Hydrocodone/paracetamol

Vicodin (Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone, not to be confused with dihydrocodeine) is a pain killer most commonly seen as a white tablet with the name “Vicodin,” “Vicodin ES,” or “Vicodin HP” imprinted on one side. It shares its characteristics with many other drugs in chemistry and form; such drugs are also pain killers and may be marketed as Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet 10/650, Lorcet HD, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Lortab 10, Lortab 5/500, Lortab 7.5/500, Lortab Elixir, Norco, T-Gesic, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, and Zydone. [1]

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Vicodin (generic or otherwise) include: Abbott Laboratories, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions LLC, Amerisource Health Services Corp, Cardinal Health, Drx Pharmaceutical Consultants Inc, Eckerd Corp, Hospira Inc, Knoll Laboratories Div Knoll Pharmaceutical Co, Pdrx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Physicians Total Care Inc, Rx Pak Div of Mckesson Corp, Sandhills Packaging Inc and Watson Labs. [2] At any rate, Vicodin production reportedly approaches 20 tons annually. [3]

In the United States, Vicodin production is regulated in part by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This guarantees that all manufacturing, importing, possession, and distribution of drugs is to be looked over and regulated by the federal government who are also responsible (along with the Department of Justice and state governments) for the conviction and sentencing of anyone who breaks drug laws. [4]

Scheduling

Vicodin was put into Schedule III along with anabolic steroids, ketamine, paregoric, Xyrem, Marinol, and hydrocodone/codeine (when “compounded with an NSAID” or with paracetamol); these drugs have high psychological dependence and low to medium physical addiction. [5]

Surgery

Vicodin is most commonly prescribed for persons experiencing pain after surgery or intense pain. It helps calm a person down and increases their ability to relax and forget about painful ailments (which speeds up recovery).

Interactions and contraindications

Drugs that should be avoided in order to decrease the chance of side effects are isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) 14 days prior to use. Acetaminophen should also be avoided so as to decrease chances of destroying the liver. In addition, alcohol increases the drowsiness already caused by Vicodin and may result in a person's becoming unconscious or, much worse, dead. Aside from alcohol, other drugs that induce drowsiness should also be avoided (e.g., antidepressants, antihistamines, pain killers, muscle relaxants, etc.) so as to decrease chances of contracting Vicodin’s severe side effects. Furthermore, if a person experiences Addison’s Disease, kidney disease, gallbladder diseases, liver disease, complications with the thyroid, severe head injuries, asthma, or alcohol abuse, Vicodin should not be taken for fear of worsening the condition. Vicodin is also not recommended for people under 18 or over 60 years of age.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put Vicodin in category C. This category includes any and all drugs which have not been tested in pregnancies therefore the effects of the drug on newborns have not been determined. The FDA does ensure a warning to breastfeeding mothers telling them that Vicodin does pass into breast milk, which can have adverse effects on nursing babies. [6]

Side effects

Side effects for Vicodin include an allergic reaction, weak breathing, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, unconsciousness, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased sex drive. [7] Vicodin (in terms of hydrocodone) also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. [8] However, some of the less mundane effects can be desirable effects that are sought after by many drug addict victims. Those effects include a great euphoria and drowsiness, as well as slowing the pulse.[9] Vicodin has also been linked to causing stomach ulcers.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose may include slow breathing, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, confusion, small pupils, tiredness, coma, nausea, vomiting, and sweating, and an overdose may lead to death. [10]

Addiction

Addiction to Vicodin is similar to other powerful addictions; cravings for the drug take hold of a person and may even supersede a person’s need for food or water.[11]

The hydrocodone component of Vicodin is the reason for its abuse. Hydrocodone is derived from an opiate, the chemical effects of which are similar to those of heroin (although not quite as strong) and are highly addictive. It increases the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes a strong euphoria that many find pleasurable. [12]

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are mostly physical, and can range from simple diarrhea and vomiting to cold flashes, muscle pain, bone pain, and restlessness. [13]

Alcohol and abuse

Vicodin's effects of disorientation, relaxation, and euphoria have been tampered with by mixing them with other drugs, but the most common method has been by mixing them with alcohol. Combined, the drunken effects of alcohol are heightened and brought upon faster.

The Do It Now Foundation states that, "Vicodin and other prescription narcotics constitute the most-abused group of prescription drugs, according to the National Household Survey, released in 2001. Of the four million Americans who reported misusing prescription drugs the previous year, nearly 65 percent misused prescription Analgesics. Vicodin use has soared in recent years, partly fueled by the fame of its star user base." The number of 12-17 year-old users jumped 127 percent between 1996 and 2000, according to one national survey. [14]

In popular culture

In TV show House, the lead character Dr. House is portrayed as an addict of Vicodin.

External links

• Drugs.com info
• US DEA Drug schedule
• US Federal regulations