Vicoprofen Uses, Side Effects & Addiction Risks
In This Article
What is Vicoprofen?
Vicoprofen is the brand name for hydrocodone and ibuprofen. It is an opioid that treats severe, short-term pain.
Hydrocodone stimulates the pleasure sensors in your brain. This creates large amounts of dopamine to mask the pain.
The ibuprofen in Vicoprofen reduces swelling, fever, inflammation, and pain in the patient.
Before beginning use, let your doctor know if you have any of the following:
- Head injuries
- Seizures
- Liver disease or other liver problems
- Thyroid issues
- Kidney problems
- Trouble urinating
- Pancreas or gallbladder problems
- High blood pressure
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma
- History of drug abuse, alcohol addiction, or mental health disorders
- Other serious medical conditions
Do not use Vicoprofen after a coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG.
Vicoprofen vs Vicodin
Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Vicoprofen is a combination of hydrocodone and ibuprofen. The combination of hydrocodone and ibuprofen helps avoid liver failure from acetaminophen use.
Vicoprofen is an effective pain reliever after a significant injury or surgery. It is highly addictive, so it should only be used short-term.
Vicoprofen Dosage
One tablet of Vicoprofen contains 7.5mg of hydrocodone and 200mg of ibuprofen. Other strengths of the drug can include up to 10mg of hydrocodone. But the amount of ibuprofen per tablet never exceeds 200mg.
Every prescription is based on pain levels, the surgical procedure being performed, and the type of injury.
The doctor will evaluate a patient’s prior history of opioid treatment and other possible risk factors for addiction.
A typical dosage of Vicoprofen is one ingestible tablet every four to six hours. Patients should not ingest more than five tablets in 24 hours. Treatment should not last more than 10 days.
Vicoprofen is fast-acting. The effects last four to six hours.
If taken incorrectly, a tolerance to the drug can develop quickly.
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Side Effects of Vicoprofen
In normal doses, Vicoprofen will likely only produce minor to moderate side effects. However, in high doses, the drug can produce serious side effects.
Adverse effects and risks of Vicoprofen include:
- Dopamine overload
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Seizures
- Hypertension
- Skin reactions or a skin rash
- Unusual/sudden weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Withdrawal symptoms (after stopping use abruptly)
NSAID medications put patients at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or in severe cases, heart failure. Allergic reactions can also occur.
Vicoprofen Overdose
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
An opioid overdose may be occurring if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing (shallow breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate and/or chest pain
- Swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
- Weakness in one part or side of your body
- Extreme drowsiness
- Severe lightheadedness when moving
- Slurred speech
- Abdominal pain
- Severe pain in the body
- Fainting spells
- Very high body temperature
- Trouble walking
- Stiff muscles
- Mental changes, such as confusion
Addiction Potential & Symptoms
Vicoprofen was originally a Schedule III substance. In 2014 it became a Schedule II substance. This means it has a higher risk of physical or psychological dependence, but that still has medical value.
Over time, opioid use can cause physical dependence. This means that more substantial amounts of the drug will be required to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.
The most apparent addiction symptoms to recognize are:
- Changes in behavior
- Resignation from friend groups
- Changes in eating habits (increase or decrease)
- Talking fast or erratically
- Quickly shifting moods
- Being overly energetic or very tired and fatigued
- Sleeping at odd hours
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Vicoprofen Withdrawal Symptoms
If a patient misuses Vicoprofen, they will probably experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Symptoms can last up to seven days.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of Vicoprofen involve:
- Sweating, chills, and/or goosebumps
- A drastic change in body temperature
- Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Extreme anxiety
- Undeniable cravings for the drug
- Headaches and light sensitivity
- Drastic mood swings
- Deep chemical depression
- Joint and muscle fatigue
- Runny nose
Tapering off the drug, along with therapy can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent future addiction.
Drug Interactions
Vicoprofen should not be used in conjunction with:
- Alcohol
- Macrolide antibiotics
- Benzodiazepines and other central nervous system depressants
- Serotonergic drugs
- Additional analgesics
- Anticholinergics
- Muscle relaxants
Note: This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with Vicoprofen.
Combining drugs with Vicoprofen can increase the euphoric effects of the drug.
It also creates a higher risk of addiction and overdose.
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Treatment Options for Opioid Abuse & Addiction
Opioid use disorder is challenging to overcome. Fortunately, there are several options for help.
These include:
Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT)
There are three types of medication-assisted therapy for opioid use disorder:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Buprenorphine and methadone help manage withdrawal symptoms as you detox.
Naltrexone blocks the receptors that opioids bind to, making it impossible to get high from them.
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) is most effective when combined with other treatments.
Inpatient ProgramsÂ
Inpatient programs are the most intensive addiction treatment options.
These programs guide you through:
- Medically supervised detoxification
- Behavioral therapy
- Other services like medication-assisted therapy
They typically last 30, 60, or 90 days. However, they may be longer if necessary.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Intensive outpatient programs are the next level of addiction treatment. These programs provide similar services to inpatient programs such as detoxification and behavioral therapy.
The difference is that the patient will return home to sleep. Some programs also include transportation and meals.
PHPs are ideal for new patients and those who have completed inpatient treatment but still need intensive care.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs provide well-rounded treatment for people with a high motivation to recover. These programs are flexible and can be made around your schedule. They can also be customized to work best for you.
These programs work for new patients and those that complete an inpatient or partial hospitalization program.
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What's Next?
- World Health Organization. Methadone maintenance treatment, 2009. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310658/
- American Society of Anesthesiology. Opioid Abuse. https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/opioid-treatment/opioid-abuse/
- Scot Thomas, MD. American Addiction Centers. Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline, Detox Centers, and Treatment. 27 September 2019. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/hydrocodone
- IMB Watson Health. Hydrocodone And Ibuprofen (Oral Route). 1 February. 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocodone-and-ibuprofen-oral-route/description/drg-20062862
- FDA.gov. Vicoprofen. December 2016. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020716s012s013s014s015s016lbl.pdf
