Treatment for a Vicodin Overdose

Early treatment after a Vicodin overdose is essential. If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may induce vomiting, "pump" the stomach, or administer activated charcoal to prevent the body from absorbing Vicodin. A medication called N-acetylcysteine (Acetadote^®, Mucomyst^®) is extremely important for the treatment of an acetaminophen overdose, and can help prevent liver damage due to this component of Vicodin. An antidote (naloxone or Narcan^®) may be administered to counteract overdose effects of the hydrocodone component of Vicodin.

 

Treatment will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. Sometimes, liver transplantation is necessary if severe liver damage has occurred.

 

It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Vicodin.