Vicodin is a brand-name medication that combines a powerful therapeutic opioid (hydrocodone) with the over-the-counter painkiller acetaminophen. Use of this medication can potentially lead to a range of mild, moderate, and severe side effects. Learn more about the common side effects of Vicodin.

Mild to Moderate Side Effects

Any medication that contains hydrocodone and another ingredient can produce a number of side effects. These effects are only considered serious if they fail to resolve or take an unusually severe form. The most likely Vicodin side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Anxious mood
  • Unexplained highs or lows
  • Loss of clear-headedness
  • Itchy skin
  • Rash
  • Throat dryness

Serious Side Effects

Some Vicodin side effects need immediate attention from a doctor. Some of the following are included in that category:

  • Tightness in the chest
  • Stiff muscles
  • Muscles that twitch
  • Inability to coordinate body movement
  • Fever
  • Shivering
  • Mental confusion or agitation
  • Sensory hallucinations
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Appetite loss

With large doses of Vicodin, you could expose yourself to serious side effects related to the consumption of acetaminophen. The most common side effects includes a hoarse throat, problems swallowing,  hives, swelling in the lower extremities.

The risk of addiction and overdose can happen when a person takes too much Vicodin. Millions of Americans have addiction problems related to the intake of Vicodin and opioid medication. When people struggle with addiction to Vicodin and opioids, it can take a toll on the individual and their family. It is okay, even necessary, to reach out and ask for help when it comes to addiction. Getting help is not a reason to feel ashamed. Addiction did not happen overnight, nor will recovery but you must be willing to take the first steps to get on the healing journey.

Springboard Center has programs and resources to support your recovery from addiction. We have professional staff ready to help you take the next steps in your journey. By utilizing a set of diverse methods of addiction treatment, we are able to deal with your addiction from all angles and concentrate on every aspect of your healing process. It is important to recognize that many of our services offer a group setting and environment, so that the client spends time with other people affected by the same chronic disease and problems. 432-620-0255