VicodinNarcotic: acetaminophen

and hydrocodone

HistoryHydrocodone dates back to the 1920's when Knoll,

a German pharmaceutical company, believed hydrogenizing codeine could make it less toxic, making it easier on the stomach.

Hydrocodone is the codeine molecule with a hydrogen atom attached.

During this time in the U.S., a disturbing percentage of middle class Americans were hooked on opium derivatives. The government, anxious for a non-addictive painkiller, gave extensive funding to research new compounds like hydrocodone.

Entering The BodyAcetaminophen and hydrocodone is available in

tablet/capsule form, as well as liquid, to be taken by mouth.

It’s generally taken every 4-6 hours as needed. The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP® is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES®, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets per day.

Vicodin can be habit forming or addictive, and it is imperative that patients take the medication precisely as prescribed by their physician.

Abuse EffectsVicodin is a semisynthetic narcotic.Most of these involve the central nervous system and

smooth muscle.The precise mechanism of action of hydrocodone and

other opiates is not known, although it is believed to relate to the existence of opiate receptors in the central nervous system.

Narcotics may produce euphoria, drowsiness, laziness, relaxation, difficulty in concentrating, decreased physical activity in some users and increased physical activity in others, mild anxiety or fear, and pupillary constriction.

Abuse Effects (CONTINUED)If a regular Vicodin user abruptly stops taking Vicodin,

withdrawal should begin within six to twelve hours.The intensity of withdrawal depends on the degree of

the addiction, and symptoms are usually not life-threatening.

Withdrawal symptoms may intensify for 24 to 72 hours and then gradually decline over a period of 7 to 14 days.

Symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include but are not limited to: restlessness, muscle pain, bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, goose bumps, involuntary leg movements, watery eyes, runny nose loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, chills, and sweating.

Legal InformationVicodin is under legal restriction by the CSA (Controlled

Substances Act): Schedule III Schedule III.—a) The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less

than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II.b) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical

use in treatment in the United States.c) Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or

low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

These drugs are available only by prescription, though control of wholesale distribution is somewhat less stringent than Schedule II drugs. Prescriptions for Schedule III drugs may be refilled up to five times within a six month period.

Help and Support Groups Help for stopping your addition to the prescription drug Vicodin is

offered both by self help and by treatment centers. Of course, family and friends also are important.

Self Help: http://www.narcoticsanonymous.com http://www.rationalrecovery.org http://www.intervention.com/links.html http://www.findtreatmentsamhsa.gov

Treatment Centers: http://www.valleyhope.com http://www.hazelden.org http://www.soberforever.org/gb.html http://www.jamaicarehab.com/ http://www.windsorstuff.com/addiction.html http://www.usnodrugs.com http://www.mountainside.org/ http://www.promises.com/assess.html

Interesting FactsEminem and Courtney Love were addicted to

VicodinAnyone can become addicted to Vicodin in as

little as 7 daysThe most common appearance is a white,

scored, oblong, tablet with the word “Vicodin” imprinted on it.

Street Names: Vike and Watson-387If taken when in severe pain, Vicodin does not

get a person "high," but it does if it's taken when NOT in pain.

Resourceshttp://www.drugabusehelp.com/drugs/Vicodin

/http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Subs

tance-Abuse/vicoprofin-Vicodin-addiction/show/42769

http://www.drugs.com/Vicodin.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicodin