Vicodin: 7 things you should know

If you’ve successfully tapered off opioid medicine in the past, taking opioids for a brief time — with guidance from your healthcare professional — may be OK. But ask about all nonopioid pain medicine options to treat your pain, including the benefits and risks. Your healthcare professional may recommend that you have naloxone available to lower your risk of an overdose. 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.

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They can recommend one of several regimens used to help with the detoxification process. The withdrawal process reduces your tolerance for the drug, so if you return to taking Vicodin at the level you previously took it, you have a high risk of overdose. Some medicines can interact with hydrocodone and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Ongoing Treatment for Vicodin Addiction

Quitting cold turkey is also not guaranteed to be successful and increases the chance of setbacks. When an addiction to Vicodin forms, it is highly recommended to seek help from an accredited vicodin addiction facility or work with a medical professional. Most people believe they can ease themselves off the drug on their own, but this is not the safest way to clear the body of Vicodin.

• While hydrocodone is the addictive component of this pill, acetaminophen has resulted in serious liver damage at high dosages.
• Over time, a person may also develop a physiological dependence on Vicodin, in which their body adapts to the presence of Vicodin.
• Vicodin is a combination of two pain relievers; acetaminophen (commonly known by the trade name Tylenol) and hydrocodone (synthetic codeine).
• The combination of Vicodin and alcohol is particularly dangerous because both substances can damage the liver.
• MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

More about Vicodin (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)

Many individuals with a substance use disorder do not seek professional assistance. And the most effective way to overcome Vicodin abuse is to seek rehab for opioid addiction. Do not share your pills with others because this can cause them to experience an overdose or develop addiction. People addicted to Vicodin may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.

Vicodin Withdrawal Timeline

Signs of opioid abuse may be hard to see clearly, especially in someone you love. Once he is back at home, he will need to have the life skills demanded by the twists and turns of life. Once he has these skills securely in hand, he will know how to stay sober when there is an obstacle or setback in life. While Hydrocodone is typically taken orally, some who abuse the drug crush the pills and either snort or inject the powder.

Opioids are usually safe and effective when taken as prescribed for short periods. However, they can easily lead to physical and psychological dependence when taken in increasing amounts for longer periods. Depending on how much and for how long you have been taking Vicodin, the withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Even people who take Vicodin exactly as prescribed for pain while recovering from injury or surgery can experience withdrawal.

Physical dependence is characterized by the body adapting to the drug over time, requiring more of it to achieve desired effects. This can occur even when you take the medication exactly as prescribed. And do not stop or change a dosing regimen without first discussing it with your doctor. If you are prescribed the medication, be sure to follow the directions on the label. Taking it too much or too often can lead to overdose, dependence or addiction.

Your loved one also is at greater risk of opioid use disorder if they get opioids without a prescription. And using opioids illegally https://ecosoberhouse.com/ increases the risk of drug-related death. Illegal drugs taken without a prescription may include substances that could be deadly.

There are options for pain management beyond the use of prescription opioids. Hydrocodone is also available in combination with other ingredients prescribed for different uses. Hydrocodone combination products are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain.