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Vicodin (Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone, not to be confused with dihydrocodeine) is a selective pain killer commonly seen as a white tablet with the name "Vicodin", "Vicodin ES", or "Vicodin HP" imprinted on one side. It shares its characteristics with many other drugs in chemistry and form; such drugs are also pain killers and may be marketed as Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, T-Gesic, Vicodin, or Zydone.

Contents 1 Manufacturers 2 Scheduling 3 Surgery 4 Interactions and contraindications 5 Use during pregnancy and lactation 6 Side effects 7 Overdose symptoms 8 Addiction 9 Withdrawal symptoms 10 Alcohol and abuse 11 In popular culture 12 References 13 External links

Manufacturers of Vicodin (generic or otherwise) include: Abbott Laboratories (mfg. non-generic), Allscripts Healthcare Solutions LLC, Amerisource Health Services Corp, Cardinal Health, Drx Pharmaceutical Consultants Inc, Eckerd Corp, Hospira Inc, Knoll Laboratories Div Knoll Pharmaceutical Co, Mallinckrodt Pharm. Quality Care, Pdrx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Physicians Total Care Inc, Rx Pak Div of Mckesson Corp, Sandhills Packaging Inc and Watson Labs. Generic Vicodin by some of the aforementioned manufacturers is often substituted by pharmacies for prescriptions for Genuine Vicodin from Abbott Labs. The generic scripts are much more affordable for consumers. ^[1] Aggregated, Vicodin production reportedly approaches 20 tons annually.

In the United States, Vicodin production is regulated in part by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This guarantees that all manufacturing, importing, possession, and distribution of drugs is to be looked over and regulated by the federal government who are also responsible (along with the Department of Justice and state governments) for the conviction and sentencing of anyone who breaks drug laws. ^[2]

Vicodin was put into Schedule III along with anabolic steroids, ketamine, paregoric, Xyrem, Marinol, and hydrocodone/codeine (when "compounded with an NSAID" or with paracetamol); these drugs have high psychological dependence and low to medium physical addiction. ^[3]

Vicodin is most commonly prescribed for persons experiencing pain after surgery or intense pain. It helps calm a person down and increases his or her ability to relax and forget about painful ailments, which speeds up recovery.^{[citation needed]}

Drugs that should be avoided in order to decrease the chance of side effects are isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 14 days prior to use. Acetaminophen should also be avoided so as to decrease chances of destroying the liver. In addition, alcohol increases the drowsiness already caused by Vicodin and may result in unconsciousness or, in a severe case, death. Alcohol in moderate to high doses can also cause liver failure if taken with Vicodin due to the acetaminophen.( Aside from alcohol, other drugs that induce drowsiness should also be avoided (e.g., antidepressants, antihistamines, pain killers, muscle relaxants, etc.) so as to decrease chances of contracting Vicodin's severe side effects. Furthermore, if a person experiences Addison's Disease, kidney disease, gallbladder diseases, liver disease, complications with the thyroid, severe head injuries, asthma, or alcohol abuse, Vicodin should not be taken for fear of worsening the condition.

The Food and Drug Administration has put Vicodin in category C. This category includes any and all drugs which have not been tested in pregnancies therefore the effects of the drug on newborns have not been determined. The FDA does ensure a warning to breastfeeding mothers telling them that Vicodin does pass into breast milk, which can have adverse effects on nursing babies.

Side effects for Vicodin include an allergic reaction, weak breathing, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, unconsciousness, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased sex drive. ^[4] Vicodin (in terms of hydrocodone) also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. ^[5] However, some of the less mundane effects can be desirable effects that are sought after by some. Those effects include euphoria and drowsiness, as well as slowing the pulse.^[6] Vicodin has also been linked to causing stomach ulcers.

Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose may include slow breathing, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, confusion, constricted pupils, tiredness, coma, nausea, vomiting, and sweating, and an overdose may lead to death. Vicodin overdose is however, very pleasant and is equated to being extremely high and without control of your body. As a result, the overdose victim will sometimes avoid seeking help.

