Hydrocodone is an opioid that is used to suppress cough and for the treatment of severe pain. Long-term use of hydrocodone pills for pain relief, like other opioid drugs, can lead to the development of physical dependence on the drug. Using hydrocodone in a fashion other than prescribed can also lead to dependence.
Hydrocodone may also be abused recreationally due to its ability to produce a euphoric high. Dependence on hydrocodone can be severe enough to result in addiction. Addiction to hydrocodone involves an inability to control drug use and has a negative impact on social functioning.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay In Your System?
Hydrocodone is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. It is primarily metabolized by the liver into its active metabolite, hydromorphone. Hydrocodone and its metabolites are excreted through urine.
Hydrocodone is a short-acting opioid and the time required to eliminate half of the drug (i.e. the half-life) ranges between 4-12 hours. The half-life for the immediate-release formulation of hydrocodone is four hours, whereas that of the extended-release formulations ranges between 7-12 hours. Relative to opioids with a longer half-life, like methadone, the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal are more severe and last a shorter duration.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal include:
- Symptoms of Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Anxiety
Agitation
Insomnia
Excessive sweating
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting
Watery discharge from eyes and nose
Increased sensitivity to pain
Dilated pupils
Headaches
Hot and cold flashes
Depressed mood