This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Vicodin overdose can occur if a person takes too much Vicodin at once or takes it too often, causing it to build up to dangerous levels in their system. The amount of Vicodin that will cause an overdose varies based on a person’s gender, body weight and composition, age and general health. To avoid overdosing, Vicodin should always be taken as prescribed.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Vicodin will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Vicodin is more likely to cause breathing problems in older is vicodin addictive adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated.
Withdrawing Safely from Hydrocodone Use
- Get cost-effective, quality addiction care that truly works.
- Only a medical professional can diagnose a hydrocodone addiction like OUD; however, these signs of hydrocodone addiction may help you or a loved one identify a potential problem and when to seek help.
- This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Your symptoms may return within a few minutes after you receive naloxone.
- It has a relaxing effect because of the way it slows down your central nervous system.
- See also How to Use section for more information about addiction.
Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. For mild withdrawal symptoms, you may receive vitamin B and C supplements to replenish electrolytes. To relieve severe withdrawal symptoms, treatment professionals may employ an opioid agonist such as methadone, buprenorphine or clonidine. Emergency medical services and first responders are often equipped with naloxone, which is a drug that’s sold under the brand name Narcan.
- Accidental ingestion of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen.
- The biggest danger from detoxing from Vicodin and other pain medication takes place when someone decides to start taking the drug again.
- Accidental ingestion of hydrocodone can result in a fatal overdose, especially in children.
- If prolonged opioid use is necessary during pregnancy, advise patient of potential risk of life-threatening neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure appropriate treatment will be available.
- More severe effects of withdrawal, such as abdominal cramping, are more likely to occur in people addicted to hydrocodone than in frequent users who are not addicted.
- Some people may misuse Vicodin for the euphoric feeling it can cause.
- This may cause serious problems, including overdose and death.
For healthcare professionals
Vicodin is one of the most frequently prescribed pain medications in the United States. It combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive opioid, making Vicodin likely to be abused if used other than prescribed. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other opioids (such as benzhydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, codeine); or if you have any other allergies. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. If you are taking the syrup, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not drug addiction use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to check or measure the dose. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term once you reach your maintenance dose.
