Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs and Risks

Vicodin abuse is a serious health problem and particularly so for teens. It is typically used to treat severe pain such as burns, migraine and cancer. However it does have the potential to be abused, leading to dependence and addiction. In this article I explain what it is, its effects, withdrawal symptoms and treatment.

What is Vicodin? Why Is It So Addictive?

Vicodin is a prescription opioid pain reliever. It is made of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. 

Opioids are a group of drugs used to manage severe pain. They include morphine, heroin, oxycontin, codeine, methadone and hydromorphone.

Vicodin works by binding to and activating opioid receptors in the brain, altering pain signals sent from the brain to the body. This stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, causing dopamine to be released. This creates the intense feeling of relaxation and blissful euphoria that can be so addictive. And it reinforces the desire to keep taking the drug. Vicodin can cause dependence even when taken exactly as described.

In 2018 in the US, about 808,000 people reported using heroin in the past year. And 11.4 million people used narcotic pain relievers such as Vicodin without a prescription [1]. It’s an epidemic.

Effects of Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin addiction (Opioid Use Disorder) consists of strong, frequent cravings for the drug and an inability to control or limit its use. The primary feeling is one of pain relief and relaxation, together with a pleasant euphoric sensation. 

Many people inadvertently take more than the prescribed amount, more often than indicated medically, or they take it in anticipation of pain. Or they may take it even when not needed. Gradually a dependence forms. It can become a serious, life-threatening condition.

Vicodin addiction includes the following symptoms:

Physical

• Fatigue 
• Constricted pupils
• Itchiness
• Hives
• Agitation
• Swelling of face, lips and tongue
• Slowed movements

Psychological Conditions

• Cravings
• Disturbed attention and concentration
• Impaired judgment and reasoning
• Memory problems
• Thoughts of suicide

Behavioral Symptoms

• Continuing to abuse Vicodin even when there is a desire to stop
• Using Vicodin in unsafe settings, such as while driving
• Avoiding activities once enjoyed
• Absenteeism from work
• Avoiding daily responsibilities
• Avoiding family and friends
• Visiting a variety of doctors to get more prescriptions
• Trying to steal other’s prescriptions
• Forging prescriptions

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms

Due to the physical dependence with Vicodin, over time, more of the drug is needed for the same effect. This is known as tolerance. A person needs to take the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms. How long it takes to become physically dependent varies with each person.

On withdrawal, symptoms may become more pronounced when someone tries to limit or stop their Vicodin use. Symptoms are not typically medically dangerous, but they can be intense and uncomfortable, making it more difficult to stop taking the drug.

Early Withdrawal Symptoms

• Agitation
• Muscle aches
• Increased tears and runny nose
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Yawning
• Sweating

Later Withdrawal Symptoms

• Dilated pupils
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Goosebumps
• Dilated pupils

Vicodin Withdrawal Timeline

Medical treatment is advised for Vicodin withdrawal, either in inpatient (detox centers) or outpatient clinics. Long term treatment is achieved through the use of methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone) [2].

Methadone: A starting dose is given every 4-6 hours if withdrawal symptoms persist. The second day’s dose equals that of the first 24 hours. The second day’s dose is given once or twice a day. Tapering is started on the third day to determine a maintenance dose [3].

Buprenorphine: This medication can be given instead of methadone. It is started 12-48 hours after the last use of Vicodin.

How Long Does Vicodin Withdrawal Last?

Short-acting opioids such as Vicodin have an onset of opioid withdrawal syndrome in 8-24 hours after the last dose. Typical duration is 4-10 days.

Typical symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Uneasy dissatisfied mood
• Sweating
• Intense cravings
• Muscle aches
• Steady tearing
• Fever
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia

Vicodin Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment for Vicodin addiction (Opioid Use Disorder) typically involves detox, followed by therapy, often in a residential treatment setting. As a medical treatment, Naltrexone is prescribed to reduce craving and also block the effects of Vicodin in case of relapse.

Therapy may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy assists people to learn to identify harmful thinking patterns, reframe negative thought patterns and assist in setting positive goals
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach to healing dysfunctional patterns of behavior and emotional dysregulation by providing psychotherapy, group skills training, mindfulness, therapy sessions and phone support
• Psychotherapy helps people suffering from addiction understand the impact of their addiction on their life and those around them and helps them develop healthy coping strategies to heal from addiction

Restorations Health Care Is Here For You

Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their addiction issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. 

Sources

[1] Opiate and opioid withdrawal. 2022. MedlinePlus.gov.
[2]  Shah M, Huecker MR. Opioid Withdrawal. [Updated 2023 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. 
[3] Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management.