Brief Answer: Better to take suboxone Detailed Answer: hi Thanks for your query. I would try to solve your problem. First of all i would like to tell you few things about Vicodin. It consists of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Both are pain killer. Beside addiction, they have number of other side effects. Acetaminophen causes liver dysfunction and causes gastric upset. In case of hydrocodone, it is semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine and could lead to nausea, vomiting, gastric upset, liver dysfunction, anxiety, drowsiness, constipation etc. Definitely with this drug he would get dependence as well as various physical side effects. For a substitution, there is nothing harm in shifting him on Suboxone. It is a bupronorphine-naloxone combination which is commonly use for de-addiction purpose, but in his case it would help in both way. It would help to reduce pain as well as decrease the chances of addiction. Main benefit with suboxone is, its dose would be controlled by doctor due to which dose would remain in control. It would give him same pleasure which most of patient get after taking opioid, so he would not feel sad after taking it. Little bit nausea can happen for initial few days, but that would go with time. He can start this drug from the low dose. In case you need further help, i would be very happy to help you and solve your query. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

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