Hydrocodone Misuse: Effects & Addiction Treatment

Misuse of prescription opioids like hydrocodone can increase the risk of addiction and overdose. Keep reading to learn more about hydrocodone misuse, signs of hydrocodone addiction, the risk of hydrocodone overdose, and how to find hydrocodone addiction treatment near you.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic opioid medication that is usually prescribed to those who have pain severe enough to require an opioid painkiller and whose pain cannot be effectively managed with other options. It is one of the most commonly prescribed opioids in the U.S.^1,2

Hydrocodone is typically taken by mouth and comes in various forms, including capsules, liquids, and tablets. Brand-name versions that are still on the market include Hysingla ER and Anexsia, in addition to hundreds of generic hydrocodone products. Hydrocodone, like other prescription opioids, has a high potential for misuse and addiction, which is why it is listed as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.^2–4

Different formulations of hydrocodone, where it’s mixed with another medication, may be used for different purposes. For example, some contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief, while others combine hydrocodone with chlorpheniramine or homatropine to treat coughs and upper respiratory tract infections.⁴

Many hydrocodone formulations containing more than 325 mg of acetaminophen have been discontinued due to the potential for liver toxicity. Discontinued versions include Vicodin, Lortab, Norco, and Zohydro. However, generic equivalents to these brands may still be prescribed.^4–6

Effects of Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone can cause several side effects, even when taken as directed. The severity of these side effects may be increased if the drug is misused or combined with other substances.²

The most common side effects of hydrocodone can include:²

• Light-headedness.
• Dizziness.
• Sedation.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Constipation.

Anyone taking hydrocodone is at heightened risk of opioid overdose, which results in slowed or stopped breathing and can be life-threatening.²

Although short-term use of prescription opioids taken as directed by a physician is generally safe and rarely leads to addiction, misuse and long-term use can pose increased risks of overdose and addiction.^2,3 

Recognizing Hydrocodone Misuse

Some potential signs that a person may be misusing hydrocodone prescribed to them include:^7,8

• Seeking multiple prescriptions, reporting lost prescriptions, or calling for early refills.
• Reports of increasing pain, even though their condition doesn’t seem to be worsening.
• Over-sedation, or appearing sleepy or drowsy.
• Withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped or cut back.

Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone addiction, which is diagnosed as an opioid use disorder, is a medical condition caused by brain changes from chronic substance use. Addiction involves compulsive drug seeking and use despite significant negative consequences.¹

The signs of hydrocodone addiction include:⁹

• Taking more than prescribed or for a longer time period than intended.
• Wanting to reduce or give up hydrocodone use but not succeeding in doing so.
• Spending a lot of time trying to obtain, use, and recover from the effects of hydrocodone.
• Experiencing cravings or strong urges to use the drug.
• Using hydrocodone even though it has been interfering with work, academic, or home obligations.
• Using hydrocodone even though it has been causing relationship problems.
• Giving up activities the person once enjoyed due to hydrocodone use.
• Continuing to use opioids despite knowing that it causes or worsens physical or mental health problems.
• Using hydrocodone in situations that are physically hazardous, such as while driving or operating machinery.
• Using hydrocodone despite feeling its effects less intensely or needing more to feel the same effects (tolerance).
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing use. (Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for those taking opioids solely as directed by a physician.)

A person must experience at least two of the above symptoms within a 12-month period to meet the criteria for an opioid use disorder. The severity (mild, moderate, or severe) of the disease is measured by the number of criteria a person exhibits.⁹

Mixing Hydrocodone and Other Substances

Combining other substances, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, xylazine, or other opioids, with hydrocodone can increase various risks, including the risk of life-threatening overdose. People who use these substances together should be aware that they can experience profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.²

Hydrocodone Overdose Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a hydrocodone or other opioid overdose include:¹¹

• Unconsciousness or inability to awaken.
• Slow or shallow breathing or difficulty breathing.
• Blue or purplish fingernails and skin.
• Pinpointed pupils or pupils that don’t react to light.

Naloxone is an opioid overdose antidote that can reverse the effects of opioids, restore breathing, and save a person’s life. It should be administered if any opioid involvement is suspected in a drug overdose. If you’re unsure whether the person has taken opioids, it’s still safe to give them naloxone. The medication won’t harm someone who has not taken opioids.¹¹

However, even if naloxone restores a person’s breathing, an overdose still requires immediate medical attention because effects of naloxone can wear off after 30 to 90 minutes, and overdose symptoms may return.¹¹

Hydrocodone Withdrawal & Detox

People who are dependent on hydrocodone can develop withdrawal symptoms if they significantly cut down their dose or stop using the drug. Common hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include:^2,9

• Restlessness.
• Teary eyes.
• Runny nose.
• Yawning.
• Sweating.
• Chills.
• Muscle aches and pains.
• Dilated pupils.

Hydrocodone withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and distressing, with additional flu-like symptoms that may arise, including severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and anxiety. Even mild opioid withdrawal can cause needless suffering.^2,11,12

Medical detox can help people safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms from hydrocodone in a supportive, medically supervised environment. Hydrocodone detox involves a set of interventions designed to help manage acute intoxication and withdrawal and prevent potential complications.¹²

Opioid detox often involves the use of buprenorphine, a safe and effective partial opioid agonist that can be used to manage opioid use disorder. It may be started during detox and can reduce or eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms.¹²

Other medications that may be used during detox include:^12,13

• Clonidine, which is an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been used for over 50 years as an off-label medication for withdrawal management. However, it can cause low blood pressure in some.
• Lofexidine, known by the brand name Lucemyra, is in the same drug class as clonidine and has similar effects. Unlike clonidine, lofexidine is less likely to cause low blood pressure, has fewer side effects, and can significantly reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. Lofexidine is FDA-approved specifically as an opioid detox medication.

Following medical detox, ongoing treatment for opioid use disorder can help prevent relapse and teach people the skills necessary to remain substance-free. Treatment options may include inpatient or outpatient rehab, depending on a person’s unique needs.^12,14

Hydrocodone Rehab in Hollywood, Florida

No matter how bad things might seem right now, there is always hope, and people can recover from hydrocodone addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling, you can begin the path to hydrocodone recovery and start treatment today. Recovery First is a Miami metro area inpatient rehab facility that offers all levels of addiction treatment, including detox and outpatient treatment.

Call to speak with one of our caring admissions navigators about your treatment and hydrocodone rehab options. You can also learn more about insurance coverage for rehab and how to pay for addiction treatment.