Vicodin is a narcotic drug that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of pain and in some cases persistent coughing. It is only available legally by prescription in the United States, but has become one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. It has become much easier for chronic abusers to obtain, and it is now commonly found on the streets.
Vicodin is composed of acetaminophen (an analgesic) and hydrocodone (a narcotic). When combined, these two different types of pain relievers increase the effects of the hydrocodone, which makes the overall pain-relieving properties of Vicodin particularly powerful.
If you or someone you know is given a prescription for Vicodin, you should be aware that this drug can be highly addictive. You should also keep in mind that it is very dangerous to take Vicodin that has been prescribed to someone else.
There is a wide variety of side effects that are commonly associated with the use of Vicodin. Some of them include the following:
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion or unusual thoughts
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach
Though Vicodin is a commonly abused drug, many people who are addicted to opiates prefer to use other drugs that do not also contain acetaminophen. The reason for this is that acetaminophen is extremely dangerous in large doses because it can be toxic for the liver. Still, a surprising number of people develop dependencies on this drug every year, many of them through legitimate means.
Because it is so easy to develop a physical dependency to this drug, it is important that you know the warning signs to look for that will alert you to a growing dependence or addiction.
• Muscle or bone pain
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• Going to a variety of different doctors to obtain more prescriptions
• Feeling the need to take increasingly larger doses of Vicodin in order to experience any relief
You may be at increased risk of developing an addiction to Vicodin if you have a previous history of addiction problems. Those who suffer from some form of mental illness might also be at increased risk of developing an addiction to this drug, so make sure you discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting to use Vicodin legitimately.
The chronic abuse of Vicodin can lead to breathing difficulties, extreme drowsiness, coma, and death. There are, however, some warning signs and symptoms you can look for that will alert you to seek medical attention right away. If you have clammy skin or a decreased heart rate, in addition to any of the symptoms listed previously, you should seek medical assistance immediately.
For non-emergency situations, consider seeking the help of a substance abuse professional to help break your addiction or dependency to Vicodin. Obtaining help from a qualified professional is much safer than trying to stop your drug use on your own. It will also give you a greater likelihood of success.