Whether you take Vicodin because of a prescription, or you take it recreationally, you may experience certain side effects. Speak with a Recovery Advocate today to talk about your treatment options. According to a 2017 report by the Drug Enforcement Administration, hydrocodone was the most widely prescribed opioid in the United States from 2007 to 2016. More than 6.2 billion hydrocodone pills were dispensed or sold nationwide in 2016. As you support your loved one, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
- Do not assume that the absence of such information means the medication is safe for your personal use.
- It’s still a powerful opioid, but it can be reduced in a controlled manner that’s less likely to produce intense withdrawal symptoms.
- This release can strongly reinforce the act of taking the drug, making the user want to repeat the experience.
- Naloxone is available as an injectable (needle) solution and nasal sprays (NARCAN® Nasal Spray and KLOXXADO®).
Vicodin Overdose Symptoms
People addicted to Vicodin may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include mild effects such as yawning and a runny nose. But they can also include more serious symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. As your tolerance grows, so does your risk for hydrocodone addiction. People addicted to Vicodin compulsively use the drug despite knowing the consequences, often sacrificing their health, responsibilities and relationships. The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies hydrocodone as a Schedule II substance.
- Let your doctor know that you will be withdrawing so that you can talk about any medications that may be helpful for treating possible side effects.
- As an overdose is common after the beginning of Vicodin abuse, you may, unfortunately, have to keep these symptoms in mind if somebody you know is abusing Vicodin.
- Loss of fluids and electrolytes from diarrhea can cause the heart to beat in an abnormal manner, which can lead to circulatory problems and even heart attack.
- Prior to the FDA lowering acceptable levels of acetaminophen in medication, Norco had the least amount of acetaminophen.
Vicodin Addiction
Medicines that interact with hydrocodone may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with hydrocodone. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. The addiction to Vicodin includes every type of use without a prescription. Severe cases of liver damage, involve the dose of 4000 mg or more of Vicodin or Acetaminophen in a single day. Be assured, though, that Vicodin is generally considered safe to use, or it would not have been approved by the FDA, nor would your medical professional be recommending its use.
Effects of Vicodin
People who use the drug to experience this euphoria rather than for pain management are at risk of becoming addicted. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these medications relieve drug cravings and prevent other withdrawal symptoms. However, the prescription opioid can cause addiction and a host of dangerous side effects when used in excess. The popularity and potency of hydrocodone has caused many Americans to become addicted to the drug. Taking hydrocodone in high doses or using it illicitly can lead to opioid addiction.
Hydrocodone Addiction and Recovery Facts
- Treatment for prescription opioid addiction starts with a detoxification phase.
- A recovery support representative can help you find a program that meets your financial and personal needs.
- Aftercare can include ongoing counseling, attendance at 12-step meetings, and sober living.
- If you feel you’re starting to crave the drug even at times when you feel little or no pain, talk with your doctor immediately.
- This can be dangerous, as taking higher doses of Vicodin can increase the risk of overdosing.
With sober living homes, you get the opportunity to practice the skills you learned before returning home. At our facilities nationwide, we provide evidence-based care to those ready to put their addictions to substances like hydrocodone in the past. This article will cover what hydrocodone is, how vicodin addiction it’s used, the effects it can cause, and how you or your loved one can get treatment for hydrocodone addiction.
Inpatient Rehab
Ask yourself some questions about your loved one’s personal risk of opioid use disorder and the changes you’ve seen. Reach out to your loved one’s healthcare professional if your answers point toward a possible addiction. The healthcare professional is an important partner if you decide it’s time to take action. However, because of its high potential for abuse and misuse, it’s only prescribed when other pain medications don’t work or following a surgical procedure.
Many users describe the feeling of Vicodin as euphoric, which increases the risk of abuse and addiction. Anyone taking this medication faces the risk of developing a Vicodin addiction. Many people who are dependent on Vicodin continue to take it just to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, Vicodin dependence can develop into addiction if left untreated. Opioid addiction is characterized by a loss of control over opioid use; people addicted to Vicodin continue to take it even when it wreaks havoc on their personal and professional lives. Vicodin is a prescription pain medication that contains the opioid hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen.