Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic narcotic used in many painkillers. FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, hydrocodone was reclassified as a Schedule II drug in 2014 due to its high risk of abuse and addiction. Hydrocodone withdrawal is similar to heroin withdrawal in severity.
Many painkillers contain hydrocodone compounded with other medications. More than 11,000 deaths by overdose from products containing hydrocodone have been reported in the US each year from 2009 to 2019.3
Sabotaged by False Solutions to Your Very Real Pain and Suffering?
Alternative to Meds has been the expert on opioid withdrawal for over 17 years. We have published evidence regarding our success. Pain can become chronic and ruin a life. According to the FDA, it is thought that opioids bind to pain receptors in the CNS and effectively block pain signals.4 This relief can wane over time as the neurons adapt, so a progressively higher dosage is needed to create the desired result. Addiction and tolerance are two very good reasons to seek alternatives to opioids that do not carry the same risks.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can present even after a short period of use but certainly occur after long-term use, where the condition can become potentially life-threatening.5,6 The withdrawal symptoms from hydrocodone products are notoriously intolerable without preparation, guidance, and care, and can be best managed in a medically supervised facility that supports patients throughout a gradual withdrawal process, and strategies to help ease the process to complete cessation. After a period of chronic use, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can present within 4 to 6 hours of the last dose.
Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can include:
Tachycardia (racing heart rate at rest)
Suicidal thoughts
Increased sensitivity to pain, rebound pain
Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting
Insomnia, unusual dreams, interrupted sleep
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Anxiety, agitation, and restlessness, can be severe
Cognitive impairment, lack of focus
Profuse sweating
Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)
Hot or cold flushes, “goose-flesh”
Aches in muscles, joints, bone pain, headache
Runny nose, cough, watering eyes, hoarseness
High blood pressure
Excessive yawning
Restless leg syndrome, uncontrolled leg movements, or kicking motions
Discontinuing/Quitting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid. And like all opioids, mimics the role and function of natural endorphins. As a result, the body’s ability to produce endorphins for natural pain control is suppressed, creating a dependency on the medication. This natural endorphin deficiency, once created, results in withdrawals such as physical pain and heightened emotional distress and sensitivity. This state will last until the medication clears the system, but also requires that the body can normalize and resume its natural production of endorphins and enkephalins.7
The pain levels, both physical and emotional, can be severe and difficult to endure. To help offset some of the challenges, the use of short-term bridge medications can ease the withdrawal process and can be provided and administered in a clinical setting.12
Hydrocodone is a member of the opiate drug class made from the same opium that heroin and all semi-synthetic opiates are made from. Opioids obstruct the way neurotransmitters perceive and respond to pain. Currently, hydrocodone bitartrate is only sold in a time-release version. Hydrocodone is used in many painkillers such as Vicoden®, Vicoprofen®, Norco®, and similar products on the market. In these compounds, hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, which are non-opioid analgesic drugs with inflammatory and fever-reducing properties.9,10
Two primary neurotransmitters1,7,8 that control pain:
Endorphins
Enkephalins
Endorphins and enkephalins are created by the body and these hormones or peptides are powerful natural painkillers. For example, in the unfortunate happenstance of a severe injury, the victim could feel no pain due to the increase in the levels of endorphins and enkephalins released. These natural chemicals are extremely effective at blocking pain. However, the synthesized versions of hormones can also produce the sensation of being “high,” especially when used in substantial amounts, which creates a powerful driver of addiction. It is concerning that a study found 18% of patients suffering from depression or anxiety are prescribed opioids as treatment for these mood disorders. That seems a short-sighted view of treatment, to say the least.2,14
Opiate drugs mimic these chemicals, though the exact mechanisms appear complex and are not completely understood.
When the body is exposed to these synthetic opiates, such as hydrocodone or other synthetic drugs, the production of some natural chemicals is inhibited. This suppresses the body’s natural response to pain and can result in super-sensitivity to pain when the synthetic drug is withdrawn, and also when the effectiveness of the drug wanes. Tolerance and attenuated dopamine release are two factors that are important to understand about hydrocodone withdrawal. And at least in part, this explains why chronic opioid use, whether for pain management or for mood disorders or for pleasure, has the paradoxical effect of increasing pain levels despite higher and higher doses of the drug.15,16
What Is Hydrocodone Used For?
