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Vicodin is a prescription opioid pain reliever that is made ofhydrocodoneand acetaminophen.
What is the most important information I should know about Vicodin withdrawal?
Even people who take Vicodin exactly as prescribed for pain while recovering from injury or surgery can experience withdrawal.
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When you quit taking Vicodin, you may experience feelings of irritability, anxiety, and mood swings.
This means you have to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same effect.
All opiate-based drugs can become habit-forming and cause physical dependence.
Once you develop a Vicodin dependence, quitting or cutting back suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
This is because your body needs time to adjust and recover.
They report they are having flu-like symptoms.
The length of the withdrawal process and the severity of the symptoms will vary from individual to individual.
Withdrawal symptoms usually begin six to 30 hours after the last use of the drug.
Most people get through the most uncomfortable symptoms within a few days or a week.
If you find that your symptoms last longer than a week, you should seek medical attention.
Warnings
There are complications that can be dangerous.
Most Vicodin overdose deaths happen for people who have recently gone through detox and withdrawal.
Overdose can occur even at a much smaller dose than previously taken.
The opioid antagonist Narcan (naloxone) can block the effects of opioids and reverse an overdose.
Your doctor may recommend keeping it on hand if you are at risk of a Vicodin overdose.
Don’t venture to quit using Vicodin on your own after heavy or prolonged use.
Contact your healthcare providers and tell them you want to detox from Vicodin.
They can recommend one of several regimens used to help with the detoxification process.
They can also provide you with other medications for vomiting and diarrhea to make the process less uncomfortable.
you’ve got the option to also find emotional support and resources from support groups such asNarcotics Anonymous.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Over-the-counter medicines.
2021;10(1):38-42. doi:10.4103/jrpp.JRPP_21_17
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Naloxone.
