Vicodin Withdrawal

If you suddenly stop taking Vicodin, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Although symptoms may be unpleasant and uncomfortable, they are unlikely to be life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. If you are trying to stop taking Vicodin and withdrawal symptoms occur, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can help slowly wean you off the drug.

 

Vicodin Withdrawal: An Overview

Vicodin® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain medication. The medication is a narcotic and may cause withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped too abruptly. Although Vicodin withdrawal can be quite unpleasant and uncomfortable, you can be assured that it is not life-threatening.
 

Why Does Vicodin Withdrawal Occur?

Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the effects of Vicodin. If the drug is stopped too quickly -- or even if the dose is reduced too quickly -- withdrawal symptoms may occur. Vicodin withdrawal can occur with chronic, legitimate use of the drug, as well as with Vicodin abuse. Withdrawal is a normal, predictable, physical response to stopping a narcotic; it is not necessarily a sign of abuse.
 
Vicodin withdrawal can also occur due to the administration of naloxone (Narcan®), even if the Vicodin dose has not been reduced. Naloxone is a drug that prevents opiates such as Vicodin from binding to receptors in the body.
 

Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal

Symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal can vary in intensity and may include:
 
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Sweating and a runny nose
  • Goosebumps
  • Agitation.
 
Unlike withdrawal from many other drugs, withdrawal from Vicodin is unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
 
(Vicodin Withdrawal Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;