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How Long Do Side Effects Of Vicodon Persist?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2014
Question: I have been taking vicidon for about five years know. I was up to seven or eight pills daily. For three weeks know I have only been taking three a day due to chronic pain and back injuries It is bad How long will I have the discomfort It seemed like it got worse
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

SWell looking into your query I will like to tell you that Vicodin contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone which is both effective and addictive also . Over time with its use patients develop a tolerance for the drug, and require more and more dose to achieve those same results.

It is going to take time to leave these drugs and reduce their dose which can vary from person to person , so cant tell how much time you will need for the same but may be 2-3 months will be required minimum. But yes if you take medical help in form of drugs prescribed to help you come out of this addiction leaving it will become smooth . Generally methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone and naloxone etc are used for the same. Alternatively , NSAIDS can also be used in conjunction.

Just have patience and reduce it very gradually , I think you will be able to overcome this addiction very soon.

Take care.

Dr. Shruti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (1 hour later)
I been trying my best. I did not realize how it also effected my hole family. It is hard living every day life like this when you been to a lot of doctors . The surgeons even told me they could not help me. Twenty years ago I had some vert. crushed in my upper back, wore a back brace and let them fuse together and returned to heavy construction work with no problems. Four years ago I had a two thousand pound section of pipe slap me into the hill side. My whole lower back was black and blue. I tried to keep working on a lot of pain pills hoping it would get better but had no luck. My treating doctor tried to get me help and the company kept denying. They tried to get out of filing a claim. I had to quit working and hire a Lawyer. I took me fourteen months in court to get any help. I think if I would of got treated after the injury happened and tried not to continue work it would of never reached the point where it is today. I learned that a working man is nothing but a disposable piece of trash. They try ever thing they can to get out of helping you and replace you. I was a honest hard working person. seven days a week, ten to twelve hours a day and look where it got me. I,am on S.S.D. now and still fighting with workers comp.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Keep on trying

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Thank you for reverting back.

Well I can understand what you are going through but life has its own course and you never have to lose hope.and keep on trying continuously . And if you can reduce the dose from 7-8 tablets to 3 per day then you can achieve it . You just have to speak out your mind, seek help and keep on going.

Dr. Shruti

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2366 Questions

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How Long Do Side Effects Of Vicodon Persist?

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Sir, Thank you for posting your query on HCM. SWell looking into your query I will like to tell you that Vicodin contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone which is both effective and addictive also . Over time with its use patients develop a tolerance for the drug, and require more and more dose to achieve those same results. It is going to take time to leave these drugs and reduce their dose which can vary from person to person , so cant tell how much time you will need for the same but may be 2-3 months will be required minimum. But yes if you take medical help in form of drugs prescribed to help you come out of this addiction leaving it will become smooth . Generally methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone and naloxone etc are used for the same. Alternatively , NSAIDS can also be used in conjunction. Just have patience and reduce it very gradually , I think you will be able to overcome this addiction very soon. Take care. Dr. Shruti