Vicodin Drug Interactions

Serious complications can arise when you combine Vicodin and other medications. An increased risk of drowsiness, memory loss, and breathing difficulties can all occur with additional drug interactions such as liver damage or death.

An Overview of Vicodin Drug Interactions

Vicodin or (hydrocodone/APAP) has the potential to interact with many other medications. The medications that can interact with Vicodin include:

• Antidepressants
• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotic medications
• Acetaminophen products including cough or cold products and pain relief meds
• Sleep medications
• Opiate or other narcotics.

Vicodin Interactions with other Drugs

The negative interactions which commonly occur when combining Vicodin and other drugs are explained in the sections below. Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided whenever you use Vicodin. Alcohol interacts with Hydrocodone, the narcotic component found in Vicodin. This interaction can increase the risk of breathing difficulties, memory loss, confusion and drowsiness. In addition, acetaminophen, the other component found in Vicodin, reacts with alcohol and can cause liver damage. Antidepressant Medications
Combining Vicodin with other antidepressants medications may cause breathing difficulties, memory loss, confusion, and drowsiness. Other serious side effects can also occur. If you take antidepressants and are planning to take Vicodin, be sure to speak with your treating physician so they can adjust your medication and monitor any side effects. Antipsychotic Meds
When you combine Vicodin with other antipsychotic medications, you increase the risk of breathing difficulties, memory loss, confusion and drowsiness. Other serious side effects are also a possibility. Before you take Vicodin with antipsychotic medication be sure to consult with your doctor first. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines combined with Vicodin may increase the chances of side effects including breathing difficulties, memory loss, confusion, drowsiness, as well as severe side effects. Before taking benzodiazepines with Vicodin be sure to consult with your treating physician first. Opiates and Other Narcotics
Extreme caution must be taken when combining opioids or other narcotics with Vicodin. This combination puts you at risk of serious side effects. Only combine these drugs under strict supervision from your treating physician. Sleep Medications
Sleep medication combined with Vicodin can also lead to complicated and dangerous side effects. As a rule, sleep medication should not be taken in combination with Vicodin. Only do so under guidance from your treating physician.

Vicodin Interactions Summary

Not every possible Vicodin drug interaction can be covered in this article. For a more detailed understanding of Vicodin drug interactions, be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about any interactions specific to you.