How Long Does Vicodin Stay in Your System

Vicodin is a medication brand having hydrocodone and acetaminophen. This narcotic analgesic is used to relieve pain. Acetaminophen (non-narcotic painkiller) reduces fever, while hydrocodone (narcotic painkiller) helps to change the brain's pain-sensing ability, thus reducing the intensity of discomfort felt. It's prolonged use may lead to many side effects.

People who need to undergo narcotics tests for securing a job are also worried about the presence of this drug in their system.

This drug should be consumed only during extreme cases and not for simple reasons such as headache or backache. In cases involving alcohol abuse, liver problems, drug abuse, kidney diseases, breathing disorders, and the like, this medication should not be used.

Also, it should not be taken for recreational purposes, and along with other medications, due to the possible side effects.

The effects of Vicodin remain in the body for about 4 hours. The time period till which the detection is possible depends on various factors, including the type of test taken.

A blood test will be able to detect it within 12 hours, while a saliva test has a detection time of about 6 to 12 hours after consumption. A urine test will show traces within 72 hours and a hair follicle test will be able to detect the presence of Vicodin even up to 3 to 4 months.

Other factors to be considered include, a person's height, weight, metabolism rate, quality of the drug consumed, the amount of medication taken, and for how long has the medicine been consumed by the person. Thus, the time span is different for each individual.

Narcotics have addictive properties due to which some people―due to long-term use or who have taken the drug for 4 to 5 days at a stretch―tend to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. When one suddenly stops taking it or reduces the dosage rapidly, troublesome symptoms are experienced. They occur even if one uses the drug legitimately under a doctor's guidance.

Withdrawal indications include, restlessness, watery eyes, runny nose, nausea, sweating, muscle ache, headache, emotional upheaval, insomnia, anxiety, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. All these symptoms do not occur in all cases. Different patients show a combination of these signs.

The symptoms are seen within 24 to 72 hours from the last dose of medication. They last for several days and gradually settle as the body overcomes the addiction.

The time taken for detachment is directly proportional to the intensity of the addiction, with factors including the dosage taken, and the duration of the usage. For instance, if one took the drug for 4 to 5 days, the indications may last for about a week.

Continuous use of these pills can lead to many undesirable side effects including liver damage. Thus, make sure you follow the doctor's prescription and inform him about your past medical history, allergies, and health problems, if any. If you happen to have a drug test, take along a doctor's prescription and medication bottle.

This will help you give reasons as to how an opiate landed in your system. However, if you have been taking the medication for recreational purposes, make sure you stop its consumption as soon as possible. Consider a rehabilitation program if you have to, so that you can save yourself from the adverse effects of Vicodin addiction.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.