Hydrocodone 7.5 is an opiate-type pain reliever approved for mild-to-moderate pain relief. It is most commonly used in combination with acetaminophen. Several strengths of hydrocodone are available in tablet form, including 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg. As with all narcotic medications, hydrocodone may cause a number of common side effects, some of which may be serious.
Nausea
Nausea is the most common side effect of many medications, particularly opiate-type pain relievers, such as hydrocodone. Some patients experience mild nausea which will subside with continued use. Other patients may experience more severe nausea, accompanied by vomiting. Taking the medication with food may lessen this side effect. Long-term use of hydrocodone may also result in constipation. This side effect will not usually decrease over time and may require the use of a laxative to relieve the symptom.
Light-headedness
A feeling of light-headedness, along with dizziness and drowsiness are commonly reported side effects of hydrocodone. Most patients will experience some relief of these symptoms by lying down. In addition, many patients will become used to the medication and the effects will decrease in severity over time. More serious changes in mental status may include inability to wake, fainting and slowed or shallow breathing. These more severe effects may indicate overdose and warrant emergency medical treatment.
Cognitive Impairment
Some patients taking hydrocodone will experience changes in thought process, such as confusion or foggy thinking. Others may report symptoms of anxiety and irritability, along with insomnia. Most symptoms affecting cognitive process will lessen as the patient become used to the medication, however some will experience depression with continued use. Serious changes in thought processes or cognitive functioning should be reported to a physician as discontinuation of hydrocodone may be warranted.
Addiction and Abuse
All opiate medications, including hydrocodone may include the potential for abuse and addiction. Hydrocodone is a highly controlled substance and should be taken only as prescribed by a physician. Patients who take hydrocodone for the treatment of long-term conditions, such as chronic pain may become physically dependent to the medication. If hydrocodone is discontinued, symptoms of withdrawal may result including anxiety, flu-like condition, sweating and diarrhea. Patients who take too much hydrocodone may experience symptoms of overdose including sedation, unconsciousness, respiratory depression and even death. Symptoms of withdrawal or overdose should be reported to a physician and may warrant immediate emergency treatment.
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