Many people begin using Vicodin to treat a legitimate, and often serious, pain. Unfortunately, many people develop a physical dependence on the substance, which causes withdrawal when they stop taking the medication — even if they started out with a prescription.
Vicodin withdrawal occurs when the body has become adjusted to functioning with the substance and has to readjust after it’s no longer present. This causes flu-like symptoms, alongside anxiety and depression.
One of the biggest concerns about Vicodin withdrawal is the potential for overdose if a person returns to their usual dose after losing their tolerance for the substance. In the first half of 2024, 152 Floridians died with hydrocodone (the opioid in Vicodin) in their systems.
At Clean Recovery Centers, we’re here to support your loved one through the process of ending their Vicodin consumption. Many of our staff members are in recovery themselves, so we understand what it takes to succeed in recovery.
Key Takeaways:
- Vicodin withdrawals occur when you or a loved one stops taking the medication after developing a physical dependence.
- Anyone who takes hydrocodone regularly is at risk of experiencing withdrawal when they stop taking it.
- Vicodin withdrawal causes flu-like symptoms, as well as depression and anxiety.
- Hydrocodone withdrawal can be noticeable as early as 3 hours after the last dose, gets more intense over the next 48 hours, peaks in 3 to 5 days, and recedes within 2 weeks.
- Most people with an opioid use disorder experience intermittent cognitive symptoms due to post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) for several months after their last dose.
Understanding Vicodin Withdrawal: What Your Loved One May Be Experiencing
Whenever you or someone you love takes a medication or another substance consistently over an extended period of time, your body will adjust to its regular presence in your system. This is called “physical dependence,” and it’s one of the key signs of painkiller addiction. Although physical dependence is more common among people who use substances recreationally, it can also occur when you use a medication as prescribed.
Vicodin, also called hydrocodone, is a semi-synthetic opioid commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. The medication’s active ingredients include hydrocodone bitartrate, which is the opioid component, and acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a mild, non-opioid pain reliever. The brand-name medication Vicodin is no longer available in the United States. However, there are several other medications with the same active ingredients on the market, and the name Vicodin is still used colloquially.
4 common brand names include:
- Maxidone
- Xodol
- Zydone
- Norco
Opioids, like hydrocodone, work by attaching themselves to opioid receptors throughout your central nervous system. This triggers the release of “feel-good chemicals” like dopamine endorphins, activating the brain’s reward center. This is what causes the desired effects, like pain relief and feelings of euphoria, which are associated with hydrocodone and other opioids.
The longer your loved one takes Vicodin, the more severe their physical dependence will become. Eventually, they’ll build up a tolerance, meaning that they’ll need more of the substance to feel the same effects. At this point, the naturally occurring levels of endorphins and dopamine in their body will no longer feel like enough. When your loved one stops taking hydrocodone, their body will need time to readjust, and this causes withdrawal.
Knowing If Your Loved One Is at Risk for Hydrocodone Withdrawals
In terms of potency, hydrocodone is widely considered to be comparable to other opioids on the market. For context, it’s about the same as oxycodone and the same as, if not a bit stronger than, morphine. With any of these medications, physical dependence can come on quickly.
Not everyone who takes Vicodin will necessarily experience withdrawal when they stop taking it. However, anyone who takes Vicodin regularly is at risk of experiencing withdrawal when they stop.
This is true if:
- Your loved one has a prescription for Vicodin.
- Your loved one takes Vicodin in combination with other substances.
- Your loved one is living with opioid use disorder.
The Food and Drug Administration approves hydrocodone (with and without acetaminophen) to treat chronic and short-term pain. If you or a loved one has a prescription for a hydrocodone-based medication, and you want to stop taking it, you should work with your doctor to manage potential side effects.
People who take Vicodin recreationally often combine it with other substances. For example, opioids, which are central nervous system depressants, are sometimes combined with stimulants to “round out” the desired effects. However, this does nothing to prevent withdrawals from occurring when your loved one stops taking the medication.
