Hydrocodone Withdrawal

Hydrocodone withdrawal is one of the many consequences of addiction to this drug. Hydrocodone is a narcotic that can produce a calm, euphoric state similar to heroin or morphine. Pure hydrocodone is a Schedule II substance, closely controlled with restricted use. However, very few prescription drugs consist of pure hydrocodone. Instead, small amounts of hydrocodone are mixed with other non-narcotic ingredients to create medicines like Vicodin and Lortab. This means they can be classified under Schedule III with fewer restrictions on their use and distribution.

Hydrocodone is an effective antitussive (anti-cough) agent and as an opiate it is also an effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain control. Hydrocodone abuse is an increasing trend in non-chronic pain suffering persons. The abusers of these drugs have been shown not to be the inner city youth, but instead a famous actor, a suburban real estate agent, or your next door neighbor. First time abuse of these drugs has been surging, most commonly with the oxycodone and hydrocodone type painkillers. The two differ slightly in their chemical makeup but have a similar effect on the body.

Subject to individual tolerance, many medical experts believe dependence or addiction can occur within one to four weeks at higher doses of hydrocodone. If a regular hydrocodone user stops taking the drug, he or she will experience hydrocodone withdrawal within six to twelve hours. The intensity of the addicts hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms depend on the degree of the addiction. For example, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may grow stronger for twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a period of seven to fourteen days. The duration and intensity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms varies greatly from person to person.

Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

• chills
• depression
• diarrhea
• dilated pupils
• fevers
• inability to sleep
• intense cravings for the drug
• irritability
• muscle aches
• nausea or vomiting
• runny nose or eyes
• sweating
• yawning

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