Vicodin Overview

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is commonly prescribed by physicians to be taken as needed for pain. In the United States, this drug is regulated and marked as a Schedule III drug, a classification that signifies that the federal government is aware that Vicodin can cause physical and mental dependence. This medication should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to either hydrocodone or acetaminophen, since Vicodin contains both ingredients. Never take this medication if it was prescribed for someone else, nor share it with others if it is your prescription. It is essential to keep Vicodin out of the hands of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If while you are taking this drug you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Vicodin Administered?

Vicodin comes in tablet form. Read the entire label before taking this drug. If you are unsure of your dosage or how often you should take it, do not guess. Call your pharmacist or doctor to confirm exactly how much Vicodin you should take. Vicodin should be taken orally without food and is more effective if it is taken before your pain becomes intense. In the event that you have been taking Vicodin for a long period of time, stopping this drug or lowering the dose may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms. Some people find that they become tolerant of this medication after continuous use. If your prescription is no longer managing your pain, your doctor may need to adjust your dose.

What Drug Interactions Should I Avoid When Taking Vicodin?

A number of drugs should be avoided while you are on an opiate-based prescription like Vicodin because the two will interact negatively, cause one or the other not to work correctly or cancel each other out. For example, naltrexone should not be taken with your Vicodin prescription. Your doctor should have your complete medical history and know all other prescription drugs you are taking before you start Vicodin for pain management. Anti-seizure drugs, antihistamines, MAO inhibitors, and other painkillers should be reported to your healthcare professional, along with any other medication that could result in drowsiness.

You should not take any other medications, prescription or over the counter, that may contain acetaminophen with your Vicodin. Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage and/or an overdose that could become dangerous. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period to reduce the chance of toxicity.

What are the Side Effects of Vicodin?

It is impossible to know how Vicodin may affect you. However, some common side effects are:

Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Drastic mental or mood changes
Flushing of the skin
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Vision changes

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and they suddenly become more intense, notify your doctor about these changes. A very few individuals may have more serious side effects such as slow or irregular heartbeat, slow or labored breathing, or changes in the volume of urine production. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these ailments.

What Else Should I Know When Taking Vicodin?

Only your doctor can tell you if Vicodin will be safe for you to use. It is generally cautioned against in patients that have a history of respiratory depression, severe diarrhea, liver disease or kidney disease. Other illnesses should also be reported to your doctor before taking Vicodin such as heart problems, stomach problems, lung disease, seizure disorders or severe injury to the brain. For patients who have had difficulty urinating or have had any dependency on drugs or alcohol in the past, it is important to notify your physician.

This medication should not be kept in the bathroom for storage. The extreme temperature changes may reduce the effectiveness of Vicodin.

How Does Meditox Treat Vicodin Addiction?

Vicodin addiction is treated at Meditox with the medications, Suboxone and Subutex Detox. These prescriptions will replace your Vicodin prescription immediately and prevent you from experiencing a Vicodin detox and all the Vicodin withdrawal symptoms that go with it. Suboxone and Subutex have both been approved by the FDA for the sole purpose of treating adults who are addicted to opioids. When used as directed, they also provide a shorter detox experience, helping you get back to a drug-free life as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about Vicodin addiction or would like to schedule an appointment, call Meditox today.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

Drugs.com: Vicodin Information
Wikipedia: Vicodin Information

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August 11, 2006

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