Hydrocodone is used for cough suppression and pain-relief, explains "The Encyclopedia of Addictive Drugs." It is an opioid drug with highly sedative effects and is estimated to be two to eight times more potent than codeine. The text "Neurobiology of Addiction" explains that taking hydrocodone over a long period of time may result in physical dependence. This means that when the drug is discontinued, withdrawal symptoms may begin to appear.
Emotional Symptoms
Hydrocodone and other opioid drugs become addictive in part because they have the ability to make the user feel good. The text "Molecular Neuropharmacology" explains that these positive experiences are paired with drug-taking behavior, thus reinforcing the behavior. Withdrawal from hydrocodone can cause mood swings and emotional depression.
Early Physical Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of many different types of drugs, including hydrocodone, are partly due to an increase in excitability of sympathetic nervous system neurons. The "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology" describes the initial symptoms as relatively mild; they include sweating, tearing of the eyes, runny nose and excessive yawning.
Late Physical Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms become progressively uncomfortable and severe as the sympathetic nervous system causes levels of adrenaline to increase within the body. As withdrawal continues, symptoms include racing heart, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, inability to concentrate, insomnia, pupil dilation, elevated blood pressure, chills, muscle spasms, and painful sensations. The "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology" adds that the symptoms felt at the onset of withdrawal may feel worse during late withdrawal. The text "Essential Pscyhopharmacology" cites the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms as a frequent cause for relapse in patients trying to overcome opiate addictions.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Addictive Drug"; Richard Lawrence Miller; 2002
- "Neurobiology of Addiction"; George F. Koob and Michel Le Moal; 2006
- "Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (Second Edition)"; Eric J. Nestler et al.; 2009
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
- "Essential Psychopharmacology (2nd Edition)"; Stephen Stahl; 2002
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