What is hydrocodone withdrawal?
Hydrocodone is a pain reliever that is combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is derived from codeine and thebaine that binds to the receptors in the nervous system and the brain. The comfort and relief provided by the medication causes people to get addicted to it. When people try to get rid of the addiction, they experience certain reactions because the brain and body gets used to the drug and cannot cope with a sudden absence of it. These reactions are known as hydrocodone withdrawal.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms or Side Effects
- Muscle and joint pain
- Shaking
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Cold flashes
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Runny nose
- Restlessness
- High blood pressure
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irregular heart rate
- Excessive tearing
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Agitation
Assessment
- Thorough check of the medical background
- Enquiry into the frequency and dosage
- Method of intake of the drug
- Underlying psychological reasons
- Toxins that are observed to affect the patient
- Level of dependence on the drug
Treatment
- Consult psychiatrists and speak freely about their problems and dependence
- Meet people who have combated the addiction and the ones undergoing rehabilitation to gain confidence
- Support from friends and family encourages patients to break through the addiction
- Use buprenorphine products that fill opioid receptors in the brain and curb the effect of the withdrawal
- Use of the medication should be reduced gradually rather than instantly
Prevention
- Avoid the use of the drug unless prescribed
- Dosage should strictly be as prescribed by the doctor
- Use prescribed alternatives to the medication if a pattern of dependence is observed
How long does it take to detox from hydrocodone?
Timeline for detoxification depends on the dependence on the drug as well as the quantity and time for which the drug has been used. It may take time ranging from weeks to months depending on the particular individual.