Hydrocodone is a narcotic (opiate) analgesic used to alleviate moderate to severe pain and is only prescribed in conjunction with other medications. This medication is administered orally (tablet, capsule, syrup or solution) and should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor to limit the habit-forming effects of this drug. Discuss the common side effects of hydrocodone with your doctor so you know how this medication may affect you once you begin treatment.
Stomach Upset
The most common side effect of hydrocodone is stomach upset. After taking a dose of medication that contains hydrocodone, you can experience unpleasant symptoms of nausea or vomiting. Certain patients can also develop difficulty having a bowel movement---a condition known as constipation. These side effects of hydrocodone can range in severity from mild to severe and will progressively subside as this medication wears off. Additional digestive tract side effects of this medication can include a dry or sore throat. Consider eating a small snack before you take a dose of hydrocodone to limit the occurrence of these stomach-related side effects.
Drowsiness
This medication acts in part by depressing the response of your central nervous system. Due to this effect, you can experience unusual drowsiness, fatigue or sedation as a common side effect of hydrocodone. Such sensations can arise shortly after taking a dose of this medication and can have a negative effect on your reaction time or alertness. You may also experience dizziness or lightheadedness due to treatment with a medication that contains hydrocodone. To prevent accident or injury, do not drive or participate in potentially hazardous activities immediately after taking a dose of hydrocodone.
Mood Changes
You can experience abnormal mood changes while taking medication that contains hydrocodone, explain health professionals at Medline Plus, a health information website provided as a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Treatment with this medication can cause you to become unusually happy or sad. These common mood changes can influence your behavior and can lead to additional side effects, including fuzzy thinking or anxiety.
Skin Rash
Treatment with a medication that contains hydrocodone can cause you to develop a skin rash as a common side effect of this medication. If this occurs, you can develop patches of skin across your body that appear red or irritated. Such skin patches may also be dry or itchy, which can cause you to scratch at the affected body region. Speak with your doctor if skin rash side effects persist or worsen with continued hydrocodone use.
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