Vicodin is a brand name for a drug that
combine acetaminophen (most commonly known as Tylenol) with hydrocodone, an
opioid, to create an effective pain-killing drug that can be prone to causing
addiction. (“Schedule III” narcotic). Vicodin is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
Alternative & street names:
Because
Vicodin has similar effects of other hydrocodone and acetaminophen cocktail
drugs like Norco and Lortab, Vocodin’s street names could be used
interchangeably, such as: Tabs, Norco, Vikes and Viko.
How is Vicodin taken?
Vicodin
is consumed orally by tablet, capsule or syrup.
Effects of Vicodin Consumption
Doctors
prescribe Vicodin as an effective pain reliever. Hydrocodone
is about six times as powerful as morphine as a painkiller. The combination
with acetaminophen has a synergistic effect with the hydrocodone, providing a
greater amount of pain relief than the same amount of hydrocodone alone.
Impact on the mind/body and health
risks
Effects
of Vicodin are similar to those of morphine, including the risks of depression
of the respiratory and circulatory systems, which could lead to death.
Side
effects of Vicodin can include nausea, dizziness, seizures, allergic reactions,
paranoia and drowsiness.
Signs of abuse of this substance
Like any prescription pill, signs of
abuse of this class of drug includes “doctor shopping,” fabricated stories of
losing one’s prescription, or claiming allergies to all drugs but one
particular type.
Families
and friends might witness an addict lie about consumption, steal to support one’s
habit, and/or stray away from long-time friends for a new set of friends that
enable one’s addiction.
Common treatment options
Treatment
for addiction to Vicodin should take place in an inpatient detox facility in
order to guard against more complicated medical problems. An addict needs 24/7 treatment in a
hospital or in-patient detox facility.
Vicodin withdrawal/detox symptoms
Like any opium-based addiction, withdrawal from Vicodin is a
nasty process that could include vomiting, diarrhea, goose bumps, and cold
sweats, lasting days or weeks, depending on the level of use.