Use of Vicodin has quadrupled in 10 years

Vicodin, along with the promise of pain relief comes the threat of dependency. Here's how to judge whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Vicodin, Abbott Laboratories' brand name for a prescription medication containing hydrocodone (as well as acetaminophen, the active ingredient in over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol), is a highly effective and popular drug for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Indeed, it is so effective and popular that its use over the past decade has quadrupled.

Video: Vicodin

Not all of the popularity is attributable to pain relief

Unfortunately, not all of that growth is cause for celebration: Vicodin, supplied as white, capsule-shaped tablets, is a narcotic that can bring about a feeling of euphoria similar to the effects of heroin or morphine . . . and at an affordable price. Although regulated by state and federal law, Vicodin is not as closely controlled as other types of powerful painkillers. Abuse of this potentially addicting drug -- through the enlistment of several simultaneously prescribing doctors, making multiple purchases over the Internet, buying it on the street or through theft -- is widespread and increasing.

Reports of addiction are common

Some medical experts believe that dependence on Vicodin can occur quickly -- within as short a period of time as a week. The first report of addiction to the drug in the United States was published nearly a half-century ago. Since then, media accounts involving entertainment and sports stars who succumbed to Vicodin addiction have continued to appear. And it's not just celebrities who abuse the drug: One recent study revealed that 10% of U.S. high school seniors use Vicodin for recreational purposes.

Once you start, don't stop by yourself

Hydrocodone, classified as an opioid (synthetic narcotic) analgesic, alters the way in which the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because of Vicodin's reputation for being potentially habit-forming, those using it for pain relief should resist the temptation to take a larger dose, take it more often or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by a physician. If you start using Vicodin, don't stop taking it without talking with your doctor. He or she will likely decrease your dose slowly to mitigate symptoms of withdrawal.

Withdrawal brings on serious symptoms

The intensity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the degree of the dependency or addiction. They may grow stronger for one to three days after withdrawal begins and then decline over a week or two. These symptoms can include

• Restlessness.
• Muscle pain.
• Bone pain.
• Insomnia.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Cold flashes.
• Involuntary leg movements.
• Watery eyes.
• Runny nose.
• Loss of appetite.
• Irritability.
• Panic.
• Sweating.

The benefits come with significant side-effects

The painkilling benefits of hydrocodone come with side-effects. They can include the following and, or course, grow more serious with increased overuse.

• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness.
• Fuzzy thinking.
• Mood changes such as anxiety, abnormal happiness or extraordinary sadness.
• Dry throat.
• Difficulty in urinating.
• Rashes and/or itching.
• Slowed or irregular breathing.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Cold, clammy or blue skin.
• Abnormal sleepiness.
• Slowed or stopped heartbeat.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Seizures.
• Death.

Video: Hydrocodone

Profit motive exacerbates abuse

According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Vicodin may be the most widely abused prescription drug in the nation. Over the past 10 years, emergency room visits for Vicodin abuse have jumped 500%. One big reason: It's inexpensive. Some online sources are charging little more than $10.00 for a 30-tablet supply. However, the street price for illegally obtained Vicodin can be as high as $5.00 per pill. Clearly, the profit motive is exacerbating the problem of abuse.