Vicodin addiction is a common problem that affects hundreds of people in America. Here are the side effects and signs and symptoms of addiction to Vicodin.
One of the biggest problem affecting the substance abuse community is Vicodin addiction. More and more people in America are misusing this prescription drug. Vicodin is actually a tablet which is said to relieve a person from pain, no matter how severe it is. It is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, and both of these help in relieving pain. Sometimes, in order to get rid of severe pain, doctors often ask the patient to take this drug. Addiction starts when the person misuses it, which means that the person takes the medicine without any sort of authorization.
This is a mood-altering drug, which people usually take just for pleasure, as it makes them feel happier. Some misuse the drug once they realize it effectiveness in dealing with pain, by taking it for even minor bouts of manageable pain. In many cases, people with domestic issues have turned to Vicodin to escape from depression. For those who have been prescribed this medication, it is very important for them to understand the signs and symptoms of addiction, as the withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin can be devastating.
Symptoms
These signs may vary from one person to another, and this often makes it difficult for the addiction to be detected. The signs are not only based on physical problems, but behavioral problems as well. It is important that one knows about the various signs so that care can be taken in order to avoid the various side effects of Vicodin withdrawal.
- Hiding the pills or stashing them away.
- When falling short of pills showing flu-like symptoms. This is one major sign that the person is highly dependent on those pills and cannot do without them.
- Finding out other means of taking the medicine other than orally. One such way could be sniffing the powdered form of the medication.
- Behavioral change; the person turns aggressive and hostile. Anxiety and agitation are also common changes that one can notice in the addicted person.
- The person also withdraws away from everyone in society. He realizes that his behavior is different from others.
- Confusion; the person may sometimes have no idea what he is doing, where he is, and might also fail to remember certain things.
- Hallucination is also a common sign, where the person sees things which are not actually there. Irregular heart rate, and feeling tired and fatigued are also common signs and symptoms of this addiction. Nausea, dizziness, constipation, and skin rashes can also indicate addiction.
Side Effects
Almost all prescription drugs have side effects along with their positive effects. A person who has been asked to take Vicodin, or a person who is misusing this medicine, needs to be aware of the various side effects of this drug.
- Loss of hearing, which can be either temporary or permanent depending upon the dosage.
- Headache and lightheadedness
- Difficulty while breathing or urinating
- Stool or vomit with a tinge of blood
- Throat becomes dry and the person also has difficulty in swallowing.
- Feeling of tightness in the chest and ringing in ears.
- The hands, face, lips, or throat might swell up.
- The skin or the eyes turns yellow, i.e., the person might suffer from jaundice.
- Cramps in the stomach and a feeling of restlessness.
- Fatigue and tiredness.
- Itchiness of the skin, which can also turn cold and clammy.
Of course, the severity depends on the dosage. Talk to your doctor before you take this medication, follow the dosage the doctor has given you, and do not misuse it.
