Vicodin Addiction Side Effects

Vicodin addictions involve side effects that vary according to levels and durations of abuse and other factors such as physical or mental health impairments. Addictions can develop quickly and are not planned, but these tragedies occur in all walks of life. It is important to understand that Vicodin addiction side effects may be minor and temporary, while others are complicated, dangerous, permanent, or fatal.

Physical Vicodin Addiction Side Effects

Vicodin is a semi synthetic opioid medication that combines the opiate, hydrocodone, with the analgesic, acetaminophen, to treat mild to severe pain. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive opioid drug that presents an increased tolerance and requires continued use to avoid negative withdrawal symptoms. Vicodin users are not usually concerned with the levels of acetaminophen this drug includes, but large amounts of acetaminophen have been known to cause complications including liver and kidney diseases. Physical Vicodin side effects may be severe including respiratory distresses, pulmonary failures, high blood pressure, jaundice, hepatitis, decreased white blood cells, and decreased blood platelets, coma, overdose, or death. Some less severe side effects are more common and include feeling weak or drowsy, nausea, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, double vision, dry mouth, constipation, or decreased urine.

Psychological Vicodin Addiction Side Effects

Psychological side effects from Vicodin addiction are mostly behavioral, but in chronic and long term abuse cases, the effects may cause more serious mental health disorders. Chronic depression, anxiety, psychosis, or other mental health issues often impact others who are in some sort of relationship with the Vicodin addict such as family, friends, and co-workers. There are mood changes and mental health concerns, emotional instability, negative or adverse behaviors, confusion, irritability, and excitability episodes that compromise the addicts ability to function in normal environments. The addict will seek to eliminate any stressful factors by using more of the drug or surrounding themselves with people who may be able to contribute to their habit, in turn, avoiding the individuals and circumstances that may inhibit their use of the drug. Society also suffers psychological Vicodin addiction side effects through crimes of theft, neglect, abuse, and a myriad of legal issues. Children, teens, and young adults have suffered side effects of learning disabilities and educational advancements that they so critically need to become independent or gain access to employment and this affects their confidence, continued well being, and success.