Understanding the Medical Side Effects Vicodin Use

ByJeremy P Stanfords

Vicodin is a prescription medication used primarily as a painkiller. Patients take it for treatment of acute or chronic pain. It is a controlled substance, but some patients may continue to take it against the advice of a physician, which may cause a multitude of problems, including physical, emotional and legal. When a patient becomes addicted to Vicodin, he should seek treatment through a professional drug detox facility.

Side Effects
The possible medical side effects with long-term use of Vicodin includes liver damage, since one of the components in the drug is acetaminophen. Aside from liver disease, high blood pressure, shallow breathing and constipation are just a few of the many possible side effects. Taking Vicodin for more than recommended can also alter how other medications react in the body.

Uses
Prescribed Vicodin is used to treat pain from a variety of problems, such as car accidents, sports injuries surgeries and slip-and-falls. It is also used in treatment of arthritis, chronic back pain, muscle spasms and pain after an operation.

Addiction
Vicodin has addictive properties. While health care professionals try to prevent their patients from becoming dependent on this prescription drug, it does happen. As a result, some people find it difficult to cope with pain and function without it. It can create problems with daily life by affecting work habits, relationships and sleeping patterns. It can also create financial hardships when money is spent on the drug instead of food, power, rent and other living expenses. On some occasions, patients may seek other means of acquiring the drug, often turning to illegal activities. This, in turn, may lead to theft from friends and family members, and even a criminal record.

How to Stop
When someone finds that Vicodin affects their daily life and they want to stop using it, it may be challenging. The body may be physically addicted to its effects. A controlled environment with medical professionals is advised so that the person does not suffer serious medical side effects from withdrawal. People who believe they have an addiction to or are abusing the drug should never attempt to self detox. The side effects can be painful, and in some cases deadly. One way to do it safely is through a professional clinic. A Vicodin detox center, for example, is staffed with healthcare professionals who can assist clients in reducing and eventually eliminating their use of the drug.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about vicodin detox, please visit http://gallusdetox.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_P_Stanfords

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MLA Style Citation:
Stanfords, Jeremy P.".".5 Apr. 2012EzineArticles.com.8 Apr. 2012 .APA Style Citation:
Stanfords, J. P. (2012, April 5). . Retrieved April 8, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Understanding-the-Medical-Side-Effects-Vicodin-Use&id=6984621Chicago Style Citation:
Stanfords, Jeremy P. "." EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Understanding-the-Medical-Side-Effects-Vicodin-Use&id=6984621EzineArticles.com© 2012 EzineArticles.com
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