Vicodin – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Monday, September 24, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Vicodin is a drug used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain that other medications have not been able to relieve. It contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that works by increasing the effects of hydrocodone, which is an opioid (sometimes called narcotic) pain medication. These drugs work by blocking pain signals to the brain, thereby decreasing the person’s ability to feel pain. Vicodin comes as an oral tablet and an oral solution.

This should not be taken by people who are allergic to acetaminophen or hydrocodone, or those who recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications.

Known side effects of Vicodin

Vicodin increases the risk of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which could lead to overdose and death. It may also interact with other drugs, which can negatively affect the liver, cause even more breathing problems, and other side effects.

Vicodin can also cause a severe, life-threatening allergic action. In addition, this drug can stop the adrenal glands from working properly.

The common side effects of Vicodin include the following:

Anxiety
Blurred vision
Changes in mood
Constipation
Difficulty urinating
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Ringing in the ears
Upset stomach
Vomiting

Vicodin can also cause severe side effects. These include:

Difficulty breathing
Drug dependence
Liver failure, with symptoms such as jaundice, pain in the upper right stomach, swelling of the stomach area, itchiness, confusion, feeling tired, and lack of appetite
Skin rash
Swelling of the face, throat, and mouth

Body systems that may be harmed by Vicodin

The body systems that may be harmed by Vicodin include the nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, renal, hematologic, respiratory, metabolic, urinary, and endocrine systems.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Vicodin

The following food items can be used as natural alternatives for Vicodin, as they naturally help relieve pain:

Cherries
Coffee
Cranberry juice
Edamame
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, herring, and sardines
Ginger
Hot peppers
Mint
Turmeric
Yogurt

Treatments, management plans for the Vicodin’s side effects

The following are natural ways to manage withdrawal symptoms caused by Vicodin use:

For fever and sweating, wear loose, comfortable clothing and use cool compresses.

For shaking, try not to resist the tremors and use distraction techniques like watching television or holding heavier objects.

For nausea and diarrhea, eat bland foods, eat several small meals throughout the day, drink small sips of water to remain hydrated, and avoid foods that are high in fat and are greasy.

For sleeping problems, try to keep a sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and keep your bedroom dark and consider using noise-blocking devices like earplugs or white noise machines.

Where to learn more

Summary

Vicodin is a drug used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.

Vicodin contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone that works by blocking pain signals to the brain to decrease the ability to feel pain.

Vicodin can cause opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse.

Vicodin can also cause a severe, life-threatening allergic action and stop the adrenal glands from working properly.

Sources include:

MedicalNewsToday.com 1

MedicalNewsToday.com 2

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