The U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of Diversion Control note that in 2008, hydrocodone was the most prescribed opiate in the United States. Hydrocodone treats moderate to severe pain and acts as a cough suppressant. When people take hydrocodone for non-medical purposes, they can develop a physical dependence. If they stop taking hydrocodone, they can have withdrawal symptoms.
Cravings
When hydrocodone users stop using the drug, their bodies react. With the physical dependence, people need the drug to function. Pharmacist Kristi Monson and Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, authors of the eMedTV article “Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms,” say that as a result, users have cravings for the drug. Some users may give in to those cravings and start using the drug again.
Anxiety
Monson and Schoenstadt note that during hydrocodone withdrawal, users can develop anxiety. For example, they may have panic attacks, in which they have sudden uncontrolled worry. The anxiety can limit users' activities. If a person becomes anxious about driving, she may not get behind the wheel during a panic attack. Some people may become irritable when anxious. Physical symptoms such as sweating and shaking can occur with the anxiety.
Pain
According to San Diego Miramar College, stopping hydrocodone use can result in pain in the muscles and bones. Both types of pain can make it difficult to move. If the pain occurs in the legs, users may have trouble walking. Muscle or bone pain in the arm can restrict lifting. Some users may have involuntary leg movements during the withdrawal, which may exacerbate the muscle or bone pain.
Feeling Ill
People may feel physical ill when going through hydrocodone withdrawal. San Diego Miramar College says that users may have chills and cold flashes, which can result in goosebumps. Gastrointestinal symptoms can occur, such as diarrhea. Users may have nausea and vomiting. A loss of appetite may occur with hydrocodone withdrawal. Other symptoms that make users feel ill include runny nose and watery eyes.
Problems Sleeping
Hydrocodone withdrawal can interfere with sleep. Monson and Schoenstadt note that users can have insomnia, which causes people not to get enough sleep at night. Restlessness caused by withdrawal can contribute to the sleeping problems. Insomnia can lead to fatigue during the day.
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