Vicoprofen: Uses, Side Effects & Addiction Risks

Do you suffer from severe pain? Vicoprofen is a potent prescription drug that eases discomfort quickly and efficiently to relieve acute pain.

Vicoprofen can also treat chronic pain. However, you must monitor its use carefully. 

This post explores Vicoprofen's uses, side effects, and addiction risks. Knowing these factors will help you get relief without any unnecessary complications from taking this medication.

What is Vicoprofen?

Vicoprofen is the brand name for the combination of hydrocodone and ibuprofen. It’s a powerful solution to acute pain management.

Healthcare professionals prescribe it when other pain treatments can’t alleviate your pain. It also helps when you can't tolerate the side effects of other treatments.

Active Ingredients of Vicoprofen

Vicoprofen combines hyrocodone and ibuprofen. Hydrocodone stimulates the pleasure sensors in your brain, creating large amounts of dopamine to mask the pain.

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces hormones causing inflammation and pain. It also aids in reducing fever associated with inflammation.

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What Is Vicoprofen Prescribed For?

Vicoprofen can treat various types of acute pain. It's especially suitable for treating moderate to severe pain. Examples include:

• Pain caused by surgery or injury
• Migraines
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Strains

This drug also helps alleviate moderate-to-severe symptoms associated with several health conditions, such as:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Although better suited for acute pain, Vicoprofen can also help manage chronic and long-term conditions, including cancer-related pain and arthritis. 

Precautions and Contraindications for Vicoprofen Use

Vicoprofen isn't suitable for everyone. You must avoid taking this medication if you have a known sensitivity to ibuprofen, hydrocodone, or any other components of Vicoprofen. 

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

Moreover, don’t use Vicoprofen after a coronary artery bypass graft or CABG.

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Vicoprofen vs. Other Pain Relief Medications

Compared to ibuprofen alone, Vicoprofen offers quicker and more powerful relief from acute pain. It also has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than ibuprofen.

Similarly, Vicoprofen is a more potent pain reliever than codeine. Vicoprofen may be better for moderate-to-severe pain, while codeine might be sufficient for milder pain.

Percocet is more potent than Vicoprofen because of its stronger opioid component. While it can provide better relief for moderate to severe pain, both are considered powerful opioids that can lead to addiction. 

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 the potential risk of liver damage associated with high doses of acetaminophen.

Vicoprofen is an effective pain reliever after a significant injury or surgery. It’s highly addictive, so you should only use it short-term.

What is Vicoprofen’s Dosage?

One tablet of Vicoprofen contains 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 200 mg of ibuprofen. Other strengths of the drug can include up to 10mg of hydrocodone. However, the amount of ibuprofen per tablet never exceeds 200 mg.

Every prescription depends on pain levels, the medical treatment or surgical procedure, and the type of injury. Your doctor will evaluate your prior history of opioid treatment and other possible risk factors for addiction.

Dosage Instructions 

A typical dosage of Vicoprofen is one ingestible tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Its effects last for that duration. 

You shouldn’t ingest more than 5 tablets in 24 hours. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Additionally, treatment shouldn’t last more than 10 days.

Vicoprofen is fast-acting. If taken incorrectly, a tolerance to the drug can develop quickly.

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What are the Side Effects of Vicoprofen?

Vicoprofen will likely produce minor to moderate side effects in average doses. However, in high doses, the drug can have serious side effects.

The adverse effects and risks of Vicoprofen include:

• Dopamine overload
• Respiratory depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Seizures
• Hypertension
• Skin reactions or a skin rash
• Unusual/sudden weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms (after stopping use abruptly)

Risks of Prolonged Vicoprofen Use and Potential Allergic Reactions

NSAID medications put users at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or in severe cases, heart failure. An allergic reaction can also occur.

Since ibuprofen is present in Vicoprofen, it can also lead to potential stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and stomach bleeding. These risks are higher when you take Vicoprofen for an extended period.

How Does a Vicoprofen Overdose Look?

An overdose of Vicoprofen can be fatal. Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

Symptoms of a Vicoprofen overdose include:

• Difficulty breathing (slow breathing)
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate and 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

If a person survives an overdose, they may require hospitalization to ensure their safety. Hospitalization will also help them recover from the effects of the drug. Long-term addiction or substance use disorder (SUD)  treatment may also be necessary. 

What are the Addiction Potential & Symptoms of Vicoprofen?

Vicoprofen was originally a Schedule III substance. In 2014, it became a Schedule II substance. This classification means Vicoprofen has a higher physical or psychological dependence risk but still has medical value.

Over time, opioid use can cause physical dependence. You will need more substantial amounts of the drug to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.

The most apparent addiction symptoms 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

What are Vicoprofen’s Withdrawal Symptoms?

If you misuse Vicoprofen, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Symptoms vary in duration and intensity but typically begin within 6–12 hours after the last dose, lasting for several days and weeks.

Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of Vicoprofen involve:

• Sweating, chills, or goosebumps
• A drastic change in body temperature
• Upset stomach, nausea, or 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

Therapy and tapering off the drug can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent future addiction.

Vicoprofen’s Drug Interactions

Vicoprofen can interact with other medications, such as over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Before taking Vicoprofen, you should tell your doctor about all your medications. 

Do not use Vicoprofen with:

• Alcohol
• Macrolide antibiotics
• Benzodiazepines and other central nervous system depressants
• Serotonergic drugs
• Additional analgesics
• Anticholinergics
• Muscle relaxants

This isn’t a complete list of medications that interact with Vicoprofen. Combining certain drugs with Vicoprofen can increase the euphoric effects of the drug. It also creates a higher risk of addiction and overdose.

Vicodin and Alcohol

The combined use of alcohol and Vicodin can have serious consequences, especially for the liver. Vicodin contains acetaminophen, which can harm the liver in high doses.

Alcohol, being toxic to the liver, further increases the risk of acetaminophen toxicity. When you use alcohol and Vicodin together, you significantly heighten the risk of liver damage.

Vicoprofen and Alcohol

Combining alcohol with Vicoprofen can lead to dangerous interactions and increase the risk of adverse effects. Alcohol and the hydrocodone from Vicoprofen can depress the central nervous system, leading to

• Respiratory depression
• Drowsiness
• Impaired cognitive function

Ibuprofen and alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal issues. 

Extended Side Effects of Combining Vicoprofen and Alcohol

The other side effects of using alcohol with Vicodin include:

• Bone fractures
• Breathing problems during sleep
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular issues
• Hormone disruption
• Impaired decision-making
• Liver problems

Vicodin and alcohol can be fatal. Additionally, the reaction may vary from person to person. To prioritize safety, physicians who prescribe Vicoprofen advise avoiding alcohol as the potential risks outweigh any potential benefits.

Alternatives for Vicoprofen

You can take other medicines and treatments as an alternative to Vicoprofen, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Aspirin
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Over-the-counter creams, patches, and ointments

Speak with your doctor if you’re considering alternatives to Vicoprofen. Your physician can tell you if a particular option complements your age, medical history, and other factors. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Vicoprofen

Final Takeaway

Vicoprofen is a powerful opioid pain reliever that relieves acute to severe pain. Since Vicoprofen can be habit-forming, you should use it only for as long as your doctor recommends to avoid dependency or addiction. 

Avoiding other drugs while using Vicoprofen is essential. Moreover, always speak to your doctor about possible alternatives and know the risks of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you suspect an overdose or addiction, contact emergency medical services immediately or seek professional help. Treatment programs and centers can help you recover from Vicoprofen addiction and increase the chances of successful recovery. 

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