Opiates are drugs that possess analgesic and pain-reducing properties. Vicodin, also known as hydrocodone, is popular both as a prescribed painkiller and illegally abused recreation drug. Opioids work by attaching onto spinal-cord and brain-opioid receptors to reduce pain sensations, produce euphoria and create pleasurable feelings. Chronic use or misuse of Vicodin will increase risk of addiction, tolerance and dependency.
Adverse SIde Effects
Vicodin can produce many side effects, such as drowsiness, constipation and gastrointestinal problems. Patients have been known to report adverse effects like jaundice, clay-colored stools and dark urine. Seizures, abnormal behaviors, fear, anxiety, respiratory depression and even death can occur. Avoid taking Vicodin with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, antihistamines, barbiturates and alcohol.
WIthdrawal Effects
Vicodin addiction can cause withdrawal side effects if the drug is stopped abruptly. Common effects of withdrawal include body pain, fatigue and headaches. The symptoms are managed by over-the-counter pain drugs and reducing or eliminating external stimuli, such as light and noise. Withdrawal from Vicodin usually lasts for several days although psychological and mental issues will require long-term counseling and therapeutic interventions. To avoid withdrawal from occurring, patients are placed on dose-tapering schedules over a period of time.
Addiction Treatment
Vicodin addiction can be treated with specific medications delivered in regulated treatment centers under the supervision of medical professionals. Common drugs used are methadone, naltrexone and Buprenorphine. An article published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 2006 cited a national, multiple-center clinical trial showing that buprenorphine decreased symptoms of cravings and abuse behaviors in opiate addicts and is an effective and relatively safe treatment protocol.
