Does Vicodin cause any side effects?

We have started this blogsite in hope that people will finally be able to find an objective source of information about this medication that is often used and quite commonly prescribed and that has got a lot of bad press in the last few years. As we wish to be objective about Vicodin, we must cover the issues such as side effects, as well as those upsides of this medication that are many and that are very significant. Namely, to say that Vicodin will never ever produce any side effects would be an outright lie and it could even be harmful to the health of the people using it. The simple fact is that every medication, no matter how powerful can cause side effects and Vicodin is no different.

When we are talking about Vicodin, we need to keep in mind that it is in fact a combination of two medications, called paracetamol and hydrocodone. These are two different medications that have been combined in Vicodin in order to produce effects that are much more beneficial than when used separately. However, the fact that Vicodin is a combination of two medications, also means that the potential for side effects combines the potential for side effects of both these medications. This results in a list of potential side effects that may seem a long one, but you need to keep in mind that the FDA requires that every single possible side effect is listed, even if it is extremely rare or even if it cannot be directly linked with the use of Vicodin. It is simply FDA’s policy.

First of all, there is the slight possibility that you are allergic to either of these medications without even realizing it and that the use of Vicodin will cause an allergic reaction. If this happens, and you can recognize it from the symptoms such as swelling of the tongue, throat, lips and face, hives and difficulties breathing, you must contact emergency medical services at once. Still, we need to keep in mind that it is possible to be allergic to any medication, or even substance out there and that this cannot be viewed as something characteristic only of Vicodin.The most common side effects of Vicodin include such as drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, dry mouth, ringing ears and certain gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, upset stomach, vomiting and mild nausea.

Keep in mind that the fact that these are the most common side effects does not mean that you are going to experience any of them. In fact, it is much more likely that you are not going to experience any of them. If you do, wait to see if they will go away in time and with prolonged use of Vicodin. If they do not, or if they change in intensity, inform your doctor about them.There are other, more serious side effects of Vicodin that are listed as possible, but that are, in fact, extremely rare. These include slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, fainting, lightheadedness, unusual thoughts and/or behavior, confusion, fear, convulsions, problems with urination, as well as signs of liver damage, including jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite, itching, clay-colored stools, pain in the upper stomach and severe nausea. It has to be noted that these side effects are highly unlikely if Vicodin is used the proper way and according to the prescription. If you should be unfortunate enough to actually experience any of these, make sure you immediately call your doctor.