Recognizing Common Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal in a Loved One
Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal in a loved one is the first step to being able to support them throughout their recovery journey. As with other opioids, the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal aren’t usually very dangerous, but they are uncomfortable, which can make them difficult to manage.
The most dangerous part of withdrawal is the potential for Vicodin overdose. When your loved one is experiencing Vicodin withdrawals, their cravings will make them want to return to use, even if it’s just because they want their symptoms to stop. If they return to their usual dose after going through withdrawal, your loved one risks overdosing because their tolerance will be lower.
Not everyone who goes through Vicodin withdrawal will necessarily experience every possible symptom. Your loved one’s specific symptoms will depend on how their body and mind respond to withdrawal.
Physical Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal that Family May Notice
The symptoms of withdrawal from an opioid like hydrocodone typically mimic those of the flu.
Common examples of physical Vicodin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Cold and/or hot flashes
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Chills
- Body aches and pains
- Runny nose and watery eyes
These symptoms don’t usually cause long-term damage. The most immediate danger is dehydration, which is caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Ensure that your loved one has plenty of fluids during this period.
The Psychological Impact of Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Your loved one will also experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking an opioid like hydrocodone.
5 of the most common mental health symptoms associated with hydrocodone withdrawal include:
- Severe cravings for Vicodin
- Depression
- Feelings of anxiety
- Mood swings
- Short-term memory problems
In more severe cases, people in opioid withdrawal are known to have suicidal thoughts. If you’re concerned that someone you know will hurt themselves or someone else, call the 988 suicide hotline immediately.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline: How Long It Lasts and What to Expect at Each Stage
The exact timeline for acute hydrocodone withdrawal varies from person to person. The exact timeline your loved one experiences will depend on factors such as:
- Their metabolism
- The method they use to take Vicodin
- Their tolerance level
- The overall quality of their health
- Any other substance they take
The following chart illustrates what the acute withdrawal timeline looks like for most people.
| Time Since Last Dose | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| First 3-6 hours | If your loved one takes a short-acting form of hydrocodone, they may feel moderate symptoms, like cravings and anxiety. |
| First 24-48 hours | By this stage, your loved one will experience mild, flu-like symptoms, including sweating, a runny nose, and chills. |
| First 3-6 Days | Intense symptoms like vomiting, tremors, and increased heart rate typically peak during this timeframe. |
| First 7 to 14 days | Within two weeks, your loved one’s acute withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside, and they’ll adjust to life without opioids. |
Supporting a Loved One Through Vicodin Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
The majority of people with Vicodin use disorder experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Studies suggest that as many as 90% of people with opioid use disorder experience PAWS.
PAWS symptoms begin after opioids have already left your loved one’s system. These symptoms tend to be more cognitive and psychological than acute withdrawal symptoms, and the timeline is less defined. Symptoms usually come in waves and can take place months or even years after the last dose of Vicodin.
Symptoms of PAWS include:
- Trouble focusing
- Poor memory
- Sensitivity to stress
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and vivid dreams
- Anxiety or depression
- Intense mood swings
- Cravings for fentanyl
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Low enthusiasm or a general sense of apathy
- Poor impulse control
- Brain fog or trouble thinking things through
- Irritability, aggression, or hostility
Treatment Options for Vicodin and Hydrocodone in Tampa, Florida with Clean Recovery Centers
If your loved one is ready to stop taking Vicodin, they’ll need expert care. As much as your support is necessary, you’re not a professional.
The right program for Vicodin addiction treatment will provide your loved one with the treatment they need. The right combination of evidence-based therapies, skill-building exercises, and temporary medication assistance will empower them to end their substance use.
At Clean Recovery Centers, we know that recovery isn’t a destination; it’s a lifestyle. We’ll work with your loved one to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed in recovery long term. Call us at (888) 330-2532 to start now.
Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.
