Is taking a lose dose of vicodin for 3 years harmful?

Question

I'm nineteen, and I've been on Vic for three years constantly. I can't remember a day not. Is this harmful for me? I only take one to two pills a day, and honestly cannot function without the medication. Bad thing is some days it works better than others.

Answer 1

first is it prescribed by your doctor?

Second your age will play a big part in the functioning of the drug on a day to day basis.  Why you ask. If you are growing your hormones are too and as different hormones are released the vic can be altered either positively or negatively. Talking to the doctor that gave you this script and telling him how many good and bad days you have is a good idea then the doctor can adjust your medication or change it.  good luck!

Answer 2

Side effects for short term and long term dosage Vicodin include an allergic reaction, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, hyperventilation, unconsciousness, jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), unusual fatigue, bleeding, bruising, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, hot flashes, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased s*x drive. Vicodin (in terms of hydrocodone) also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. However, some of the less mundane effects can be desirable effects that are sought after by some. Those effects include euphoria and drowsiness, as well as slowing of the pulse. Vicodin may also be a cause of stomach ulcers, although this is assumed to be due to the addition of other non-narcotic analgesics to hydrocodone preparations (e.g., aspirin, and ibuprofen).

Btw, do you have a prescription?! I've never heard of a Vicodin prescription going for over a couple months....be careful and most of all thoughtful. :-)

Answer 3

any long term drug therapy caries serious health risks, chief among those risks with pain kills is dependency, but liver and kidney toxicity are also possible. I would discontinue if at all possible.

Answer 4

I think it is silly if your doctor keeps prescribing the same medicine, and same dose to you for 3 years.  I would go to a pain management doctor, who will work with you and is much more knowledgeable about pain than what your doctor sounds like, who is just writing you a prescription to appease you.