Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Hydrocodone belongs to the group of narcotic drugs under the opioid family. These drugs elicit a calm, euphoric state of mind, very similar to the high achieved with use of heroin or morphine. Doctors prescribe these drugs as pain killers for mild to moderate pain management. Hydrocodone are highly addictive drugs and is often seen as an addiction among non-chronic pain suffers.

The people who fall prey to this drug addiction are common people like you and me. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are highly addictive pain relievers. Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms and hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms are seen in people who stop using these drugs. The hydrocodone withdrawal duration lasts for about three weeks. There are variety of hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms exhibited by the user of the drug. The severity of hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms, depends upon the individual user, the degree of drug abuse and the average amount of drug consumed per day.

Hydrocodone Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

It is seen that a patient will exhibit hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms within 6 hours of last dose taken. The hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms intensify and are at their peak, during the next 3-4 days. Once the peak of withdrawal symptoms is reached, the intensity begins to recede. Within three weeks the hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms are completely faded. The common hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms are:

• Excessive sweating
• Yawning
• Runny nose and eyes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Body aches
• Muscle pain
• Depression
• Body chills
• Goose bumps
• Restlessness
• Sleep depriviation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Loss of Appetite
• Strong cravings for the drug, even after the hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms fade

The strong cravings for the drugs make it very difficult for the patient to totally overcome the addiction. It is very important for the patient to overcome this phase successfully.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Treatment

Detoxification is a process that helps in moderating the physical symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms. The process helps in totally eliminating the addiction of the drug. It is important to gradually carry out the detoxification process as it helps in minimizing the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. This technique is called 'tapering off', that helps the body become accustomed to the lower doses of the drug and finally get off the drug completely. According to the severity of the drug abuse, the individual may be advised to drug rehabilitation centers. Medications like methadone may be prescribed to ease the hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms.

Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. may be prescribed to reduce the fever developed during the hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms. Hot baths may be given to reduce the body chills and muscle aches. Immodium is very helpful in reducing the symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

It is very important to extend support to the convalescing individual and build his moral support. Take medical help to overcome your addiction. Patients who are on prescribed drugs, should follow all their doctor's advice, when stopping the drug. It is very important to discuss all aspects regarding the drug with your doctor, who is prescribing it for one of your loved ones or for yourself. The basic thing is to overcome any kind of abuse or addictions, is not to let it overcome your mind and body.