Vicodin can be both psychologically and physically addictive.
The two active ingredients in Vicodin are acetaminophen, a common pain reliever, and hydrocodone, an opiate. Used in the short term, Vicodin effectively relieves moderate to severe pain. Opiates are both psychologically and physically addictive, however, and some people who take Vicodin become addicted and can experience symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking it. These withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and uncomfortable, but they are not usually life-threatening.
Psychological Symptoms
If you have become dependent on Vicodin, you will feel a strong craving for it soon after the first missed dose. Many people experience anxiety, agitation and even the frightening sense that they will die if they do not get more Vicodin immediately. Most doctors will not prescribe anti-anxiety medications to get you through this stage, since benzodiazepines are also addictive, but the blood pressure medication Clonidine has been shown to calm people suffering from opiate withdrawal.
Early Physical Symptoms
The early physical symptoms usually start to occur around 12 hours after the last use of Vicodin. They include muscle aches, powerful cramping in the leg muscles, tearing of the eyes, inability to sleep, rhinitis, sweating and yawning. Clonidine can alleviate many of these symptoms as well.
Later Physical Symptoms
Later physical symptoms typically appear 15 to 20 hours after the last use of Vicodin. They include stomach problems such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; dilated pupils, goose bumps and chills are also typical. Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If you can't take fluids by mouth, you may need to be treated with IV fluids. The worst of the symptoms usually subside within 30 hours of the last Vicodin use, but it may be seven to 10 days before you feel completely healthy again.
Long Term Cravings
Getting through the physical withdrawal symptoms is only half the battle. You may find yourself still craving the "high" you got from Vicodin or missing the pain relief Vicodin provided. Get support from a counselor who is experienced in treating people with prescription drug addictions and plan to attend a support group like Narcotics Anonymous. If you are still having issues with pain, talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to a pain clinic.
The Clueless Addict
Some people can take Vicodin for weeks and not become physically dependent; others become physically dependent after only a few doses. Some people who stop taking Vicodin may not even realize they have become physically dependent and may attribute the withdrawal symptoms they experience to a case of the flu or food poisoning. People who do not know they were addicted in the first place do not typically experience psychological cravings for Vicodin.
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