{"id":4348,"date":"2023-08-02T10:22:39","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T10:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=4348"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:36:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:36:49","slug":"withdrawal-detox","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/vicodin\/withdrawal-detox\/","title":{"rendered":"Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms, Causes &amp; Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vicodin withdrawal can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but treatment at The Recovery Village at Baptist Health can help ease symptoms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding to quit Vicodin is a big deal for someone who struggles with the medication. Stopping Vicodin is the first step in recovery from the drug. However, planning for Vicodin withdrawal, or the symptoms your body experiences when you stop taking the drug after long-term use, is important. Knowing what to expect and preparing for Vicodin withdrawal can help increase your chances of long-term recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Understanding Hydrocodone (Vicodin)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/hydrocodone-addiction\/\">Hydrocodone<\/a> is an opioid often <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/dam\/AAFP\/documents\/patient_care\/pain_management\/conversion-table.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prescribed<\/a> for pain relief or cough and is equally as potent as morphine. Although sometimes prescribed on its own, hydrocodone is most often <a href=\"https:\/\/clincalc.com\/DrugStats\/Drugs\/AcetaminophenHydrocodone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prescribed<\/a> in a combination pill with acetaminophen and was previously sold under brand names like Vicodin and Norco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Because hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance, it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/acetaminophen_hydrocodone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carries<\/a> a high risk of abuse, dependence, addiction and even overdose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Is Vicodin Withdrawal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">When you take an opioid regularly, your body becomes used to its presence and adapts accordingly. Therefore, if you suddenly stop or cut back on your hydrocodone, your body will struggle to adjust, resulting in withdrawal symptoms as your body recalibrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to remember that withdrawal is due to the hydrocodone component of Vicodin, not the acetaminophen. As an over-the-counter analgesic, acetaminophen is not linked to any withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Vicodin withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioids. Withdrawal symptoms typically <a href=\"https:\/\/sitefinitystorage.blob.core.windows.net\/sitefinity-production-blobs\/docs\/default-source\/guidelines\/npg-jam-supplement.pdf?sfvrsn=a00a52c2_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Muscle aches&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Abdominal cramps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Nausea or vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Sleep problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Runny eyes and nose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Goosebumps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Yawning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Enlarged pupils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Agitation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Withdrawal symptoms can seem overwhelming and may be hard to manage on your own, so seeking medical advice is key to keeping them under control.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Vicodin Withdrawal Timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Vicodin is a short-acting medication whose withdrawal symptoms follow a similar trajectory to other short-acting opioids. While it is impossible to predict a day-by-day timeline accurately, the following general withdrawal time frame is what experts <a href=\"https:\/\/sitefinitystorage.blob.core.windows.net\/sitefinity-production-blobs\/docs\/default-source\/guidelines\/npg-jam-supplement.pdf?sfvrsn=a00a52c2_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">expect<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Within 12 hours of the last Vicodin dose: <\/strong>Withdrawal symptoms begin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Within 24\u201348 hours of the last Vicodin dose: <\/strong>Withdrawal symptoms peak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Within three to five days of the last Vicodin dose: <\/strong>Withdrawal symptoms subside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Within weeks to months of the last Vicodin dose:<\/strong> Lower level withdrawal symptoms may <a href=\"https:\/\/store.samhsa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/d7\/priv\/sma10-4554.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">persist<\/a>, especially anxiety, depression and sleep problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Causes of Vicodin Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Addiction is complicated, involving the brain\u2019s reward circuit, which Vicodin use triggers. Mental health conditions are also often <a href=\"https:\/\/heal.nih.gov\/news\/stories\/collaborative-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">linked<\/a> to addiction to opioids like Vicodin. Because Vicodin is hard-wired to trigger the reward circuit, certain risk factors can increase your chances of a Vicodin addiction. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Taking more Vicodin than prescribed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Taking Vicodin more often than prescribed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Taking Vicodin not prescribed for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Exaggerating symptoms to try to get more Vicodin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Going to different doctors and pharmacies to seek Vicodin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Treating Vicodin Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Successfully treating a Vicodin addiction requires a continuum of care to get you off the drug first, then to keep you off the drug long-term. Recovery often includes the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Detox<\/strong>: A medically-supervised detox is often the first step in overcoming a Vicodin addiction. In detox, your withdrawal symptoms are treated as they occur to prevent complications, and you may be a candidate for medication-assisted treatment with meds like buprenorphine if medically appropriate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Rehab<\/strong>: After detox, your body has been cleansed of Vicodin. However, it is still important to explore why you began to rely on Vicodin in the first place to avoid sinking back into a reliance on the drug. Rehab combines this self-exploration with intensive therapy to help you create healthy habits and stay off Vicodin over the long term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Aftercare<\/strong>: Following rehab, it is important to maintain your lifelong focus on recovery. Aftercare includes alumni groups and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous to help keep you Vicodin-free for life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Medications for Vicodin Withdrawal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Many different medications