Hydrocodone & Acetaminophen Tablets: Side Effects, Abuse, & Addiction

An addiction to hydrocodone is a mental health condition where you cannot stop taking hydrocodone. Hydrocodone addiction can cause worsening mental health, reduced quality of life, and an increased risk for opioid overdose.

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid pain reliever that can manage forms of moderate to severe pain. Brand names for hydrocodone include Zohydro and Hysingla, while combination products such as Lortab, Vicodin, and Norco contain hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high risk of drug abuse. Hydrocodone is habit-forming, especially if you abuse it to get high. If you or a loved one are struggling with improper use of hydrocodone, you may benefit from an opioid addiction treatment program.

Causes Of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone addiction can occur if you take hydrocodone for long periods of time. The chemistry of your brain can change if hydrocodone is constantly in your system. Some studies show that taking prescription opioids for less than a week can be habit-forming.

Risk factors for hydrocodone addiction may include:

• taking higher doses of hydrocodone than your doctor prescribed
• taking hydrocodone for longer than your doctor prescribed
• taking hydrocodone without a prescription
• taking hydrocodone in unapproved ways, such as by snorting or injecting
• a history of mental health problems
• a history of substance abuse

Taking hydrocodone as directed by your healthcare provider can reduce your chances of becoming addicted.

Side Effects Of Hydrocodone Addiction

If you are addicted to hydrocodone, the analgesic (pain relief) effects of hydrocodone may decrease over time. This condition is known as tolerance, where your body adapts to high amounts of hydrocodone in your system.

However, you may still experience the side effects of hydrocodone, such as:

• drowsiness
• sedation
• constipation
• dry mouth
• nausea
• vomiting

If you abuse hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination products, you may also be at risk of liver damage caused by acetaminophen use.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you have a physical dependence on painkillers, a state where your body needs hydrocodone to function normally. If you try to quit while you are dependent on hydrocodone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms of hydrocodone may include excessive sweating, sleeping problems, high blood pressure, diarrhea, stomach pain, anxiety, and opiate cravings. These symptoms can make quitting difficult without the professional help of a detox program.

Hydrocodone Overdose

A hydrocodone overdose can happen when you take a high dose of hydrocodone in one sitting. Your risk of a hydrocodone overdose may increase if you are addicted to hydrocodone, or if you mix it with substances such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other opioids.

Signs of a hydrocodone overdose may include:

• weak pulse
• clammy skin
• loss of consciousness
• gurgling noises

Giving an overdose victim naloxone can restore their breathing before medical help arrives. You can get naloxone from harm reduction programs near you.

Signs Of Hydrocodone Abuse

Hydrocodone abuse can affect your overall well-being, which can be visible to your family members, loved ones, and people around you.

Signs that a loved one may be abusing hydrocodone include:

• doctor shopping (going to different doctors until you get a hydrocodone prescription)
• having health problems such as insomnia, vomiting, and constipation
• reduced performance at school or work
• changes in friend groups

If you see these signs in a loved one, you can talk to them about getting help from peer support programs or addiction treatment programs.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options

Treating an addiction to hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and other habit-forming opioids involves evidence-based forms of treatment.

Medication-assisted treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, can manage your withdrawal symptoms and improve your long-term recovery chances.

Other substance use disorder treatment options for opioid abuse may include medical detox, attending support group meetings, dual diagnosis treatment, and other therapy approaches.

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities can treat an opioid addiction, depending on your specific needs.

To learn if our opioid addiction treatment options work for you or your loved one, please contact Bedrock Recovery Center today.