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 Withdrawal After Developing Addiction
Opioid compound painkillers such as Vicoden©, Anexsia®, Hycet®, and similar compounds all carry an elevated risk for addiction. After chronic use, significant hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms occur when the medication is stopped, including physical and emotional pain and drug cravings. These are powerful drivers to continue using the drug. The following will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hydrocodone, why the side effects and withdrawals are often harsh, vital information about recovery after addiction to hydrocodone, and many other topics.
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 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
- Swollen feet, legs, or ankles
- Numbness or tingling, rashes, hives, itching
- Dry mouth, inability to swallow
- Tachycardia
- Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, sour stomach, hiccups
- 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
Fact Checked Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
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 
