Author: Alex Thompson

Vicodin Withdrawal: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Symptoms of Vicodin overdose include chest pain, bloody urine, trouble breathing, extreme drowsiness and changes in consciousness. If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. How long it takes to taper off your medicine depends on the type and dose of the opioid you’ve been taking and how long you’ve been taking it.

Outpatient treatment programs typically require you to attend a treatment center for 10 to 12 hours a week. These programs provide one-on-one counseling sessions, group therapy, and other activities to help you recover from addiction. You will have 24-7 access to medical care and emotional support. Hydrocodone addiction may be difficult to overcome, but with the right support, it is possible. There are many treatment options available to help you achieve recovery and remission.

Maybe you’ve seen changes in your loved one’s moods or behavior. Or maybe you have a feeling that your loved one is misusing opioids, even if you’re not sure. If you’re right, speaking up could save the life of someone dear to you. Let your doctor know that you will be withdrawing so that you can talk about any medications that may be helpful for treating possible side effects. The timeline of Vicodin or any opioid withdrawal will depend on the level of addiction, genetics, and tolerance. It’s recommended that you undergo substance abuse treatment at a qualified treatment facility.

Once you develop a Vicodin dependence, quitting or cutting back suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. While it is effective when used properly, misusing Vicodin can be harmful. It can lead to physical problems such as stomach pain and mental health issues that can linger for years. If you are addicted to Vicodin or think you might be, seek professional treatment. You may be tempted to take more opioid medicine than your taper recommends.

People addicted to Vicodin may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include mild effects such as yawning and a runny nose. But they can also include more serious symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. If you feel the need to manage withdrawal symptoms, talk to your healthcare team right away. Ongoing use of the medication can cause physical dependence, increased tolerance, and an increased risk of addiction. It’s a prescription opioid that can lead to physical dependence which, in some cases, may lead to addiction.

They can also provide you with other medications for vomiting and diarrhea to make the process less uncomfortable. Most Vicodin overdose deaths happen for people who have recently gone through detox and withdrawal. Overdose can occur even at a much smaller dose than previously taken.

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment Options

Together you can create a plan to stop opioids slowly, called a taper. Tapering means slowly lowering over time the amount of opioid medicine you take until you stop completely. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, speak with a medical professional about your treatment options. If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, a medical detox can help you manage these symptoms. Hydrocodone addiction can cause serious physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.

Even when taken at recommended doses, Vicodin can result in addiction. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of prescription painkillers because their brains have not yet fully developed. As your tolerance grows, so does your risk for hydrocodone addiction. People addicted to Vicodin compulsively use the drug despite knowing the consequences, often sacrificing their health, responsibilities and relationships.

1. All opiate-based drugs can become habit-forming and cause physical dependence.
2. Some people enjoy these effects so much that they begin to crave hydrocodone and use it to cope with everyday stresses.
3. Do not share your pills with others because this can cause them to experience an overdose or develop addiction.
4. They can recommend one of several regimens used to help with the detoxification process.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, up to half of your risk of developing an addiction is genetic. If you have a family member who has experienced addiction, you are more likely to experience it, too. If you find yourself taking hydrocodone for longer than prescribed or taking it in larger doses despite any negative consequences, you may have an addiction. Your doctor may have you reduce your use slowly rather than stopping it suddenly.

Physical and behavioral symptoms

Follow all instructions about how to manage your withdrawal symptoms. Peer pressure and lack of social support also increase the risk of addiction. If you’re wondering whether you’re addicted to hydrocodone, you’re not alone.

Addiction is characterized by an inability to stop using a drug, despite harmful consequences to your life and overall health. Many people with addiction take more hydrocodone than prescribed and may become hyper-focused on using the drug. Physical dependence is characterized by the body adapting to the drug over time, requiring more of it to achieve desired effects. This can occur even when you take the medication exactly as prescribed. Tolerance to the drug can develop quickly — in some cases, within a week. You may feel you need to take increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects you felt when you first started the medication.

You can dispose of unused or expired medications at a medicine take-back event. These symptoms include itching, vomiting and swelling of the face, mouth and throat. If you experience an allergic reaction to Vicodin, call your physician or 911 immediately. A few examples are ice or heat therapy, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and nerve stimulation.

Treating Vicodin Addiction

The length of the withdrawal process and the severity of the symptoms will vary from individual to individual. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin six to 30 hours after the last use of the drug. Most people get through the most uncomfortable symptoms within a few days or a week. When you quit taking Vicodin, you may experience feelings of irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. Even people who take Vicodin exactly as prescribed for pain while recovering from injury or surgery can experience withdrawal. And do not stop or change a dosing regimen without first discussing it with your doctor.

When used correctly and for only a short period, hydrocodone is usually safe and effective. Hydrocodone is an opioid in a class of drugs known as narcotic analgesics. These drugs connect to proteins in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors. Signs of opioid abuse may be hard to see clearly, especially in someone you love. Even if you withdraw at home, you should enlist the support and help of trusted loved ones, friends, or family. Make sure that someone checks in on you each day and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Inpatient or residential recovery treatment programs require you to live in a rehab facility for a certain number of days. It’s typically anywhere from 15 days to several months, depending on your needs. If you think you can’t quit on your own, there are many programs available to help you. Some of these programs use medications to help ease withdrawal, while others don’t. The best approach for you will depend greatly on the nature of your addiction. This can include using clonidine to reduce anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and cramping.