Hydrocodone is an opiate drug prescribed for pain relief and cough suppression, explains PubMed Health. It is only available in combination with other drugs such as Tylenol. Other hydrocodone combinations exist for the treatment of various disorders. Opiate drugs have the potential of becoming addictive, causing physical dependence. The text "Drug and Alcohol Abuse" explains that dependence is characterized by the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.
Early Symptoms of Withdrawal
The text "Clinical Handbook of Addiction Psychopharmacology" divides withdrawal symptoms for hydrocodone and other opioids into early, middle and late symptoms. Early symptoms represent the start of hyperactivity in the autonomic nervous system's sympathetic division. This is evident in the form of teary eyes, runny nose, sweating and excessive yawning.
Middle Symptoms of Withdrawal
The sympathetic nervous system is known for its ability to rouse an individual in the face of danger--a response that is sometimes called the "fight or flight" reaction. Drug withdrawal causes a progressive increase in sympathetic activity, leading to middle withdrawal symptoms. These include irritability, shakiness, restlessness, insomnia, poor appetite, dilated pupils, chills and goosebumps.
Late Symptoms of Withdrawal
The late withdrawal symptoms from hydrocodone and other opioids include heart palpitations and fast pulse, elevated blood pressure, emotional depression and agitation, muscle spasms, weakness, deep pain of the muscles and/or bones. Additionally, there may be gastrointestinal upset in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
References
- PubMed Health: Hydrocodone
- "Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment (Sixth Edition)"; Marc A. Schuckit; 2006
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
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