10 Most Deadly Hydrocodone Abuse Side Effects

Get Help Now 800-934-1582 Sponsored

Hydrocodone is an opioid medication commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available under various brand names, including Lortab, Vicodin and Norco. Hydrocodone poses a high risk for addiction when used excessively or for an extended period of time. When abused, hydrocodone can cause serious side effects that increase your risk for major health problems, including overdose, coma and death.

If you are struggling with addiction to hydrocodone, understand that drug rehab centers can help you quit and improve your overall livelihood. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to learn more about drug rehab centers near you that treat opioid addiction.

Here are the 10 most deadly side effects of hydrocodone abuse.

1. Dehydration

Hydrocodone abuse can lead to diarrhea and vomiting — both of which increase the risk for severe dehydration if not treated. Left untreated, individuals are at risk of electrolyte imbalance and potentially organ failure.  The risk for dehydration is highest when you quit using hydrocodone abruptly, since diarrhea and vomiting are two common withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction.

2. Malnutrition

Hydrocodone abuse can be detrimental to your health.

Addiction of any kind can cause you to neglect important life responsibilities, including your health. For instance, you may forget to eat or prioritize hydrocodone use over eating. Hydrocodone abuse also influences you to make unhealthy food decisions out of convenience.

3. Bowel Obstruction

Hydrocodone abuse increases the risk for bowel obstruction, which is when your small or large intestine becomes partially or completely blocked. This blockage can prevent food and waste from passing through your intestines normally, and increases the risk for vomiting, sudden weight loss and infection. 

4. Respiratory Problems

When used as prescribed, hydrocodone offers feelings of pain relief and extreme relaxation. But when used in high doses, hydrocodone can lead to breathing problems and respiratory failure, and increases the risk for coma and death.

5. Slowed or Irregular Heartbeat

Abusing hydrocodone can cause an abnormally slow or irregular heartbeat because it depresses the central nervous system. 

6. Problems Urinating

Hydrocodone abuse can lead to urinary retention due to relaxation of the muscles in the bladder. For this reason, it is difficult to fully empty the bladder. As well, the sphincter that controls the flow of urine is impacted, making it harder to start the flow of urine. For the elderly, conditions such as an enlarged prostate or when hydrocodone is combined with other drugs, urination becomes difficult. Urinary retention can lead to urinary tract infections.  

7. Poor Immunity

Addiction and drug abuse can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to dangerous illnesses and diseases such as infections, cancer and HIV. 

Does Hydrocodone Really Cause Itching?

Experiencing itchiness while on hydrocodone is not uncommon, however in some cases it can be a sign of an allergic reaction.

8. Allergic Reaction

Hydrocodone can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. For instance, anaphylaxis can occur within minutes of taking the medication. Anaphylaxis can lead to hives, swollen tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, low blood pressure, vomiting and rapid or weak pulse.  Left untreated, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. 

9. Drowsiness

Hydrocodone abuse can lead to extreme drowsiness, which increases the risk for coma and accidents. Those who abuse hydrocodone and attempt to perform normal daily activities, such as driving a vehicle, may be putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.

10. Suicidal Thoughts

Hydrocodone abuse can lead to suicidal thoughts or suicide. If you or someone you love is abusing hydrocodone or suffering from addiction, understand that getting help now can potentially save your life, or that of your loved one.

Nobody should ever have to overcome addiction on their own, including you. If you’re struggling with opioid addiction, call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) immediately to learn more about nearby drug rehab centers devoted to helping you quit opioids for good.

Narcotics.com is user supported. We receive a commission fee from purchases made through BetterHelp links. Learn More