What Are Vicodin Side Effects?

The abuse of painkiller medications like Vicodin has become an alarming problem in today’s society. Though narcotic analgesics can offer effective short-term pain relief following injuries or surgical procedures, trouble can arise with little warning when extended use occurs. Vicodin side effects can put users at extreme risk for health problems, including accidental overdose and death, so professional help is recommended to anyone who struggles with this type of addiction.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a narcotic pain reliever made from a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid medication, and opioids are sometimes called narcotics. By adding acetaminophen–a milder type of pain reliever–to the hydrocodone, the effects of the hydrocodone actually increase.

Though Vicodin is considered an effective form of pain relief when taken in small, managed doses as prescribed, users should take caution. It can be habit-forming even when taken in regular doses, which is a fact that means users are at risk for dependency and inevitable addiction. Also, tolerance can develop after a period of regular or heavy usage, requiring the user to take more in order to feel the drug’s effects.

Overall, Vicodin is a high-risk drug that should only be taken for a short period of time while following a physician’s exact directions. It should never be shared with others, and users should never mix it with alcohol to avoid potentially lethal results.

Vicodin Side Effects

Many people who are addicted to this drug are naive to the true possible side effects of Vicodin abuse.

Minor Vicodin side effects include drowsiness and feelings of increased relaxation. Other, more serious Vicodin side effects, however, can be cause enough to warrant medical attention followed by professional addiction treatment services.

• Some serious Vicodin side effects include:
• Tightness in the chest
• Sores/ulcers/white spots that appear in the mouth or on the lips
• Severe and lingering stomach pain
• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or in areas surrounding the eyes, face, tongue, or lips
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Painful or difficult urination

Users who experience symptoms such as bloody or cloudy urine, going in and out of consciousness, or chest pain or discomfort should seek immediate medical help, as these could indicate an overdose has occurred.

Quitting Vicodin

As with most drugs, suddenly ceasing to use or cutting Vicodin dosage by half or more can cause the user’s body to spin out of control. The body gets accustomed to receiving the drug, and it starts to believe it needs the substance to function properly. When usage stops or drops, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can begin, particularly after long-term or heavy use.

If you are ready to quit abusing Vicodin or some other mind-altering drug, Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, has the type of quality and compassionate treatment programs you need to truly knock out your addiction. Addiction is defined as a chronic and relapsing disease, so there is no shame in needing help. After all, don’t sick people seek medical care for their ailments? Addiction and recovery should be addressed with the same careful approach.

A few of the programs we offer at our JCAHO accredited facility include:

• Detox referrals, performed off-site
• Inpatient
• Outpatient rehab
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment.

Help for Vicodin Side Effects and Addiction is Available Now

You don’t have to wait to receive the quality rehab treatment that you need to overcome Vicodin addiction. The medical professionals and therapists at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, are ready and eager to get you started on the path to long-term successful sobriety. If you are ready to take this crucial first step towards your recovery, call 8666050532.