Vicodin Side Effects, Signs, & Symptoms
Short-term effects of Vicodin abuse include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Slowed breathing
- Impaired judgement
- Loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness
The longer you abuse Vicodin, the more health problems this may cause. Some of the long-term health effects of Vicodin abuse include:
- Addiction
- Liver problems
- Jaundice
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Memory problems
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
Symptoms of Vicodin overdose include:
- Seizure
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
- Slowed breathing
- Slowed heart rate
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Liver failure
- Jaundice
- Cold or clammy skin
- Blue fingers and lips
- Vomiting
Vicodin overdose is a serious medical emergency. If you notice any of these signs in another person, call 911 immediately.

Some of the most common interactions include:
- Vicodin and Alcohol – Drinking while taking Vicodin can be extremely dangerous to a person’s liver health because both alcohol and acetaminophen, one of the main ingredients in Vicodin, are both metabolized through the liver. Each drug can cause liver injury and liver failure when abused alone. When used together, the consequences on the liver could turn deadly.
- Vicodin and Adderall – There is little research on combining Adderall and Vicodin, although their effects oppose each other as Adderall is meant to encourage focus and Vicodin can cause drowsiness and inability to concentrate. Ask your doctor before combining these two medications.
In order to determine the severity of a Vicodin addiction, seek the help of a mental health professional who adheres to the standards set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This body of information, which is updated once every few years, is the authority on mental illness in America. Professionals use it to diagnose and better understand substance use disorders and other psychiatric problems.
The latest version of the DSM lists 11 criteria to define opioid use disorder (such as level of use, tolerance, uncontrollable cravings, and others). The severity of addiction is based on how many of those criteria a person meets. The current severity breakdown is as follows:
- Mild addiction – 2–3 criteria met
- Moderate addiction – 4–5 criteria met
- Severe addiction – 6+ criteria met
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The Recovery Village. “Street Names for Drugs: A List of Popular Drug Slang Terms.” The Recovery Village, 15 Sept. 2016, www.TheRecoveryVillage.com/resources/street-names-for-drugs/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prescription Drug Abuse Symptoms.” Mayo Clinic, 19 Sept. 2015, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/basics/symptoms/con-20032471.
American Psychiatric Association. “Opioid Use Disorder Diagnostic Criteria.” PCSS-MAT, Providers’ Clinical Support System For Medication Assisted Treatment, pcssmat.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/5B-DSM-5-Opioid-Use-Disorder-Diagnostic-Criteria.pdf.
Hasin, Deborah S., et al. “DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale.” PubMed Central (PMC), American Journal of Psychiatry, 1 Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767415/.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700