Vicodin (Hydrocodone)
Hydrocodone- Half Life: 3.8 hours; Schedule III Drug– Schedule II at Times (Depends on Formulations, etc)
Vicodin (hydrocodone) is a tablet that contains acetaminophen and a semi-synthetic opioid that is derived from two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine. Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic (painkiller), as well as an antitussive (cough suppressant). Hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in both the brain and spinal cord. These “binded” receptors also produce euphoria, which is a state of extreme happiness and feelings of well-being. Hydrocodone, combined with the acetaminophen is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
The brand name Vicodin (hydrocodone) is a popular drug in the United States. Many people who visit the Emergency Room with conditions such as a twisted ankle, bruised nose, sprained wrist, etc most likely receive hydrocodone, and while there are many other narcotic pain killers out there that people receive, this drug seems to work well on a majority of the people who are administered it. Hydrocodone was first synthesized in Germany in 1920, and it was approved by the FDA on March 23rd, 1943 for sale in the USA under the brand name Hycodan (which is currently a popular cough syrup as well as tablet).
It’s been officially tested that 5 mg of hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when it’s administered orally. Due to the demand for medications containing hydrocodone in them, there are over 200 products with hydrocodone in them. Hydrocodone is placed in both Schedule II and Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act due to its potency. When hydrocodone is combined with a non-narcotic medicinal ingredient as well as containing less than 15 mg per dosage unit, it is placed as a Schedule III substance– but when products containing only hydrocodone as well as formulations containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit, it is placed as a Schedule II substance.
Side effects of hydrocodone cannot be anticipated, but if any develop or change in intensity, be sure to inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether or not it is safe to continue taking hydrocodone. Side effects are as followed:
Dizziness; drowsiness; mild nausea; vomiting; upset stomach; constipation; blurred vision; euphoria; dysphoria; heightened sense of well-being; headache; mood changes; dry mouth; sedation; itching; anxiety relief
If any of these more serious side effects are experienced, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible:
Shallow breathing; irregular heartbeat; fainting; extreme confusion; fear; unusual thoughts or behavior; seizures (convulsions); urinary retention; dark urine; clay-colored stools; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes); allergic reaction; irregular or depressed respiration; severe rash(s)
Hydrocodone is a very effective pain reliever, and for people that take it as prescribed– it works wonders for them, but unfortunately there are the ones who go overboard and either take too much of it at one time for a period of a couple of weeks or so and then stop, or one takes the medication for more than a few months and then stop– either way will more than likely cause withdrawal symptoms. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms from hydrocodone depend heavily on the degree of the addiction, and greatly vary from person to person. The average person withdrawing from hydrocodone will start feeling the effects within six to twelve hours, while reaching its peak at twenty-four to seventy-two hours. Although the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal aren’t life-threatening– one might feel like they are dying. The duration of hydrocodone withdrawal normally last between seven to fourteen days, but again vary from person to person.
Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
Irritability; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; intense cravings; muscle/bone pain; restlessness; involuntary leg/arm movements; sweating; insomnia; depression; runny nose/eyes; dilated pupils; excessive yawning; chills; cold sweats; fevers
Studies have shown that Vicodin is quoted as being a big part of popular culture. The FOX television hit “House M.D.” follows the life of an anti-social, witty and arrogant doctor by the name of House. Dr. House walks with a limp due to an infarction in his leg. This is explained more in the first season of House M.D. House goes through extreme periods of pain, which he takes Vicodin for, and eventually becomes addicted to them. There are times where he will take four or five Vicodin at a time, maybe more. So the drug definitely is popular, as is the show House M.D.
