Hydrocodone is a popular pain medication that comes with a high risk of addiction, especially for those who take their medication with alcohol or other drugs. If a loved one is taking hydrocodone, you should know the dosage and time frame, along with the common hydrocodone side effects. Knowing this can help reduce the risk of becoming addicted and preventing an overdose and death.
Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek is a fully accredited addiction treatment facility that helps individuals and families who are struggling with an opioid use disorder. We have residential and outpatient treatment programs that combine cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatments so patients can build healthy new coping skills while getting relief from painful withdrawals and intense drug cravings.
To visit our opioid rehab in Florida, call 866.693.3871 today to schedule a tour and meet our passionate team.
Is Hydrocodone an Opioid?
Yes. Hydrocodone is an opioid. It is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is safe to take long-term. Patients will need to work with their doctor as pain levels change and not take more than prescribed or within 4-6 hours from the last dose. They also need to abstain from using alcohol, other opioid pain medication, and recreational drugs while taking hydrocodone.
Brand names with the active ingredient hydrocodone include:
- Vicodin
- Lortab
- Lorcet-HD
- Hycodan
- Vicoprofen
The reason why hydrocodone and other opioids are addictive is they create a euphoric rush and an increased sense of happiness and well-being. The higher the dose, the more intense the reaction. It is very common for people to take the medication with alcohol, cannabis, or other opioids. Doing this creates a stronger dependence on hydrocodone along with cravings for the same level of intoxication.
In other words, your body will not feel the same effects from the prescribed amount, especially if you do this regularly. Instead of pain relief, you will experience a number of opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek supports Floridians who are struggling with an opioid use disorder. Each tailored treatment program utilizes a healthy mix of therapies and medical support to address all aspects of the addiction simultaneously. The result is a better recovery experience with less risk of relapse today and in the future.
Common Hydrocodone Side Effects
Hydrocodone is very effective in treating pain in the long term. While there is a significant chance of developing an addiction, the benefits far outweigh the risks, especially if you are aware of what can happen when you abuse this medication.
Hydrocodone Side Effects
Some of the more common side effects of taking hydrocodone include a relaxed and euphoric state of being, constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, and flu-like symptoms. Most patients will only experience mild side effects from taking their prescribed amount.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Noisy breathing
- Thready pulse or heart rate
- Painful urination
- Tremors
- Severe drowsiness
Other side effects include low cortisol levels and high levels of serotonin in your body.
Symptoms of Hydrocodone Overdose
A hydrocodone overdose can be fatal if taken in high enough doses or mixed with another powerful opioid.
What does a hydrocodone overdose look like?
- Their face is very pale and clammy to the touch
- Their fingernails and lips have a blue-ish tint
- Their body is limp
- You hear gurgling sounds
- You cannot wake them even when shaking them
- They are confused and slur their words
- Their breathing or heartbeat stops
If a loved one overdoses on hydrocodone or other opioids, call 911 immediately. If you have naloxone, administer it as instructed.
Schedule a Consultation at Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek
At Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek, we support those with opioid use disorder who need help stopping the abuse before causing serious harm. We work closely with each patient to create a safe recovery experience that includes a wide range of therapeutic and medical support in a private setting. Treatment programs can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Equine therapy
- Family therapy/counseling
If you would like to speak with someone about your opioid use and hydrocodone side effects, call 866.693.3871 or reach out online.
