Withdrawal Symptoms of Vicodin

According to CNN Health, Vicodin is a mixture of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It is also an opioid that is generally prescribed to treat pain. Opioids such as Vicodin, heroin, morphine, codeine and oxycodone are narcotics that are derived from opium. They are highly addictive and can spawn painful withdrawal symptoms.

Dependence

• An individual who consumes Vicodin for more than a few weeks can develop a tolerance for the drug, resulting in the need for more to alleviate the pain. The body may also become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, causing addiction.

Trigger and Prevention

• If the user becomes dependent on Vicodin and abruptly stops using it, withdrawal symptoms occur. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, the user should consult a physician so his dosage can be tapered off instead.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Vicodin withdrawal symptoms generally start a day or two after stopping usage. Withdrawal symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, chills, sweating, fever, diarrhea, insomnia and anxiety.

Medications

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methadone and buprenorphine are effective treatments for Vicodin and other opiate withdrawal.

Alternative Remedies

• CNN Health recommends alternative remedies such as acupuncture and meditation to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It also suggests discussing these alternatives with your physician before utilizing them.