It may also cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following signs of heart rate or rhythm changes. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
More about Vicodin (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
Prior to prescribing hydrocodone, assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, and regularly monitor all patients for opioid addiction behaviors or conditions. Monitor for respiratory depression, which can be serious, life-threatening, or fatal, especially during initiation or following a dose increase. Instruct patients to swallow extended release forms whole to avoid potentially fatal overdose. 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.
Side effects
Hydrocodone belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain, and stops or prevents cough. Many people who run out of the money they need to purchase opiates will vicodin addiction turn to criminal actions to get their drugs. Around the country, Vicodin is a very common drug in pharmacy thefts. Pharmacy thefts are so frequent in some areas that some drugstore chains restrict the distribution of these drugs only a few locations.
When does an opioid prescription make sense?
The results of certain tests may be affected by this medicine. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Someone who is using Vicodin, especially high doses, will at first seem euphoric.
Signs and Risk of Addiction
Some side effects of hydrocodone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Do not stop taking hydrocodone without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking https://ecosoberhouse.com/ your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Hydrocodone belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines).
- It is not known if or how digoxin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby.
- Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen (Oral Route)
Prescribing Opioids To Seniors: It’s A Balancing Act – Kaiser Health News
Prescribing Opioids To Seniors: It’s A Balancing Act.
Posted: Tue, 31 Jan 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Hydrocodone side effects
- Finally, hydrocodone may be present in your urine for two to four days, in saliva for hours, and in your hair for 90 days.
- Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well.
- Swallow each capsule or tablet as soon as you put it in your mouth.
- It may also cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting.