Vicodin and Its Possible Side Effects

If you’re prescribed to take Vicodin, this means that you need to relieve severe or moderate pain, because this medicine is a narcotic pain reliever and coughing suppressant. It works by blocking special brain receptors that are responsible for feeling pain. Its use was approved more than 30 years ago, but you need to have a prescription to get it in pharmacies.

Possible Adverse Effects

There are certain unwanted symptoms that patients may develop while taking Vicodin, and the most common ones include the following:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness;
• Vomiting and nausea;
• Sedation and constipation;    
• Drowsiness;  
• Difficulty in urination because of spasms.

Another important thing that you should know before taking this medication is that it may impair your thinking or physical abilities, so you need to refuse from performing those activities that require full alertness. Besides, its use may depress breathing, so that older patients or people with severe lung ailments should be careful. The main detail is that Vicodin is a habit-forming drug, and a patient is at risk of developing physical dependence. It’s not advisable to take it for a long time or in increased doses.

Different Doses and Preparations

Nowadays, Vicodin is available in different forms and doses, including liquids, capsules and standard pills. Each one contains both acetaminophen and hydrocodone, but they may have different proportions because this medicine was reformulated not so long ago. When it comes to the right dosage, it’s always determined by qualified doctors based on specific factors, such as your response to this treatment. However, a common dose for adult patients is 1-2 pills taken each 4-6 hours. It can be both increased and reduced according to reactions and results.

Dangerous Drug Interactions

It’s not recommended to combine other sedatives and alcoholic beverages with Vicodin because it may lead to confusion, sedation and other negative effects. Besides, its combination with carbamazepine may boost the risk of developing unwanted liver toxicity. This medication shouldn’t be taken together with MAO inhibitors or other meds that function by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, if you want to stay on a safe side. Otherwise, you risk ending up with such serious side effects as tremors, confusion, hyperactivity and even coma.

Important Warnings and Precautions

For pregnant and nursing women, taking Vicodin is not a good idea because of possible health risks. Taking too much of it may result in liver complications, so that adult patients can’t take more than 4,000 mg on a daily basis. Once you notice any signs of liver problems, including nausea, dark urine, tiredness and others, you need to call your doctor. Before you start this treatment, tell your physician everything about allergic reactions, other narcotics that you take and your medical history, especially if you have any breathing issues, brain disorders, etc.