How addictive is vicodine and how does the medication itself effect a persons personality?

Question

My girlfriend has arthritis in her knees and elbow joints and she is 22 yrs old. The doc has been prescribing her 100 of the strongest vicodine (10-325) per month. I took two of these pills and i was definitely very high and i weigh 175 and she weighs 120lbs. She takes about 3-4 per day. At one point i told her i was going to leave her if she did not keep her pills with me so i could regulate how many she takes. I know she has an addictive personality because she smokes cigarettes and cant quit.

I want to know what to look for besides taking too many pills too often, to tell if she is truly addicted. Also, i need to know how the pills themselves change a persons personality. She acts different when high on them and her pupils are like needles. I just need specifics from people who have dealt with this before. Also, what can i expect to happen when the doctor wont give her anymore? She has been taking these things for about 4 months straight now. THANKS

Answer 1

they are addictive, but the potential for abuse for the pills containing hydrocodone as well as acetaminophen goes down because of the potential liver toxicity  acetaminophen presents, especially when combined with alcohol. if she drinks while on these pills, this should be of greater concern than the high she gets and enjoys.

Answer 2

Vicodin contains, as I am sure you know, hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid and caries some risk of dependence. Of course any drug that relieves pain and gives a feeling of euphoria is likely to be habit forming, regardless of  its tendency to cause physical dependence.

It is very important not to take more than the recommended dose of this medication because acetaminophen is a very dangerous dug if the maximum daily amount is of 4 g is exceeded.

You should discuss your concerns with health care professionals and consider other treatments as this is not likely to be a short term problem.

Answer 3

Over months of Vicodin use the Vicodin effects will become greater and more damaging. At first the user will endure such effects as constipation, speeding up or the slowing down of the heart rate, nausea, and dizziness. As the use grows the Vicodin effects will come in the form of blurred vision, hallucinations, and sever confusion.

    * Lightheadedness

    * dizziness

    * sedation

    * constipation

    * nausea

    * vomiting

    * respiratory depression

These are symptoms of withdrawl

    *  restlessness

    * muscle pain

    * bone pain

    * insomnia

    * diarrhea

    * vomiting

    * cold flashes

    * goose bumps

    * involuntary leg movements

    * watery eyes

    * runny nose

    * loss of appetite

    * irritability

    * panic

    * nausea

    * chills

    * sweating

Answer 4

Vicodin can be habit-forming. If you take this drug over a long period of time, you can become mentally and physically dependent on it,

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Answer 5

hydrocodone is an opiate therefore they can be addictive, but if she's only taking 3-4 a day it doesn't seem like she's abusing them. if she was taking 3-4 at a time 3-4 times a day ... then... she may have a problem. if she has arthritis already at age 22- that's a chronic problem and it is very painful. side effects can include drowsiness or a feeling of being "high". after awhile of being on these u build a tolerance and often don't feel that way anymore. it's nice you're concerned, but you may be overly concerned.

Answer 6

1. There is no such trademark as " Vicodine ". Unless, You are referring to the product called " Vicodin " ( or "Vicodin ES" and "Vicodin HP" ) which basically contains active ingredients of Hydrocodone bitartrate and Acetaminophen.  All the other answers do have the information of some of the side effects and harms of this narcotic drug. You may use those references to understand how they are harmful.

2. Considering your girlfriend's age. There is a prognosis for her arthritis but not if she be taking drugs composed of Hydrocodone bitartrate and Acetaminophen. She should consult her Rheumatologist to discuss the benefits of various " Corticosteroids " and " Hyaluronan Injections " ( also known as " viscosupplementation " ). If they be not suitable ( very less chances of that ), then Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs and/or Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers Pills along with " Biologic Therapy " is the best choice for her. Narcotic drugs like the one She is taking now are the last options to be considered.

Apart from all the above suggestions, She should also give a visit to a Nutritionist for a proper diet thats good for patients with arthritis. She should also get vitamin and mineral supplements of Vitamin D and calcium.

3. You need to stop being a substance abuser and I may refer You to a great Psychologist if You did like.

Wishing Your Girlfriend A Very Good Health And Hoping Wisdom For You !

Answer 7

Don't worry. Smoking does not indicate an "addictive personality," it merely means that someone has tried it a few times, usually as kids -- more than half of all people who try even one cigarette in their lifetimes will become smokers, and most of them will eventually become addicted, not because of personality but because they have receptor sites that react to nicotine. And studies show that people who take pain killers don't usually become addicted to them. Even where some degree of physical dependence develops, they use what they need for the pain, and can stop if the pain goes away. The real risk for people in pain is that doctors can be too scared to prescribe opiates of sufficient strength owing to overzealous law enforcement activities, and a fear of addiction that isn't supported by research.

Answer 8

well it's entirely diffrent for everybody.... but generally...

it's not hardly addictive at all, and it won't effect her personality, except make her all dopey and happy while it's in full force

Answer 9

Vicodin and other pain killers are very addictive.  You should try talking to your girlfriends family about your concerns.  Maybe they can help you in talking to your girlfriend.  There are less addictive pain killers out there.  Try suggesting to your girlfriend that she talk to the doctor to see if there are any other medications she can take  If your girlfriend is really addictive to painkillers and the doctor will not give her anymore, she will most likely find another way to get them.  All she has to do is go see another doctor.