Reaction of Vicodin - Essay Example

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming. Patients should stop using as soon as the prescribed period got over. The generally reported adverse reactions are faintness, wooziness, sedation, queasiness, and vomiting. These effects seem to be more prominent in those who are working while people who stay idle may experience severe reactions. Other adverse reaction might include different reactions on the central nervous system (mood swings, fear, lethargy, etc), Gastrointestinal System (constipation), Respiratory System (respiratory depression), Special Senses (hearing can be damaged), and Dermatological (allergic reactions like rashes, etc)As for the contraindications, this medicine should never be used by those patients who have a record of the exhibition to hypersensitivity to hydrocodone or acetaminophen.

As patients who are known to be hypersensitive to any opioids may exhibit cross-sensitivity to hydrocodone. The reaction of Vicodin is related to how Hydrocodone and acetaminophen work in the body. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain-reliever and also a cough suppressant. So, hydrocodone, first of all, block the receptors on nerve cells in the brain which are actually responsible for giving the sensation of pain. Whereas acetaminophen on other hand is also a non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).

It worked by elevating the threshold to pain, in order for pain to be felt, as the greater stimulation of the nerves is responsible for the sensation of pain. It then results in fever reduction as it regulates temperature in the center of the brain. In my point of view, Vicodin should not be used after the course is finished and one should use his willpower to control the pain because addiction will result in a devastating effect on a person's mind and body, as seen in the great TV series House! Consumer formation- Vicodin. 2008. Drug Information Online.