Vicodin® is
a combination of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone belongs to a group of drugs called
narcotic pain relievers.
Vicodin® is
used in the treatment of moderate to severe
pain. Acetaminophen enhances the pain relieving
qualities of the Hydrocodone.
Vicodin® can be habit
forming, both physically and psychologically.
If Vicodin ® is
taken over a long period of time, one may
experience withdrawal syndrome. Take this
medication under close supervision of a
healthcare professional.
Vicodin Uses
Vicodin is a commonly prescribed
opiate painkiller made up of hydrocodone and
paracetamol, which is acetaminophen. Vicodin
is the trademark name for the drug, which is
also marketed under the names Vicodin ES and
Vicodin HP.
Vicodin contains 500 mg of
paracetamol and 5 mg of hydrocodone.
Vicodin
ES contains 750 mg of paracetamol and 7.5
mg of hydrocodone.
Vicodin HP contains 660
mg of paracetamol and 10 mg of hydrocodone.
Vicodin is often prescribed for moderate to
severe pain. It also has antitussive properties,
meaning it helps to suppress chronic coughs.
Other
analgesics with the same chemical composition
and similar appearance are marketed under names
including:
Some of these are made up of a combination of hydrocodone and ibuprofen or aspirin. Adding paracetamol to the formula increases the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone but also discourages abuse. Ingesting too much paracetamol can have life-threatening or fatal consequences.
Vicodin Warnings
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency regulates
drugs including Vicodin, classifying them in
a schedule according to their potential for
dependence and abuse. The Controlled Substances
Act of 1970 puts the federal government in
charge of enforcing drug laws concerning manufacturing,
importing, possession and distribution.
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
has the potential to cause physical or psychological
dependence if abused.
Possible Side Effects of Vicodin
Upset stomach, nausea, constipation, dizziness
and dry mouth are considered among the most
commonly reported side effects. Less
common 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
Because of the hydrocodone,
Vicodin can also depress the central nervous
system. Other side effects, which may attract
some recreational users, include extreme relaxation,
euphoria and drowsiness. Taking more
than 4 grams of acetaminophen in a day can cause
severe liver damage or failure.
Vicodin Withdrawals
Taken as prescribed, Vicodin is useful in
the treatment of pain. Prolonged
use can cause patients to develop a tolerance which requires
them to take more and more to stop the pain.
A tell-tale sign of dependence is a strong
craving for the drug. Once addicted, withdrawal
symptoms can set in and they may include:
muscle and
bone pain
insomnia
restlessness
diarrhea
vomiting
other flu-like symptom
involuntary
leg movements
Overdosing
on Vicodin or other
opiates can be fatal. Kicking an addiction
to opiates can be difficult. Many users delay
treatment because of a fear of withdrawal.
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.
Get
Vicodin Help Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your Vicodin dependency
and get your life back.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
