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I was at a friend’s house recently and noticed that she was taking Vicodin twice a day for several months to help with arm pain. I know that any narcotic used over a prolonged period of time is bad. What are the long-term effects of Vicodin usage besides the obvious: addiction?
Are there alternatives?
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Anon - Vicodin is a tablet containing a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It's possible to become addicted to this drug, and it should be used with caution. You should also be aware of possible side effects. You can learn more at http://www.drugs.com/vicodin.html
May 9, 2010 - 4:37pmThis Comment
I have been taking vicodin for unknown pain from some sort of autoimmune disease. Some days I need it, some days I don't. It has been months. Could this be a health risk?
May 7, 2010 - 6:43pmThis Comment
I have been on and off of Vicodin ES 7.5/750 for almost 10 years now. I was in a car accident in May of 2000 and have nerve damage that causes constant pain. I was in physical therapy for 4 years and have had 20 epidural injections over the past 10 years. My pain is bad in the winter, so right now I'm taking 3 vicodin as perscribed per day. I do have to say that 4 years ago I kept taking more to ease the pain, but after realizing it took 6 to 8 in one day to ease the pain, I stopped cold turkey. I would not recommend that because it's unhealthy and was extremely painful. Since then I NEVER take more than 4 in one day and will only take that much if I have the migraine that comes with my nerve pain.
At this point I am researching new doctors because I am tired of having to take pain meds. My pain management doctor wanted to put me on Oxycotin and I refused. I've heard so many horror stories. I am worried what kind of damage the pain meds are doing to my kidneys and liver. I get my blood tested every 3 to 6 months to check my levels.
Rob
February 19, 2010 - 8:29amThis Comment
Rob,
I'm so sorry to hear that a car accident has caused you so much pain for such a long time. Chronic pain is a difficult thing to manage in the best of circumstances.
The good news is that since you are getting your blood levels checked every 3 to 6 months, your doctor should notice any damage to your kidneys and liver at a very early stage.
You mentioned that you are researching new doctors. What kind of doctor are you looking for? You mention that you are tired of taking pain meds -- and I totally understand that. But with your nerve pain, will it be possible to go without them?
Where exactly is your worst pain?
Is there anything that helps relieve it besides the drugs?
Can we help you with your research in any way?
March 1, 2010 - 10:34amThis Comment
To Diane Porter:
August 18, 2012 - 4:11pmThank you for offering to do research on this. My original question was "What are the long term effects of using Vicodin? The ensuing conversations are touching on Vicodin usage but there are no answers to my question. I have a 33 year old son who is addicted to Vicodin. He confessed this to me about a year ago. He said he only takes a couple a day but from other reliabe sources I have heard that it is much more than that and that he has had this addiction much longer (around ten years at least) than he implied. He is a good man. He has a kind and compassionate heart and will do just about anything for a friend. I am incredibly worried about this. Does anybody have any answers to or knowledge of wha the long term effects of using (too much) Vicodin might be. Thank you
La-luna V.
This Comment
I want to say Whoa before you start calling your friend an addict.
I have a chronic pain condition that is permanent. I will never be cured, so I have to manage my pain. I have used several things like physical therapy, Tai Chi. Stellate Ganglion Nerve blocks and medication. Some of these things no longer work for me. I have a prescription for Vicodin that allows me to take it twice a day. I do not take it that often but I have days when I do have to take it, along with other medications. I actually have 3 different pain medications that I can use for my pain control.
Your friend may need to take Vicodin to manage her pain and live a somewhat normal life. If this is the case, your friend may have a physical dependence, which is very different from addiction. She is not taking the vicodin to get high but to function. Addict will do almost anything to get their drugs and will use them at higher and higher levels. Please do research on physical dependence and addiction and learn the difference before you talk to your friend.
I want to applaud your concern for your friend's health. You might ask your friend about her injury and how it is healing? Living with chronic pain is very lonely because it often an invisible disability. We are often told that our pain is not real,that we are being a baby or looking for drugs. Chronic pain can cause depression, insomnia and limits what we can do. Be a friend and listen when she speaks.
Reta
October 23, 2009 - 9:13pmThis Comment
Agreed...
March 1, 2012 - 7:07pmThis Comment
I broke my back in two places in 07 i was prescribed 180 than 200 and now 240 norcos 10mg vicodin a month. I am only 23 now and the pain is not getting any better. And I am having to take more and more just to get through my daily life. I know that im just diggin a deeper hole. till one day i will probably be takin 200mg of oxycontin a day just to make it through my day. I would like to know what the effects these meds will do to my body. thanks John
October 10, 2009 - 10:47amThis Comment
My ex-husband started taking vicodin 7 years ago after a root canal. He has been taking up to 50 pills per day of either vicodin, percaset, darvecet or any other prescription pain drug there is. At first I thought it was for legitamate reasons. He had shoulder surgery, wrist surgery and then a vasectomy. But he continued to abuse pain pills, eventually leaving me and our two children to pursue his addiction. He now is trying to get clean. I am wondering what are the long term effects of this kind of abuse? Does he have a chance to live a healthy life? Will his body recover?
June 17, 2009 - 8:08amThis Comment
Dear Anon,
Thank you for your question. Sounds like you have had quite a journey during the last seven years. I'm sorry it got so rough between you and your ex and that his addiction to pain pills got so severe before he would get help for the problem.
Is he in some sort of rehab or treatment? Did he go through a detoxification?
Does he attend meetings? Or is he trying to go it alone?
Has he stopped using the pain pills altogether now?
I found a lot of information about how long-term use of painkillers affects some organs in the body, but not about how much those organs can recover and how much damage can be reversed. I'd like to submit your question to one of our experts; check back here in a few days and see what we've been able to find out, OK?
June 17, 2009 - 8:33amThis Comment