can be prescribed during Vicodin withdrawal. These can <a href=\"https:\/\/sitefinitystorage.blob.core.windows.net\/sitefinity-production-blobs\/docs\/default-source\/guidelines\/npg-jam-supplement.pdf?sfvrsn=a00a52c2_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">include<\/a> expert-recommended buprenorphine as a safer replacement opioid to reduce Vicodin cravings and relapse risk. However, other medications may also be used to help treat withdrawal symptoms, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK310652\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">including<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Promethazine for insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Metoclopramide for nausea or vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Hyoscine butylbromide for abdominal cramps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Loperamide for diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches or muscle pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Your doctor and medical detox team can help determine the best medications for you throughout Vicodin withdrawal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Finding Help for Vicodin Addiction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Vicodin withdrawal can be scary, but you are not alone. Vicodin addiction experts can help you every step of the way as you recover. At The Recovery Village at Baptist Health, our doctors and nurses can help you medically detox from Vicodin, maximizing your comfort as you heal from the drug. Don\u2019t wait: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/contact-us\/\">contact us today<\/a> to learn more about how we can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Are there any potential long-term side effects of using Vicodin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Multiple long-term side effects of taking opioids like Vicodin exist. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3466038\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Chronic constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Sleep-disordered breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Heart attack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Heart failure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Falls&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Fractures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Abnormal hormone levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Sexual dysfunction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Infertility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Immunosuppression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Addiction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What are some options for managing Vicodin withdrawal symptoms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">The best option for managing Vicodin withdrawal symptoms is to enroll in a medically-supervised detox facility. You can be gently weaned off Vicodin, and your withdrawal symptoms can be treated and prevented with medications. In some cases, if medically appropriate, you may qualify for medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine products like Suboxone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Are there any risks associated with quitting Vicodin cold turkey?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Many risks are linked to quitting Vicodin cold turkey. These include a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms, which can seem overwhelming to manage on your own and may lead you to want to abandon your recovery and relapse. Unfortunately, since your body quickly adapts to the lack of Vicodin in your system, this can increase your risk of overdose. In a medically-supervised detox setting, you receive support every step of the way to minimize relapse and overdose risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vicodin withdrawal can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but treatment at The Recovery Village at Baptist Health can help ease symptoms. Deciding to quit Vicodin is a big deal for someone who struggles with the medication. Stopping Vicodin is the first step in recovery from the drug. However, planning for Vicodin withdrawal, or the symptoms your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":4308,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4348","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"written_by":355,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":289,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. <a href=\"\/research\/\">View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"<i>Last Updated<\/i> - <b>09\/13\/23<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20200815","page_last_edit_date":"20230913","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling <a href=\"tel:8886480738\"><b>888-648-0738<\/b><\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Academy of Family Physicians. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/dam\/AAFP\/documents\/patient_care\/pain_management\/conversion-table.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioid Conversion Table<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Health Organization. \"<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK310652\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\" 2009. Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Society of Addiction Medicine. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sitefinitystorage.blob.core.windows.net\/sitefinity-production-blobs\/docs\/default-source\/guidelines\/npg-jam-supplement.pdf?sfvrsn=a00a52c2_2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d December 18, 2019. Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/store.samhsa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/d7\/priv\/sma10-4554.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protracted Withdrawal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d July 2010. Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baldini, AnGee; Von Korff, Michael; Lin, Elizabeth H. B. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3466038\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Review of Potential Adverse Effects of Long-Term Opioid Therapy: A Practitioner\u2019s Guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 2012. Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ClinCalc. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clincalc.com\/DrugStats\/Drugs\/AcetaminophenHydrocodone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acetaminophen; Hydrocodone - Drug Usage Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs.com. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/acetaminophen_hydrocodone.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen Information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d February 28, 2023. Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institutes of Health. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/heal.nih.gov\/news\/stories\/collaborative-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Addiction and Mental Illness Collide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d November 10, 2022. Accessed July 3, 2023.<\/span>"},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":355},{"staff_member_title":"Medically Reviewed By","select_staff_member":289}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4348"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4348\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4308"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/289"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/355"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}