Hydrocodone is a prescription narcotic medication used to treat patients with moderate to severe pain or cough symptoms. This medication is part of a class of drugs called opiates and works by interfering with the brain's response to pain. Use of hydrocodone can be habit-forming and may cause withdrawal symptoms in certain patients once treatment ends. Before using hydrocodone, patients should discuss the potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms of this medication with a medical professional.
Restlessness or Insomnia
After ending treatment with hydrocodone, patients can experience unusual sensations of restlessness, irritability or panic as symptoms of withdrawal. These sensations typically arise within 12 to 24 hours after taking the last dose of hydrocodone. Restlessness or anxiety can interfere with a patient's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night, a withdrawal complication called insomnia. Increased fatigue and mood-related changes can negatively affect a patient's work, social or familial relationships.
Flu-like Symptoms
Shortly after treatment with hydrocodone ends, patients can develop flu-like withdrawal symptoms. These flu-like symptoms can include muscle aches, sweating, chills or decreased appetite. Though these flu-like symptoms progressively subside over time, patients may continue to experience these withdrawal symptoms for several weeks after taking their final dose of hydrocodone.
Stomach Upset
During hydrocodone withdrawal, patients can experience stomach upset symptoms. Stomach upset symptoms can include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Patients who experience diarrhea may also develop abdominal cramping, pain or bloating. These withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable but will progressively subside within a few days or weeks.
Muscle Spasms
Patients can experience unusual muscle spasms as a symptom of hydrocodone withdrawal. Affected patients may exhibit abnormal twitching of the legs during withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms are temporary and will resolve within a few days after termination of hydrocodone treatment.
Member Comments