Hydrocodone is prescribed to control physical pain that is moderate to severe. Many compound drugs contain hydrocodone compounded with other analgesics, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for reducing inflammation and fever. Hycodan® is a prescribed cough suppressant.21 Uses for these various medications “off-label” reportedly include treating RLS (restless legs syndrome), treatment for depression, anxiety, and for other mood disorders.14,15,17
Hydrocodone Alternative Names and Slang
Hydrocodone and drugs containing hydrocodone have developed a significant street presence due to their addictive, euphoric effects. Some of the street or slang names according to the DEA 13 include:
Vikes
Viko
Hydro
Watson-387
Vickies
Idiot Pills
357s (sic)
Tabs
Scratch
Lorris
Fluff
Dro
Bananas
Hydrocodone Side Effects
Hydrocodone produces pain relief and temporary euphoria. These effects make the drugs high risk for abuse, whether prescribed or used recreationally.17,18,22
Adverse side effects of hydrocodone include:
False or unusual joy or euphoria, mood swings, crying, despondency, irritation
Drug cravings
Dizziness, syncope, lightheaded feeling
Loss of hearing
Sexual dysfunction
Inhibited antibody response
Inhibited cellular immune response
Hormonal dysfunction
Difficulty or labored breathing, tightness across the chest
Respiratory infections
Lowered heart rate
Mental fog, confusion, impaired thinking
Decreased energy levels
Hyperalgesia
Muscle rigidity
Ringing in the ears
Pain in abdomen, chest, back, painful urination, headache, muscles
Constipation (can be severe requiring medical intervention)
Increased thirst
Weight loss or weight gain
Sunken eyes or facial features
Tender painful lymph glands (neck, armpit, groin)
Extreme fatigue, drowsiness, tiredness
Hydrocodone FAQs
Below are some other frequently searched topics of information relating to hydrocodone and how it is thought to work in the body, specific organs, and the central nervous system and brain.
Is Hydrocodone an Opioid?
Yes. Hydrocodone is a drug that is synthesized from opium poppies. All drugs derived from opium are opiates or opioids. These terms are interchangeable. These drugs bind to the various opioid receptors in the brain and elsewhere in the body.
Is Hydrocodone Safe During Pregnancy?
Opioids cross the placenta and if taken during pregnancy can cause problems for the newborn including neonatal withdrawals. For a mother who is breastfeeding, hydrocodone can enter the breastmilk and impair the CNS of the child resulting in difficulty breathing and risk of death.23
Why Do Some Cough Medicines Contain Hydrocodone?
Some cough medicines contain hydrocodone because this medication has cough suppressant properties. Taken in high doses, hydrocodone can have a marked depressive effect on respiration and is only approved for persons over the age of 18.22
How Does Hydrocodone Work?
There is much that is still not understood about the mechanisms of action of opioid drugs. It is thought that hydrocodone provides a synthetic version of certain natural chemicals normally produced in the CNS, including the bowels where opioid receptors are located. There is a phenomenon called neuroplasticity that has been of great interest in the field of addiction and mental health for over half a century.19,20 The presence of hydrocodone is thought to override and shut down the body’s own production of pain-dampening natural chemicals called endorphins and enkephalins. In response, synaptic plasticity allows the regeneration of new pain receptors.
The body is ready-made with this rugged survival mechanism, similar to enhanced radar, so there is a heightened awareness of threats such as incoming pain signals. When the drug is withdrawn, the challenge is a general deficit of endorphins being naturally produced. However, because of neuroplasticity, a magnification of pain levels can occur due to the extra pain receptors that were generated. These extra pain receptors will atrophy after a period of time, especially with precisely targeted nutritive support, allowing the body a chance to rebalance itself.
