpatient care for adults who have become addicted to opioids and other drugs.

Treatment options at our rehab in Atlanta include outpatient detox, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an evening IOP, and a virtual IOP. Our team will work closely with you to identify the programs and therapies that best align with your unique needs, goals, and preferences.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.