Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that works like codeine to relieve moderate pain.
It is often prescribed in combination with other compounds in products likeVicodinor Lortab, which contain hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone can lead to physical dependence, which means people can experience hydrocodone withdrawal when they quit taking it.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Hydrocodone withdrawal usually lasts about five to seven days.
Dont be discouragedthere are ways to break the vicious cycle in which you feel trapped.
Talking to your doctor can help.
Find a treatment center offering evidence-based therapies like medication management.
In addition, dont let anyone shame you for taking a medication that treats your disease.
Make the best decisions for you and your recovery.
Many victims of the current opioid epidemic got their start with hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone prescriptions have decreased in recent years, from 136.7 million in 2013 to 83.6 million in 2017.
Unfortunately, hydrocodone misuse can quickly develop into dependence andaddiction.
Anyone who is physically dependent on opioids will experience withdrawal if they abruptly discontinue their dose.
You might feel like your heart is pounding out of your chest or like you will never sleep again.
Runny noses and teary eyes are common.
Some peoplefeel extremely anxious, and others feel intense despair and hopelessness.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline
Opioid withdrawal isnt easy, but it is quick.
Symptoms typically begin within 8 to 24 hours of your last dose.
Factors That Affect Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Like all forms of opioid withdrawal, hydrocodone withdrawal is not simple.
Experiences vary from person to person, but typically include some combination of physical and psychological symptoms.
However, if you are a long-time poly-drug abuser, untreated withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable.
For most people, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms start about eight to 24 hours after their last dose.
Withdrawal will come on slower if you also use extended-release opioids, likemethadoneorOxycontin.
For example, sweating can include anything from feeling flushed to sweat streaming down your face.
Most people feel better after five to seven days.
Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms
Unfortunately, this isnt always the end of it.
The best strategy for you will depend on your hydrocodone use patterns.
Tapering your medication means taking progressively smaller doses over a period of several weeks.
By incrementally decreasing your dose, you give your body time to adjust.
While you may experience some withdrawal symptoms each time the dose is reduced, they should be relatively mild.
As you reduce your dose, you may find that your pain returns.
If so, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
In addition to tapering your dose, there are other evidence-based treatments foropioid detoxinclude medication-assisted treatment and symptom management.
Suboxone contains a mix of buprenorphine and naltrexone, an opioid antagonist.
This means its more or less impossible to abuse Suboxone to get high if injected.
Suboxone can also prevent other opioids from getting you high, reducing your relapse chance.
They can also help reduce drug cravings.
Since they contain no opioids, any doctor can prescribe these medications.
This makes them much easier to acquire than methadone and buprenorphine.
In fact, most people have trouble finding any substance use treatment at all.
Only a small number of those who did receive help got it at a facility offering medication-assisted treatment.
Treatment providers offering buprenorphine and methadone can definitely be difficult to find, but they do exist.
People typically underestimate the seriousness of their substance use disorder and overestimate their ability to quit when theyre ready.
At-Home Withdrawal
Today, it is possible to detox from hydrocodone at home without help.
Unlike alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, opioid withdrawal isnt dangerous, though it can be extremely uncomfortable.
When you detox from hydrocodone, your tolerance level drops fast.
If you were to relapse with your pre-detox dose, it could kill you.
They believe medication-assisted treatment is just “replacing one drug with another.”
Although this is technically true, its not so simple.
Medications that prevent withdrawal have been shown to reduce relapse and allow you to participate in therapy.
Long-Term Treatment
Your long-term treatment requirements will depend on the nature of your hydrocodone dependence.
If your goal is long-term sobriety, you will need to put a lot of effort into relapse prevention.
Research shows that the best way to prevent relapse is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Naltrexone is only useful after you detox once your body is free of opioids.
Naltrexone can also help ease opioid cravings and may help prevent a lethal overdose.
Preventative Psychotherapy
Medication paves the way for the second leg of long-term treatment,psychotherapy.
You will also develop the skills you should probably handle those triggers in a healthy way.
Therapy can prepare you for that transition.
There are many different types of treatment with varying levels of intensity.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Only certain doctors are allowed to prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone).
To find one in your area, check out thissearchable directory.
If you want to know more about Narcotics Anonymous (NA) take a look at theirwebsite.
you’ve got the option to find a meeting near you with theirsearchable directory.
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Bryce C.Lofexidine (Lucemyra) for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms.Am Fam Physician.
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U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA and Kratom.
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