Treatment for Hydrocodone Withdrawal, Abuse, and Addiction
Alternative to Meds Center employs protocols that can ease hydrocodone withdrawals gently, in a health-restorative context.
Understanding how opiates affect both physical and emotional aspects can greatly assist the recovery process.
Where natural endorphins need to be restored, a person may almost feel “too emotional,” much like a tuning fork, now open to the uncomfortable onslaught of every emotion in the room. We understand the vulnerable disposition in low-endorphin individuals that can draw them toward long-term opiate use, in an attempt to blanket these uncomfortable emotional sensitivities. That is why we use an orthomolecular, nutritional approach to recovery from opiate addiction at Alternative to Meds Center. Our focus is on neurotransmitter rehabilitation through holistic protocols.
Quite apart from emotional pain, physical pain can take a similar grip, especially in a low endorphin person. Diet and supplementation can counter these problems and benefit a person who wishes to restore neurochemical deficiencies.
A correct diet provides the necessary precursors for healthy neurochemistry.
For example, the peptides mentioned earlier, such as endorphins, are constructed from amino acids. These can be made amply available through food-grade supplements as well as a diet rich in proteins from meats or vegan-friendly proteins and nutrient-dense vegetables.
In addition to natural endorphin support, and a wealth of adjunctive therapies for comfort, short-term use of bridge medications such as Suboxone provides a popular option that ensures the withdrawal process is as mild and tolerable as possible. Clients discuss all options with their physician and their care team so that the client’s needs and wishes are primary, and the client is consulted at every step.
More information on the treatments at Alternative to Meds Center for holistic, inpatient hydrocodone withdrawal is given in the opiate alternatives section of this website and we encourage you to become acquainted with all the information provided there. If you would like to receive more information about the program, insurance coverage, length of stay, and what is waiting for you at our retreat-style facility, please contact Alternative to Meds Center. We are happy to answer all your questions about how our protocols may help you or a loved one overcome the challenges of hydrocodone withdrawal and become free from opiate dependence.
5. Shah M, Huecker MR. Opioid Withdrawal. [Updated 2021 May 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/ [cited 2022 Aug 17]
11. Silber MH, Becker PM, Buchfuhrer MJ, Earley CJ, Ondo WG, Walters AS, Winkelman JW; Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. The Appropriate Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Refractory Restless Legs Syndrome. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018 Jan;93(1):59-67. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.007. PMID: 29304922. [cited 2022 Aug 17]
16. Volkow ND, Michaelides M, Baler R. The Neuroscience of Drug Reward and Addiction. Physiol Rev. 2019 Oct 1;99(4):2115-2140. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00014.2018. PMID: 31507244; PMCID: PMC6890985. [cited 2022 Aug 17]
17. Habibi M, Kim PY. Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538530/ [cited 2022 Aug 17]
18. Benyamin R, Trescot AM, Datta S, Buenaventura R, Adlaka R, Sehgal N, Glaser SE, Vallejo R. Opioid complications and side effects. Pain Physician. 2008 Mar;11(2 Suppl):S105-20. PMID: 18443635. [cited 2022 Aug 17]
19. Puderbaugh M, Emmady PD. Neuroplasticity. 2021 Jul 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan–. PMID: 32491743. [cited 2022 Aug 17]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Michael Loes, M.D.
Dr. Michael Loes is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978. Dr. Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally, he is a well-published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response, and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
Fact Checked
Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
However, the synthesized versions of hormones can also produce the sensation of being “high,” especially when used in substantial amounts, which creates a powerful driver of addiction. It is concerning that a study found 18% of patients suffering from depression or anxiety are prescribed opioids as treatment for these mood disorders. That seems a short-sighted view of treatment, to say the least.2,14
Where natural endorphins need to be restored, a person may almost feel “too emotional,” much like a tuning fork, now open to the uncomfortable onslaught of every emotion in the room. We understand the vulnerable disposition in low-endorphin individuals that can draw them toward long-term opiate use, in an attempt to blanket these uncomfortable emotional sensitivities. That is why we use an 
