Vicodin Overdose
Taking too much Vicodin is always a possibility, just like any medication. The symptoms you can experience from an overdose include vomiting, breathing difficulties or even death. If you overdose from Vicodin, a doctor may need to pump your stomach, induce vomiting, or administer a drug that will absorb the Vicodin. Additional drugs may also be required to counteract the effects of acetaminophen and hydrocodone (components of Vicodin).
Vicodin is a
pain relief medication available by prescription. There are two medications contained in Vicodin namely
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
Overdosing on Vicodin is always possible, as it is with any
opioid medication. The effects of an overdose can vary and depend upon a number of issues, including what drugs and substances were taken in combination with Vicodin.
Symptoms and Signs of Vicodin Overdose
When you overdose, you may not realize the signs before it takes over your body and mind. You will usually feel extremely confused or tired as well as experience any of the following symptoms: vomiting, nausea, breathing difficulties, trouble moving quickly, or a general feeling of unease.
It is also typical for someone overdosing to experience cold and clammy skin and look bluish in color. If they appear to be sleeping, they can be unresponsive or difficult to waken. In addition, their limbs and muscles may be limp, and they may show signs of slow shallow breathing with a faint or inaudible heartbeat.
The following symptoms may occur from a
Vicodin overdose due to the hydrocodone component found in Vicodin:
- Extreme drowsiness, with possibility of coma
- Breathing difficulties
- Slowed heart rate
- Clammy, cold skin
- Cardiac arrest
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of life
The following symptoms may occur from a
Vicodin overdose due to the effects of the acetaminophen component found in Vicodin:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Liver failure
- Drop in blood sugar
- Loss of life
Vicodin Overdose and Treatment
It is essential to receive treatment as soon as possible after a Vicodin overdose. With a recent overdose, treatment may include pumping of the stomach, induced vomiting, or the use of activated charcoal to absorb the drug. In addition, a drug named N-acetylcysteine is useful in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose, as it reduces the chance of liver damage. Furthermore, an antidote could be necessary to counteract the effects of hydrocodone.
There is also a need for supportive care after an overdose to treat the
Vicodin side effects. In severe cases of liver damage, then a liver transplant may be necessary.
Preventing a Vicodin Overdose
People who show no signs of mental
addiction to Vicodin, or who do not crave the euphoric high associated with the drug, are usually less likely to
abuse Vicodin or combine it with other substances. Whereas, those people who exhibit a constant craving for the high will have a higher risk of overdosing on Vicodin.
The only way to ensure an overdose of Vicodin will not occur is to quit taking the drug. Those mentally or physically addicted will find this to be quite difficult. The most efficient and safest way to break the Vicodin addiction completely is through a supervised and controlled Vicodin detox program.
