An Introduction to Vicodin Side Effects
As with any medicine,
Vicodin® (
hydrocodone/APAP) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Vicodin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Vicodin side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Vicodin
Vicodin has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, one group of people received the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it is possible to see what Vicodin side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group who took the placebo.
Taking Vicodin with food may help reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting. Many people consider themselves "allergic" to Vicodin if they experience nausea and vomiting while taking it. However, this is a common side effect and does not indicate a true allergy. In many cases, this side effect goes away as a person continues to use Vicodin.
Serious Vicodin Side Effects
Some side effects with
Vicodin, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- The urge to take more Vicodin than prescribed or for a non-medical purpose (see Vicodin Abuse)
- Confusion
- Anxiety or fear
- Severe constipation
- Slow or irregular breathing
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Difficulty passing urine
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Severe drowsiness
- Signs of liver damage, such as:
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Upper-right abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Dark urine
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Wheezing
Final Thoughts on Vicodin Side Effects
You may experience some or none of the Vicodin side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of Vicodin, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
