Vicodin Side Effects

Dizziness, nausea and drowsiness are all side effects commonly experienced when using Vicodin. While most Vicodin side effects do not require any treatment, there is a potential for serious side effects to occur when taking this drug. Some of the more severe problems associated with Vicodin include addictive urges to overuse Vicodin, liver damage and breathing difficulties. Should you experience any of these symptoms, consult your treating physician.

An Overview of Vicodin

Hydrocodone/APAP or Vicodin is a brand name drug used for moderate and mild pain relief. Hydrocodone (a narcotic pain reliever), together with the analgesic acetaminophen, are combined to make Vicodin. This combination helps to reduce the effects associated with taking high doses of each drug individually. Therefore, using the drugs in combination allows users to benefit from the analgesic effects without suffering dangerous side effects (see hydrocodone side effects). Vicodin can cause many side effects, similar to those experienced with opiate medications.

Vicodin: Common Side Effects

Patients prescribed with Vicodin can experience some common side effects or none at all. Usually, the mild side effects disappear shortly after taking the drug. You should consult your treating physician if any symptoms persist or accelerate in nature. Studies reveal that the most common symptoms of Vicodin use include:

• Drowsy, dizzy or feeling anxious
• Light-headedness
• Mood changes
• Headache
• Breathing difficulties
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Vision becomes blurred
• Feeling Weak
• Constipation

Most Vicodin side effects are manageable.

Vicodin: Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects can occur when taking Vicodin and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately. Although occurring infrequently, they include some of the following:

• Fear or anxiety
• Urges to abuse Vicodin
• Confusion
• Irregular or slow breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Unusual fatigue
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Low blood pressure
• Constipation
• Convulsions or seizures
• Kidney problems
• Dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes, liver damage
• Allergy symptoms including wheezing, swelled throat or mouth, hives, itching, rashes

Long Term Vicodin Effects

Due to the addictive characteristics of Vicodin, it is common for people to increase their intake to gain the same effect once their body builds up a tolerance to the drug. In extreme cases, some Vicodin users will consume over one hundred pills in one day. Some desperate users will also crush and snort the drug to feel the effects instantly. Just one large dose has the ability to bring on respiratory depression or even death. There is also a possibility of serious liver damage from long-term use of acetaminophen - a component of Vicodin.

Summary of Vicodin Side Effects

You may find that only some or none of the side effects mentioned here are a problem for you. Unfortunately, if you have never taken Vicodin before there is no way of knowing how it will affect you. Therefore, should you develop any symptoms or feel strange after taking the drug, contact your doctor immediately. Even if Vicodin is not the cause of your symptoms, your doctor can diagnose the problem and treat it accordingly.