fb pixel
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Vicodin Warnings, Side Effects, Withdrawal and Addiction.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin contains a combination of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Hydrocodone belongs to a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers, and it is also an opioid.  Additionally, it’s effective for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. At the same time, acetaminophen is a weaker pain reliever that enhances the pain-relieving qualities of Hydrocodone.

Brand Names:

  • Zydone
  • Vicodin ES
  • Vicodin HP
  • Lortab
  • Lorcet
  • Lorcet Plus
  • Norco
  • Vicodin
  • Hysingla ER
  • Vantrela ER
  • Zohydro ER

Availability

Vicodin drugs are available in tablets, capsules, and liquid form. Among the many brands, acetaminophen dose can range between 300 and 750 mg, and the hydrocodone dose between 2.5 and 10 mg. In fact, this medication was recently reformulated for safer usage. The new formulation has a reduction of the acetaminophen component of 300 mg. However, some generic formulations may still contain the old dosages of 500 and 750 mg.

Speak Confidentially

with an opiate detox treatment expert.

Vicodin Warnings

Opioid drugs can be habit-forming, both physically and psychologically. If this medication class is taken over an extended period, it can become habit-forming, even at regular doses. Henceforth, once dependency occurs, one may have difficulty discontinuing the use and experiencing a withdrawal syndrome.

Also, a patient must never share his or her opioid prescription with another person. Misuse of opioid drugs can cause dependency, addiction, overdose, or even death, especially in a child or someone without a medical prescription. Furthermore, too much acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Please seek immediate medical attention if you feel nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, or appetite loss. Besides, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice can also be signs of liver issues. Certainly, you should take this medication under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.

Read more

Before you take Vicodin, let your treating physician know if you have:

  • Liver disease or cirrhosis.
  • If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages daily.
  • History of substance abuse.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease or obstruction and severe constipation
  • Kidney disease.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • A history of head injury, brain tumor, or stroke.
  • Breathing disorders (Asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other pulmonary issues)
  • If you use sedatives such as Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency regulates drugs, classifying them in a schedule according to their potential for dependence and abuse. Significantly, The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 puts the federal government in charge of enforcing drug laws concerning manufacturing, importing, possession, and distribution.

Hence, federal and state entities are responsible for punishing those who break laws concerning drugs. Vicodin is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. According to the U.S. government, the classification means Vicodin can cause physical or psychological dependence if abused.

Vicodin Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth are among the most commonly reported side effects. Additionally, other side effects include: 

  • allergic reaction
  • clammy skin
  • seizures
  • extreme weakness
  • unconsciousness
  • jaundice
  • bleeding
  • bruising
  • decreased appetite
  • hot flashes
  • rash
  • itching
  • swelling
  • hearing loss
  • decreased sex drive
  • muscle twitches
  • hearing loss

 Keep in mind this list is not complete because other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products may also interact with acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Read more.

Vicodin Withdrawals

Taken as prescribed, Vicodin is beneficial in the treatment of pain. At the same time, prolonged use can cause patients to develop a tolerance that requires them to take more and more to stop the pain. A tell-tale sign of dependence is an intense craving for the drug. Once a patient becomes physically dependent, the discontinuation of an opioid analgesic can cause very uncomfortable withdrawals.

Some of the most common Vicodin withdrawal symptoms are:

  • muscle and bone pain
  • insomnia
  • restlessness
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • Other flu-like symptoms
  • involuntary leg movements

Overdosing on Vicodin or other opiates can be fatal. Also, coming off, opioids can be very difficult. Consequently, many users delay treatment because of a fear of withdrawal.

Read more.

Vicodin Detox Treatment

Numerous treatment options are available on an in-patient or out-patient basis. They include hospital-based detoxification, rehabilitation, faith or therapy-based programs, and rapid drug detox. Waismann Method offers opiate treatment for Vicodin addiction through a medical detox and rapid anesthesia detox.

Understanding the detoxification process and the differences between treatment centers is a vital step in achieving success. Therefore, the Waismann Method® has been considered the best and safest Opioid Treatment Program and the Rapid Detox Center for nearly 20 years. Moreover, its reputation for providing superior care and excellent outcomes is world-renowned. Thousands of patients have traveled to California to receive the Waismann Treatment.

What's New at Waismann Method®