Medical Effects of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an active ingredient in many different prescription medications. It is most often used to treat pain, although it is sometimes also used as a cough suppressant.
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine. Hydrocodone is effective at decreasing pain and relieving coughing, but also causes drowsiness, mood changes, and mental "clouding." It is thought that opioid pain relievers (such as hydrocodone) work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
Hydrocodone is commonly abused. In most people, it produces effects similar to
morphine. People may experience euphoria due to hydrocodone. Frequent use of hydrocodone leads to tolerance and dependence. This means that a higher
hydrocodone dosage will be necessary to achieve the desired effects, and the body will become accustomed to the effects (and
hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is stopped).
As with any medicine, hydrocodone can cause side effects.
However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common hydrocodone side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Hydrocodone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
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