Common Side Effects of Hydrocodone

If you have had a tooth pulled, minor same-day surgery, or a broken bone, chances are you’ve been prescribed hydrocodone for your mild to severe pain. Though it is 30% less potent than oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone is still a potentially addictive, powerful narcotic. Opioid addiction treatment is often needed for hydrocodone abuse and dependency.

If you are worried that your prolonged use of hydrocodone is becoming abuse or that you are physically dependent on the drug, please reach out to Greater Boston Addiction Centers. We can answer any questions you have about this prescription opioid, how to recognize the signs of addiction, and what steps to take toward recovery. Use our online form or call 877.920.6583 today to learn more about our prescription drug rehab in Boston.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic or pain medication that affects the central nervous system to mitigate pain. It is commonly combined with acetaminophen as a prescription pain reliever under brand names such as Vicodin, Lortab, and Zydone.

In 2014, Hydrocodone was classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification means that, though it can be prescribed for pain, refills are not permitted without explicit consent by your physician. These drug classification changes came about because the scientific community recognized the addictive nature of this synthetic opioid. In fact, hydrocodone addiction becomes a danger after just a few days of prescription use.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone

When prescribed any painkiller by a physician, you will be alerted to potential side effects. Hydrocodone can have relatively mild side effects, such as stomach or back pain, headaches, tremors, swelling, or sleep irregularity. These will fade once you stop taking the medication.

More severe side effects of hydrocodone include:

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
• Confusion
• Menstrual irregularities
• Sexual dysfunction

The above list is a reminder that hydrocodone is a potent opioid. Despite its legitimacy as a prescription painkiller, it must be approached with caution. Hydrocodone’s most dangerous side effect is addiction.

Opioid Addiction Treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

No one should have to live with severe or chronic pain. Managing pain while also limiting the risk of drug dependence and addiction is an ongoing challenge for the medical community.

If and when someone’s hydrocodone use becomes abuse, dependence, and addiction, opioid addiction treatment is the next step. At GBAC, after a thorough intake during which your medical, addiction, and psychological history are taken, and any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression are identified, you will be admitted to either an inpatient or outpatient program.

However, before you can begin rehab in earnest, your body must be free of opioids. Withdrawal under medical supervision in our professional detox center comes first. Once you safely complete detox, you begin an individualized treatment plan that involves more than one therapeutic service and is coordinated by a range of professionals.

While in rehab, you will practice life skills (including identifying and avoiding triggers), learn coping mechanisms for relapse prevention, undergo a range of therapies, and begin to heal relationships in our family program. Some treatment options you will experience include the following:

• Individual counseling with a therapist may include Cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment.
• Trauma-informed therapy will help you process and cope with prior trauma and symptoms of PTSD.
• Group therapy led by a professional counselor encourages peer accountability and provides peer support.
• Biofeedback therapy enables a rewiring of the feedback loops in the brain.
• Holistic approaches such as yoga and meditation help with relapse avoidance and long-term quality-of-life outcomes.
• 12-step programs provide peer support and encourage healthy habits. Many people in recovery maintain a commitment to the 12 steps throughout their lives.

Learn More About the Treatment Options at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

Hydrocodone, though it may have helped you cope with pain at first, has become harmful to you. You need not be trapped in that cycle of harm. We can help. The opioid addiction treatments at Greater Boston Addiction Centers are evidence-based and provided by highly trained, caring professionals.

Take the first step today. Reach out to us and allow us to shine the light of knowledge and empowerment onto the path ahead. We can answer any and all of your questions, provide assistance and guidance as you make decisions about your recovery, and be there for you from detox through your post-discharge aftercare. Call 877.920.6583 or submit our online form to speak with a GBAC professional today.