Pill of the Month

January 2007- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate (Vicodin)

Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate
Brand Name: Vicodin

What it is: A prescription narcotic that is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain (pain killer). Similar to that of codeine. Dosage is based on the amount of pain and the patient’s response to the medication. Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins, therefore relieving pain.

Side Effects:
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Nausea
(Less common side effects): weakness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, rapid heartbeat, depression, decreased sex drive, itching, urinary difficulties, low blood sugar

Warnings: Long term use can cause drug dependence as an individual’s body becomes adjusted to and accustomed to the chemicals in the medication. The hydrocodone component of the drug is what causes the drug abuse as its properties are similar to those in heroin. These properties include increasing the activity of dopamine, which cause euphoria. Some of the symptoms of overdosage include; respiratory depression, cold/clammy skin, bradycardia and hypotension,

Misuse: the addictive effects of vicodin may lead abuse especially when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. When mixed with alcohol, vicodin causes the drunken effects of alcohol to occur more quickly and at a heightened level. Alcohol mixed with the use of vicodin also causes a rapid destruction of the liver. More than 15 million Americans have admitted to abusing prescription drugs and more than 2 million of this value are individuals under the age of 17. “The number of Americans abusing controlled prescription drugs doubled during the same period, spiking from 7.8 million in 1992 to 15.1 million in 2003, thereby surpassing the number of cocaine, hallucinogen, inhalant and heroin users combined” (MTV). Painkillers such as vicodin were named as one of the most commonly abused medications. It’s a serious issue at hand as stories of people who have abused vicodin for years end up with full-blown liver failure or worse. Though the popularity of this drug continues to grow, so does its destruction on an individual’s health when misused.

Sources: www.mtv.com
The Pill Book