Vicodin, a prescription drug used to ease pain, is very effective. Vicodin is also considered an opioid or narcotic drug because uncontrolled use of this medication is addictive. Many of those who use Vicodin feel a profound feeling of wellbeing. One of its ingredients, acetaminophen, suppresses the production of pain causing substances inside the body called prostaglandins. That is why Vicodin is recognized as one of the leading drugs against pain in the market. When doctors’ prescription is carefully followed, the wondrous effect of Vicodin can surely benefit man.
One other ingredient in Vicodin is hydrocodone. This chemical is addictive and induces drug tolerance. Drug tolerance is when a constant user of Vicodin no longer feels its pain-free effects unless higher doses are ingested. Addiction to Vicodin can start a week after continued use. Addiction from vicodin is becoming popular among the US and based on studies, about 20 percent of its population ages 12 and above use prescribed medication for health issues that does not necessarily require prescription drugs. The statistics are alarming when we consider that the drug is highly addictive.
Vicodin abuse develops a number of warning signs that would help us identify the problem among users. The main difference between normal users from those addicted can be recognized thru psychological and physical ways. Abusers use the medication in closer intervals rather than following the appropriate interval time. Consumption is higher among junkies because the pain will not be alleviated by the regular dose prescribed. Those people who are dependent to Vicodin are also prone to doctor shopping. When their primary doctor no more offers them with the prescription, they go to different doctors to obtain the prescription.
Vicodin prescription is taken with caution. One of the considerations in taking this drug is that one must not take alcohol while under medication. High doses can lead to liver damage so prescription must be followed. When an individual takes vicodin, he must not run machinery for one of the effects of this medication is sleepiness. Possible allergic reactions can also occur for those taking this drug. As mentioned above, abuse of this medication can lead to liver damage but this is not all. Individuals dependent on vicodin manifest a number of side effects. Side effects of an addiction from vicodin include sleepiness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting and constipation. The severity of the side effects depends also on the dose used by the individual. Hallucinations, blurry vision, severe confusion and even permanent deafness are also possible side effects of Vicodin abuse. Therefore, it is important that the usage of Vicodin must be closely monitored by a health practitioner to avoid abuse and future health problems.