Along with taking high doses of Vicodin, other things can cause an overdose. One of the primary reasons people overdose on prescription drugs is because they mix them with other substances. The hydrocodone in Vicodin is a central nervous system depressant. When someone uses another central nervous system depressant at the same time, serious effects could occur.
Costs of Vicodin
Even if they are aware of the dangers, they disregard them, prioritizing the immediate sensations the drug provides. After some time, the patient’s body increases its tolerance to hydrocodone. That means that the body adapts its receptors to be less sensitive to the drug molecules. As a result, the current hydrocodone amounts in the Vicodin doses are no longer sufficient to relieve pain. Vicodin is a highly addictive drug because of its powerful pain-relieving effects. Once taken internally, it stops the brain from transmitting signals related to pain, and at the same time, ups the person’s dopamine levels to make him or her feel euphoric.
Vicodin Detox
- Therefore, it is challenging to set the timeline for withdrawal exactly.
- For example, someone who regularly abuses Vicodin may experience problems with their relationships or legal and financial problems.
- Vicodin is a highly addictive drug because of its powerful pain-relieving effects.
- When used as directed, hydrocodone can effectively alleviate pain.
- Vicodin, with the help of Hydrocodone, takes it a step further by stimulating endorphin production in the brain, which in turn produces dopamine.
This is especially the case if the person has been using Vicodin for a long time, is abusing other drugs, or has a concurrent mental health condition. People who are addicted to opioids still may hold down jobs and seem stable at work and home. But over time, the opioid use disorder is likely to lead to serious problems. When addicted to a drug, a person will continue to use the drug even when it makes life worse. When someone stops using Vicodin abruptly, they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours following the last dose.
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids during an emergency if you stop breathing. Narcan and Revive are naloxone nasal sprays you can buy without a prescription. It’s important that your family members know how to use naloxone. Your healthcare professional may prescribe opioids to help you get through a few days of severe pain after surgery or a serious injury. Opioid medicines also can play an important role in treating pain from cancer. Rarely, opioids may be used to treat long-term pain that’s not caused by cancer when other treatments have not worked.
- This is especially after one has stopped taking drugs and because of the high addiction potential.
- The symptoms may include restlessness, joint pain, increased heartbeat, sleeping problems and anxiety.
- Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.
- While it is effective when used properly, misusing Vicodin can be harmful.
- Vicodin is a combination of two medicines, Paracetamol and Hydrocodone.
The public perception of addiction is changing, and more people understand that it is a disease and not a choice. Seeking medical assistance for a substance use disorder can help you avoid a lifetime of health problems. Addiction Resource https://ecosoberhouse.com/ does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
Vicodin Dosage
Genetic, psychological and environmental factors also play a role in addiction, which can happen quickly or after many years of opioid use. While hydrocodone is typically taken orally, some who abuse the drug crush the pills and either snort or inject the powder. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. Someone who is using Vicodin, especially high doses, will at first seem euphoric.
Misusers can quickly become dependent on it, paving the way for addiction to develop. If an individual feels that Vicodin is essential to function during everyday life, an addiction may have developed. Although Vicodin has a legitimate medical purpose, the prescription narcotic is dangerous to those who vicodin addiction may take it for the euphoric high it can provide. If you find yourself having difficulty during your taper, support from others can be very helpful. If you and your healthcare professional think you have an opioid use disorder, voluntary groups such as Narcotics Anonymous are structured support groups.
Talk to your doctor
As you seek out more of a substance, it may lead to taking dangerously harmful doses or mixing substances that can be life-threatening complications like overdose. Withdrawal symptoms range in severity based on the type of substance and tolerance. For some substances, like opioids, the withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they create significant motivation to continue using them. You can reduce your risk of dangerous side effects by following your doctor’s instructions carefully and taking your medicine as prescribed. Make sure your doctor knows all of the other medicines and supplements you’re taking. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of using opioids for pain relief.
What are controlled substances?
If the price of Vicodin on your health plan is too expensive, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is an equivalent drug you can substitute. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about other uses of this medication. Zohydro was the first purely hydrocodone medication approved by the FDA in 2013. The agency approved the medication against the advice of its scientific advisory board, which voted 11-2 to deny Zohydro’s approval. The addition of acetaminophen is thought to lower hydrocodone’s risk of abuse, causing many to question the FDA’s decision to approve Zohydro. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
