Over The Counter & Prescription Drugs / Question
Published: March 18, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi i'm 17 years old and i take various pain killers recreationally on occasion. Today i took 3, 7 mg Vicodin's by means of Parachute release. I have begun to become mildly ichy all over my body. I know itching could possible be sign of liver damage, but i'm 17 and by no means have i take enough pain killers to cause this. This has occured before from just orally taking 1 vicodin.
Signed: Taking Pain Killers Recreationally
Dear Taking Pain Killers Recreationally,
TeenHealthFX is VERY concerned about your recreational use of prescription pain killers. Pain killers, such as Vicodin can be very addictive and can have problematic side effects (one of which is itchiness, which you have experienced). Vicodin and various other pain killers are also contraindicated with certain medications, alcohol and other illegal drugs, or when used to treat people with certain physical health issues – meaning that serious medical problems or even death can occur. This is one of many reasons why it is dangerous to take this Vicodin, any other kind of pain killer, or other prescription medication in general, when a doctor has not specifically prescribed it for you. Remember that it is also definitely possible to overdose on Vicodin.
Side effects that can accompany Vicodin use include:
- allergic reaction and/or an itching sensation
- weak breathing
- seizures
- clammy skin
- severe weakness
- dizziness
- unconsciousness
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- unusual fatigue
- bleeding or bruising
- constipation
- dry mouth
- nausea and/or vomiting
- decreased appetite
- muscle twitches
- sweating
- hearing loss
- decreased urination
- decreased sex drive
- stomach ulcers
- depressant effects on the central nervous system
Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose may include:
- slow breathing
- cold and clammy skin
- dizziness
- weakness and/or fatigue
- loss of consciousness and/or coma
- confusion
- small pupils
- nausea
- seizures
- vomiting
- sweating
- death
One important thing to be aware of regarding Vicodin use is that, particularly when not taken as prescribed, there is a significant risk for addiction and dependence. This is because Vicodin contains hydrocodone, a derivative of an opiate. The addiction to Vicodin can therefore become similar to other powerful addictions, even to a point where the drug becomes more important than the need for food or water. And like many other addictions, withdrawal symptoms will be present when people who have become dependent on Vicodin stop the drug use. These symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, muscle pain, bone pain, and restlessness. Because of the strong possibility of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, it is extremely important not to take a higher dosage of what has been prescribed or to take medication for a longer period of time than has been recommended by a doctor – and it is definitely not recommended that someone take this medication without being monitored by a doctor.
Given all the information we have just provided, hopefully you have some idea of why FX is so concerned about you and your use of pain killers. FX thinks that it is VERY important for you to speak to your parents, your school counselor, or any other trusted adult right away so that arrangements can be made for to get substance abuse treatment for yourself – as abusing prescription medication is a type of substance abuse, and an incredibly serious one at that.
If you live in northern
You can also contact the National Institute on Drug Abuse & Alcoholism at 1-888-644-6432 for more information.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A comprehensive review of pediatric trials conducted between 1988 and 2006 suggests that the benefits of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their risks to children and adolescents with major depressive and anxiety disorders.
