Could I become addicted to Vicodin taking three to four pills a day, for three to four weeks?

Question

I need a root canal, but my current dentist does not have an opening until three to four weeks away. I am afraid that if I keep taking Vicodin for that long, (even though I am taking it as prescribed) I will get addicted. Alcoholism runs in my family so addiction is something I try to be very careful about.

So, what do you think? If there is a chance that I could become addicted to Vicodin, I am considering going outside my network and finding a dentist who could see me sooner, and then I would just pay for the root canal. It would be expensive, but money well spent if it kept me from getting addicted.

Answer 1

You could if you find your self adjusting to the level of drugs in it and needing more.

Have you brought these concerns up to your dentist, there is a possibility that he could fit you in sooner given your concerns to being on drugs for that long. Or you could try to talk to your insurance provider if you can not get a closer appointment. It is worth a shot. you do not want to have to pay for that out of pocket, but I also can understand your concerns.  

Answer 2

Try not to take so many. Maybe even none at all. Just take advil or tylenol extra strenght. I know it won't take the pain as well as the vicodin but it will dull it.  

Answer 3

Vicodin is very addictive. It does contain narcotic analgesic and non narcotic analgesic.

With long term use you can become mentally and physically dependent on it.

If you have addiction problems in your family, I would see another dentist. Besides, you should not have to wait that long for a root canal. As well, you can be asked to be placed on a cancellation list.

Answer 4

Everyone is a bit different in how they react to drugs so really there is not a pat answer for everyone in regards to time and dosage.  I can say that in some form or another I have taken Hydrocodone for back pain for about 4 years at 80ml a day which is 10mg pills x8 daily and I am not addicted to it.  I can easily switch from one medication to another without problems.  I think you need to worry when you get into the 10 a day or more for months on end.  I wouldn't worry too much if you intend to see a doctor soon.  Look at it this way, if you don't have a steady supply of medication that can feed your habit, how bad can your habit really get?  Sooner or later, this week or next, you are going to run out of pills and need to see a doctor again.  If he can fix your issue then he wont have to scribe you meds.  If on the other hand, you have a cancer patient in your life and you have access to their 20 pills a day prescription, then you could easily become addicted.  Part of being an addict is having access to the drug in question.  If you don't have access, then you cant very well become an addict.  In your current state, no doctor is going to continue to give you meds for much longer.  I wouldn't worry too much.  Be happy that you have something for the pain and don't worry about taking it.  You know your pain, nobody else knows your pain.  If you can honestly say you are better off with the pills then take them.  This is a very common feeling among chronic pain suffers.  These suffers usually have back or joint problems, never have I heard of a chronic pain sufferer involving teeth.

Answer 5

here it goes : if you fear addiction there must be a reason.Are you afraid  of addiction or dependency ? they are not the same! If you cant trust yourself from may or may not being addicting then see if you can in some where sooner.Don't feel bad addiction can happen to ANYONE even with the best intentions be proud of your self for looking out for your well being good luck and remember 4 weeks dosent have to equal addiction if you have the will power to say to yourself "the pain is gone no more" Based on your concern i believe you can do that !

Answer 6

well your doctor/dentist should know about your family history of addictions, there are other pain meds you can take for root canals. and they won't prescribe medicine longer than recommended before addiction. don't pay anything your insurance will cover