Hydrocodone Side Effects
Learn more about the hydrocodone side effects, hydrocodone timeline, and how to properly begin to recover from addiction...
What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is an opioid prescription drug most commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. The drug is also an antitussive that can be used as a cough suppressant. Hydrocodone is typically found in the form of a tablet, capsule, or syrup. Hydrocodone can be found in both brand name and generic form, it is most commonly recognized by its brand names Vicodin and Lortab. It is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States, as well as one of the most commonly abused opioid drugs. Due to hydrocodone's high rates of abuse and diversion, as well as its high potential for addiction, hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Individuals who abuse hydrocodone typically crush the pill and take it orally as a mean to experience the effects of the drug quicker.
Did You Know?
- According to the International Narcotics Control Board, majority of hydrocodone prescribing occurs in the United States. According to reports, 99% of the world's supply of hydrocodone was consumed in the United States.
- According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid drug in the U.S. and has been linked to higher rates of drug abuse and diversion than any other legal or illegal drug in the class of opioids.
Hydrocodone Side Effects
Similar to the effects of other opioid drugs, hydrocodone has an effect on the brain that produces feelings of euphoria and alters one's perception of pain. The not-so-pleasant side effects of hydrocodone include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Respiratory issues
- Constipation
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Headache
- Numbness
Long term use of this drug can cause lead to dependence and addiction. Addicts commonly experience negative mental and physical health effects, legal troubles, financial difficulties, issues at home, work and/or school and issues in interpersonal relationships.
Hydrocodone Detox Timeline
When detoxing from hydrocodone, the body has to adjust to no longer having the drug in its system. Therefore, the hydrocodone detox timeline will vary from person to person and is typically contingent upon the amount used and severity of an individual's addiction. Withdrawal symptoms start within 6 to 12 hours after the effects begin to wear off. Symptoms typically peak around 72 hours and can last anywhere from 7 to 30 days, or even longer in some instances. Depending on the individual, some will experience some drug cravings and psychological withdrawal symptoms for 30 or more days if not treated properly. That's why it is very important to enroll in a medically supervised detox treatment program when making the decision to abstain from using hydrocodone. A medically supervised detox provides individuals with the opportunity to safely detox and effectively manage the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Attempting to quit using hydrocodone cold turkey, after heavy or prolonged use, can be very dangerous and lead to potential life-threatening health complications.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals who use hydrocodone over an extended period of time tend to experience symptoms of withdrawal when use of the drug has been significantly reduced or stopped. Common symptoms associated with hydrocodone withdrawal includes:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Runny nose
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Extreme cravings
- Headaches
- Muscle and body aches
- Goosebumps and chills
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Suicidal ideation
- Abnormal heart rate
- Abdominal cramping
- Irritability and agitation
- Inability to feel or experience pleasure
Get Started with Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Today!
If you or your loved one are suffering from a hydrocodone abuse problem, the right treatment centers can help you recover your life from the negative effects of hydrocodone abuse. They provide comprehensive treatment services dedicated to helping clients successfully overcome their addiction. Call Drug Treatment Centers Doylestown today at 215-383-2668 to get help finding treatment centers.
Sources:
https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/drug_data_sheets/Hydrocodone.pdf
https://books.google.com/books?id=7iDhYnsYaocC&pg=PA20#v=onepage&q&f=false