Hydrocodone Side Effects

Hydrocodone is an effective antitussive (anti-cough) agent, and as an opiate it is also an effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain control. Five mg of Hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when administered orally. Early comparisons concluded that Hydrocodone and morphine were equivalent for pain control in humans. However, it is now considered that a dose of 15 mg (1/4 gr) of Hydrocodone is equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. Hydrocodone is considered to be morphine-like in all respects.

Hydrocodone abuse is an increasing trend in non-chronic pain suffering persons. The abuser of these drugs has been shown not to be the inner city youth, but instead a famous actor, a suburban real estate agent, or your next door neighbor. First time abuse of these drugs has been surging, most commonly with the oxycodone and Hydrocodone type painkillers. The two differ slightly in their chemical makeup but have a similar effect on the body.

Hydrocodone side effects include but are not limited to:

• anxiety
• constipation
• decreased mental & physical performance
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty urination
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry throat
• emotional dependence
• exaggerated feeling of depression
• extreme calm (sedation)
• exaggerated sense of well-being
• fear
• itching
• mental clouding
• mood changes
• nausea & vomiting rash
• restlessness
• sluggishness
• tightness in chest