Hydrocodone Side Effects

Hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic (drug that relieves pain) and antitussive (drug that relieves cough). It is taken orally, and is commonly available in the form of tablets, capsules and syrup. Many a times, it is combined with pain killers like ibuprofen and paracetamol. Hydrocodone is often prescribed with a comparatively less potent pain reliever, called acetaminophen, as it increases the effect of hydrocodone. It is available in the drug stores under the brand names such as Lortab and Vicodin.

It is never advisable to take hydrocodone without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. This is because, hydrocodone is habit-forming, and its overdose can lead to various serious medical conditions. Some important hydrocodone side effects are discussed here.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone

• Hydrocodone may give you a feeling of calmness and delight, but may develop addiction for it.
• Hydrocodone may produce headache, dry mouth, anxiousness, dizziness and drowsiness. These side-effects of hydrocodone may be followed by mild to severe nausea, loose motions or emesis.
• Overdose or long term consumption of hydrocodone may result in constipation, blurred vision and ringing in the ears.
• When you are taking hydrocodone, you generally go through a stage of general physical weakness, or fatigue. This stage is also marked by a decrease in sex drive.
• The severe acetaminophen hydrocodone side effects may involve breathing difficulties, bradycardia and convulsions.
• You may develop symptoms like tightness in chest, stomach cramps and excessive sweating.
• Some other side-effects of hydrocodone can be light headedness, sudden mood swing, unusual behavior and fainting.
• An overdose of hydrocodone may also cause stomachache, loss of appetite, itching on arms and legs, and yellowing of the skin or eyes, or jaundice.
• Hydrocodone disturbs the excretory system as well. You may develop complications with urination such as difficult micturition, or release of dark urine.
• Problems related with defecation may involve discharge of clay-colored stools and constipation accompanied with severe pain. Your stool may have blood in it. You can read more on melena - blood in stools.
• Hydrocodone side effects may also involve swelling of your lips, tongue, hives or face. It may cause occurrence of bruises, cold and clammy skin.

Risk Factors for Hydrocodone Side Effects

• History of drug or alcohol addiction
• Suffering from any sort of mental illnesses, sleep apnea, asthma, hepatic or renal disorders.
• Medical history of intestinal disorders, head injury, hypotension, and under or over-active thyroid gland.

In case you drive or do anything that requires mental alertness, you should inform your doctor about it, if he/she is prescribing hydrocodone to you under any kind of treatment. This is because, hydrocodone directly affects your thinking and response. Keep hydrocodone tablets or capsules away from the reach of children and never ever give it to someone who has not been prescribed for it by a doctor. Always remember that, hydrocodone finds its medicinal use in treatments for pain and cough but its improper intake can lead to side-effects of hydrocodone. If you experience any of the given hydrocodone side effects, consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.