Vicodin is particularly addictive both physically and psychologically. Addiction to Vicodin is similar to other powerful addictions; cravings for the drug take hold of a person and may even supersede a person's need for food or water.^[6]

The hydrocodone component of Vicodin is the reason for its abuse. Hydrocodone is an opioid, so its effects are similar to those of heroin (although not quite as strong) and it is highly addictive. It increases the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, causing a strong euphoria.^[7] Vicodin addiction and withdrawal are also similar to those of heroin.

The symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include but are not limited to extreme sensitivity to light and sound, restlessness, fever, muscle pain, bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, goose bumps, involuntary leg movements, watery eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, depression, chills, excessive sneezing, persistent headache for up to a week or longer, and sweating ^[6][8]

Vicodin's effects of disorientation, relaxation, and euphoria have been tampered with by mixing them with other drugs, but the most common method has been by mixing them with alcohol. Combined, the drunken effects of alcohol are heightened and brought upon faster.

The Do It Now Foundation states that, "Vicodin and other prescription narcotics constitute the most-abused group of prescription drugs, according to the National Household Survey, released in 2001.^[7] Of the four million Americans who reported misusing prescription drugs the previous year, nearly 65 percent misused prescription Analgesics. Vicodin use has soared in recent years, partly fueled by the fame of its star user base." The number of 12- to 17 year-old users jumped 127 percent between 1996 and 2000, according to one national survey. ^[7]

• In the TV show House, the lead character Dr. Gregory House takes (and is addicted to) Vicodin; much of his character centers around this fact.

• In the TV show Six Feet Under, Sarah, the sister of the main character Ruth Fisher, undergoes Vicodin withdrawal.

• In the film Daredevil, Ben Affleck's character is seen chewing a couple of Vicodin after a particularly rough night of crime-fighting.

• The chorus of the Alkaline Trio song "Emma" references Vicodin.

• The main character in 28 Days makes reference to an addiction to the drug, stating that it is for her back pain.

• The rapper Eminem makes references to Vicodin in songs Under The Influence, Kill You, and Steve Berman (skit).

• Comedian Bill Engvall describes an incident in which Vicodin and a Bahama Mama take him to "Vicodinland," in which he forgets his fear of heights and goes parasailing.

• In the movie, Just Friends, the character Samantha James (Anna Faris) is given Vicodin due to an accident at a shopping mall. She is seen high and eating toothpaste.

• Terra Naomi has a song called "The Vicodin Song".

• The Late Show Top Ten for December 26, 2006 had a dubious Santa on the streets of New York calling to passers-by, "All I want for Christmas is a handful of Vicodin!"

• The band Femme Fatality mentions vicodin in their song "Dr. K," about the variety of drugs they use.

• The band Queens of the Stone Age mention vicodin in their song 'Feel Good Hit of the Summer', along with the few other illicit and unscheduled substances that make up the songs lyrics.

• The character of Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is taking Vicodin in the pilot episode due to back surgery.

• In Chimaira's Dehumanizing Process DVD, Mark Hunter claims he is starting his day with Vicodin

• Former WWE and current TNA wrestler Kurt Angle used Vicodin to combat his well-documented back and neck trouble stemming from multiple injuries.

• In The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore the character Mavis bakes fruitcake with Vicodin and Gin.

• The band Atreyu has a song called 'Five Vicodin Chased with a shot of Clarity'.

• The band Jack's Mannequin makes a reference to Vicodin in its unreleased song Last Straw.

• Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre suffered from a Vicodin addiction up until 1997, when he went into the NFL substance abuse program.

• Metallica front-man James Hetfield entered rehabilitation facilities in July of 2001 for alcoholism and "other undisclosed addictions," rumored to be vicodin.

• US DEA Drug schedule
• US Federal regulations