Vicodin – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Vicodin  is well known and very effective in relieving pain, which can be very important for anyone who has regular cases of pain in some part of the body . it contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Also, this medication is a less potent pain reliever that enhances the effects of hydrocodone. The tablets are used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain and may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about vicodin:

Vicodin can slow or stop your breathing. Never use this medication in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Narcotic pain medication  can be a habit, even in regular doses.

Never share Vicodin with anyone else, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep medication in a place where others cannot get to it. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE VIRUS, OVERLAY, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the drug without a prescription.

Do not take more than recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage the liver or cause death. Contact your doctor right away if you have nausea, pain  in the upper part of your stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Stop taking it and call your doctor right away if you have redness of the skin  or a rash that spreads and causes blisters and peeling.

How should I take vicodin?

Take vicodin exactly as prescribed. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Never take this medication in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. An overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working to relieve your pain as well .

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell your doctor in advance that you are using this medication. You may need to stop using the drug for a short time.

Do not suddenly stop using vicodin after prolonged use, or you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Track the amount of medication used in each new bottle.

Vicodin is a drug of abuse and you should be aware that someone is using the drug improperly or without a prescription. Always check your bottle to make sure you have received the correct pills (same brand and type) of medication prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose of vicodin?

As long as vicodin is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking your medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of vicodin can be fatal. Early signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain  , sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain  in the upper part of the stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin  or whites of the eyes.

Overdose symptoms may also include extreme drowsiness, sharp pupils, cold clammy skin  , muscle weakness, fainting, weak pulse, slow heart rate, coma, blue lips, shallow breathing or no breathing.

What should I avoid while taking vicodin?

Vicodin can impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it will affect you. Severe dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain  or sleep medication.

Vicodin (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination drugs . Taking certain products together can cause you to take too much acetaminophen, which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a drug contains APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase the risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Vicodin side effects:

• Shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
• A dizzy feeling, as if you were going to pass out;
• Confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• Convulsion (seizures);
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Infertility, lack of menstruation;
• Impotence, sexual problems, loss of interest in sex;
• Liver problems – nausea, stomach pain  , itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin  or eyes); or
• Low cortisol levels – nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, tiredness or weakness.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, chills, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea . Common Vicodin side effects include:

• Drowsiness, headache  ;
• Stomach pain  , constipation;
• Blurry vision; or
• Dry mouth.

What other drugs will affect vicodin?

Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other medications and cause dangerous side effects or death. Make sure your doctor knows if you also use:

• Other narcotic medications – opioid pain  medicine or prescribed cough medicine;
• Drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing – a sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medication or
• Drugs that affect the levels of serotonin in your body  – medicines for depression, Parkinson  ‘s disease , migraines, serious infections, or preventing nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other drugs can interact with acetaminophen and hydrocodone, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.