How to take Vicodin
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. You should take Vicodin in strict accordance with your doctor’s prescriptions. To specify your instructions and dosage ask a doctor or a pharmaceutist. You should take full glass of water with your medication. There we registered cases when Vicodin caused stomach upset. If you came across this side effect you should take milk or food with the drug.
If you are using a liquid form of this medication, use a special measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
You should keep in mind that hydrocodone, the main component of Vicodin, may form addiction. It causes physical and psychological addiction. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage and time limits during which you are supposed to take the drug. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well. Abruptly breaking up with Vicodin after having been taking it for two weeks regularly will cause withdrawal effects. You should ask your doctor in order to get instructions on gradual reducing of your dosage. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Vicodin may cause constipation. In this case it is advised to drink a lot of water (about six or eight glasses a day) in order to weaken this side effect. Abundance of cellulose in your everyday food ration may help you avoid getting this side effect. If you have nausea, it may help to take this drug with food as well. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).