Yes. Very much so, in fact.
Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of acetaminophen, a painkiller, and hydrocodone, an opiate and painkiller. Other brand names of this hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination include: Lorcet, Norco, Lortab and Zydone.
Vicodin dependency or addiction occurs when use goes beyond recommended dosages and treatment times. Because it is often easy to get and effective once used, Vicodin is often the addicted person’s go-to choice. Vicodin, an opiate-based drug, is the go-to drug of choice for men and women of all ages and walks of life.
Addicted to Vicodin?
As the addiction to a prescription substance like Vicodin, an opiate, grows, people find they need to take more and more in order to achieve the same effect. These and other Vicodin addiction symptoms occur as a result of the body trying its best to expel and rid itself of the toxins being put into it almost constantly.
Some warning signs of Vicodin addiction include these:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Sleeping problems such as insomnia
- Committing illegal acts to keep up with the addiction, sometimes up to 100 pills per day or more
- Needing to keep increasing the daily dosage of pills to achieve the same effect
- Taking Vicodin in a quantity or with a frequency that has not been recommended or prescribed by a doctor
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Hives, skin rashes
- Nausea
- Vision problems
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Loss of control over bodily functions
In many cases, instead of fighting the addiction and the onslaught of the substance, the body may simply give in and stop, significantly negatively affecting the immune system and the body’s natural ability to heal.
Vicodin vs. Percocet
Percocet, another widely prescribed painkiller, is often compared to Vicodin. Both are narcotics with Vicodin a “Class III” and Percocet as a stronger and more highly addictive “Class II” designation. A doctor’s advice in the “Vicodin vs. Percocet” question is crucial to a patient’s health and should be heeded.
Vicodin and Alcohol
Those who use Vicodin, and especially those who are addicted to Vicodin, should be aware that excessive consumption of acetaminophen, one of the two main ingredients in Vicodin, combined with consumption of three or more alcoholic beverages per day can lead to liver damage, failure and even death.
In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid entirely regular use of any substances containing acetaminophen.
