A tolerance to Vicodin means that the individual who is taking it no longer feels its effects. As a result they have to take more and more of the drug to feel its effects. The individual’s body has most likely developed a tolerance to Vicodin.
Developing a tolerance to Vicodin does not necessarily mean that the individual is addicted to it also. However, the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms. How does one develop a tolerance to Vicodin, and what the symptoms?
Developing Vicodin Tolerance
What causes a tolerance to Vicodin? Who is more likely to develop a tolerance? The fact is, anyone can develop a tolerance to Vicodin at any time. The cause of the tolerance developing is not known to a great extent. Scientists are still figuring out how the human brain works to adapt and integrate medications like Vicodin, so that it takes ever higher doses for the individual who is ingesting it to feel its effects. Generally speaking, the longer an individual takes Vicodin, the higher the chances are that their body will develop a tolerance to it.
However, just because an individual has developed a tolerance to Vicodin, doesn’t mean that they are addicted, or even dependent upon it. That being said, a tolerance could be a precursor to the individual developing a physical dependence. From there, the dependence can lead to addiction. It can also cause long term side effects.
Symptoms of Vicodin Tolerance
There are two main symptoms of Vicodin tolerance:
- The individual’s doctor continually needs to increase the dose of the drug for it to work.
- The individual cannot tell the difference, therapeutically, whether they are on Vicodin or off it.
As mentioned previously, experiencing these symptoms doesn’t mean that the individual is addicted to Vicodin. Tolerance is actually a very common occurrence with most people who take the drug.
How Long Does it Take to Develop a Tolerance?
Vicodin tolerance can develop pretty quickly. An individual can become resistant to the effects of Vicodin within a month of taking it, but the time frame for developing a tolerance differs with each individual. Because Vicodin is considered one of the stronger opioid pain killers, it has a higher potential of developing dependence and possibly addiction. Thus, developing a tolerance could be a potential pathway for both dependence and addiction.
Lowering Tolerance to Vicodin
There is only one way to lower Vicodin tolerance, and that is to lower the dose. This could even mean lowering the dose all the way to nothing for a while. This gives the brain some time to readjust without the presence of the drug in the body.
Do you or a loved one have more questions about Vicodin tolerance? Ask The Villa, and we will do our best to provide you with answers and information.