Hydrocodone Effects

Introduction: Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a common semi-synthetic narcotic pain reliever. Hydrocodone is popular because it is effective in reducing pain and relieving cough. It is important to note that many people abuse Hydrocodone because it produces similar effects to those produced by morphine i.e. euphoria. The effects are however not long lasting because most abusers soon become tolerant towards the drug. Common side effects of Hydrocodone include; mental clouding, drowsiness and mood changes. Below are some of the common Hydrocodone side effects in more detail.

Hydrocodone effects

a. Nervous system Hydrocodone effects

One of the most common Hydrocodone side effects is respiratory depression. This effect is usually beneficial in dyspnea treatment that is related to restrictive lung diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is however important to note that respiratory insufficiency risks caused by respiratory depression are hazardous thus patients should take Hydrocodone with care. Other common Hydrocodone nervous system effects include; dizziness, mental depression, light-headedness, stupor, somnolence, delirium, dysphoria and agitation.

b. Hepatic Hydrocodone effects

Hydrocodone is also known to cause some hepatic side effects that can sometimes be fatal. Examples of Hepatic effects of Hydrocodone include; Hepatotoxicity which is common in patients who are fasting. Several Hepatotoxicity cases are common among Hydrocodone patients undergoing chronic acetaminophen therapy. Hepatotoxicity is common in alcoholic patients who take Hydrocodone after taking small acetaminophen doses. Hydrocodone can also cause hypothermia during Hydrocodone overdose. It is important to note that adverse Hepatic Hydrocodone side effects are more likely to affect patients with serious chronic diseases i.e. liver disease.

c. Gastrointestinal Hydrocodone effects

Hydrocodone is also known to cause gastrointestinal side effects however in very rare cases. Gastrointestinal effects are usually as a result of Hydrocodone use with acetaminophen. These effects are rare except in overdose cases and alcoholic patients. Another gastrointestinal effect of Hydrocodone is acute pancreatitis. This side effect is also very rare. Other common Hydrocodone gastrointestinal effects include; vomiting, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. Effects such as dry mouth are common side effects of narcotic analgesics. It is important to note that there are some very rare gastrointestinal effects caused by Hydrocodone. Such rare side effects include; cholestatsis and acute bililary pain. These two effects are associated with inhibitions i.e. prostaglandin inhibition and alterations i.e. during sphincter of Oddi regulation.

d. Dermatological Hydrocodone effects

Dermatological side effects are also common Hydrocodone effects. Some of the most common dermatological side effects include; narcotic-induced skin rashes. Also, erythematous skin rashes have been associated with Hydrocodone patients although in rare cases. Other dermatological effects of Hydrocodone include; bullous erythem e.t.c.

e. Genitourinary Hydrocodone effects

Genitourinary side effects caused by Hydrocodone include; ureteral spasm, urinary retention and spasm vesicle sphincters spasm.

f. Renal Hydrocodone effects

Hydrocodone has a number of renal side effects. These side effects include; interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis. It is important to note that these two side effects are not common. It is important to note that severe renal effects of Hydrocodone are usually common in cases of chronic Hydrocodone abuse or overdose. A Hydrocodone effect such as acute tubular necrosis is usually common among patients with liver disease. It is however a very rare renal effect of Hydrocodone.

g. Hematologic Hydrocodone effects

Hydrocodone is also known to cause Hematologic side effects. Such side effects include; thrombocytopenia which is associated with acetaminophen. Other Hematologic effects include; Acute thrombocytopenia which causes acetaminophen glucuronide sensitivity. Another severe but rare hematologic Hydrocodone effect is cyanosis.

h. Respiratory Hydrocodone effects

Hydrocodone is also known to cause respiratory side effects such as; eosinophilic pneumonia. These side effect is very rare but severe.

i. Metabolic Hydrocodone effects

Hydrocodone also has a number of metabolic effects i.e. causes metabolic acidosis. Other metabolic effects of Hydrocodone include; seizures which have been proven to increase lactate levels responsible for indicating metabolic acidosis.

j. Other Hydrocodone effects

Apart from the above effects, it is important to note that Hydrocodone also has other side effects. For instance, Hydrocodone has unique withdrawal symptoms that arise when patients suddenly stop taking Hydrocodone after fast tapering narcotic analgesics or abrupt cessation. Such symptoms include; agitation, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, blurred vision, vomiting, abdominal cramps and sweating.