Along with Vicodin addiction and usage come various Vicodin side effects.  Vicodin addiction can lead to both physical and mental dependence. Vicodin side effects become more prevalent when used over a period of time, but many users of Vicodin do experience certain Vicodin side effects right away, such as drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, constipation, lowered heart and breathing rate and vomiting.  

Vicodin side effects have a tendency to make you drowsy and less alert, therefore you should be careful when driving or operating machinery or any other dangerous activity until you know how your body handles the various Vicodin side effects that you may have. If you have a head injury, Vicodin can exaggerate the affects of this injury and thus interfere with any treatment that you are receiving for your head injury. If any of these Vicodin side effects occur, it is usually a good idea to lie down after taking this medication.  Even though some of these Vicodin side effects seem to be somewhat minor, they do have a major impact on a person’s day to day life and happiness.  

As time goes on, Vicodin addiction will lead to many other problems. These Vicodin side effects can be things such as liver damage, uncontrollable sweating, sexual impotence, confusion and disorientation, along with vision problems and possible hallucinations. This can also lead to a person going into a comatose state and eventually death. Vicodin addiction, along with prescription drug addiction is very dangerous. In fact, many people each year die from prescription drug addiction. Be sure and monitor the Vicodin side effects closely.  

Vicodin contains the following ingredients: Hydrocodone, Bitartrate and Acetaminophen. Vicodin is most often prescribed for relief from moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone is the narcotic in Vicodin which acts as a pain killer and cough suppressant. Hydrocodone slows down the body’s central nervous system. Hydrocodone is responsible for most of the Vicodin side effects. Using alcohol while taking Vicodin can intensify the effects of Vicodin; therefore they should not be used together. The other main ingredient in Vicodin is Acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic pain killer commonly found in over-the-counter pain killer medicine. Over use of Acetaminophen can cause liver damage, this is the only Vicodin side effects from this ingredient. Vicodin can be very habit forming, along with any other Hydrocodone base drug. Tolerance to Vicodin can occur, in which larger doses are required to get the desired effect, which leads to Vicodin addiction and makes Vicodin withdrawal much more complicated.  

Vicodin Overdose, like any Overdoes is a serious problem and can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose from Vicodin, contact an emergency medical treatment center immediately. Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose may include: Cold or Clammy Skin; Skin color on the blue side; Extreme sleepiness progressing to a state of unresponsiveness or coma; Body discomfort; Hearing impairment; Heart problems; Heavy perspiration; Kidney problems; Limp muscles; Liver failure; Low blood pressure; Nausea; Slow heart rate, Troubled or slowed breathing; Blood disorders; and Vomiting. If you suspect a Vicodin overdose, it is imperative that you contact an emergency medical treatment center immediately.