Vicodin Signs & Symptoms of Addiction
Vicodin is a narcotic pain reliever, also known as an opioid analgesic, used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin also has cough suppressant properties, with properties similar to codeine. ALso known as Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, Anexsia, Dolacet, Lorcet, Lortab, and Norco. Usually prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. The medication is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, and it relieves pain by acting on the central nervous system and suppressing the cough reflex.
An overdose can occur if too much Vicodin is taken or if it is combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose include:
•Respiratory depression (decrease in respiratory rate, a bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes)
•Extreme sleepiness (somnolence)
•Coma
•Muscle weakness
•Cold or clammy skin
•Apnea
•Hypotension (low blood pressure)
•Cardiac arrest
Liver damage can occur if too much acetaminophen is taken. Each tablet of Vicodin contains 500 mg acetaminophen, and you should not take more than 4000 mg per day.
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow breathing, slow heartbeat, loss of consciousness.Common side effects experienced by those taking Vicodin include:
•Lightheadedness
•Dizziness
•Sedation
•Nausea
•Vomiting
Patients report that lying down often alleviates common side effects. Contact your doctor if any side effects are severe or do not go away.
Other possible side effects of Vicodin include:
•Drowsiness
•Mental clouding
•Anxiety
•Fear
•Dysphoria (anxiety, depression, unease)
•Mood changes
•Psychic dependence
•Constipation
•Hearing impairment or permanent loss (with chronic overdose)
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Specific precautions
Vicodin is a Schedule III narcotic under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. It is possible for this medication to be abused, and it may be habit-forming. Tolerance to hydrocodone can develop with repeated use. Never allow other people to use your medication and always keep your medication in a safe place. Never give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms, and especially do not give it to people with a history of drug abuse or addiction.
Vicodin may not be safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers. It may cause withdrawal symptoms in an unborn child or a nursing infant.
Vicodin is not for people who have a hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, or other opioids.
People who have had head injuries, acute abdominal conditions, or severe liver or kidney impairment may not be able to take Vicodin.
Elderly patients should use caution when taking Vicodin and should always take the lowest possible dose, as the medication may cause confusion and over-sedation.
Conditions or medications that may be affected by the drug or interact negatively with the drug
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions prior to starting Vicodin treatment:
•History of head injury
•Acute abdominal conditions
•Severe liver or kidney impairment
•Low blood pressure
•Mental illness
•Hypothyroidism
•Addison’s disease
•Prostatic hypertrophy
•Urethral stricture
•Pulmonary disease
•Recent operation
•Breathing disorders (asthma, sleep apnea, COPD)
•History of drug dependency or alcohol use
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Additional drugs
Avoid taking any other medications that contain acetaminophen, including pain medications, sleep aids, and cold or allergy medications.
Food/Alcohol
Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking Vicodin, as the depressant properties may combine with the medication and cause serious complications, including liver damage, excessive sleepiness, or a dangerously slow rate of breathing.
Certain activities
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how your body reacts to Vicodin. The medication may impair your ability to think and react.
Detox is recommended for those addicted to any prescription drug, and then attending inpatient addiction treatment.
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