Quick Scoop

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid pain medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain, and it can also appear in some cough or combination products. It can be effective, but it also carries serious risks like drowsiness, slowed breathing, dependence, and overdose.

What it does

Hydrocodone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. In combination products, it is often paired with acetaminophen for pain relief.

Common side effects

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness.

• Dizziness.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Constipation.

• Itching or weakness.

Serious risks

Hydrocodone can cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially if taken with alcohol, sedatives, or other drugs that slow the central nervous system. It can also be habit forming and may lead to misuse, dependence, withdrawal, or overdose.

When to get help

Get urgent medical help if someone has trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness, blue lips or skin, or cannot wake up normally. These are emergency warning signs of opioid toxicity.

Important note

Use hydrocodone only exactly as prescribed and never share it with others, because it can be dangerous or fatal for someone it was not prescribed for.

Meta description: Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid used for moderate to severe pain, but it can cause drowsiness, constipation, dependence, and dangerous breathing problems.

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