Short & Long-Term Effects of Hydrocodone Abuse

Like most prescription drugs, there are general short-term effects of hydrocodone.1 These effects are typically mild and not dangerous for most when hydrocodone is used as prescribed.3 Here are some common short-term side effects of hydrocodone3:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Impaired cognition and motor skills
• Skin rash and intense itching
• Trouble urinating
• Constipation
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Feelings of unease, dissatisfaction, or unhappiness

Other adverse reactions include mental clouding, lethargy, allergic reactions, and serotonin syndrome. Some adverse effects can be more common in older people and those with certain chronic illnesses. For example, life-threatening respiratory depression is possible in anyone taking hydrocodone. But people with chronic pulmonary disease, elderly patients, and those who are malnourished are at a higher risk. The likelihood and severity of adverse hydrocodone side effects can be significantly greater when you misuse the drug.3

Abusing this drug for extended periods can lead to dependence, addiction, and other serious health risks of hydrocodone.3,4,5 As you continue to use hydrocodone, you may build a tolerance over time.3 This means you’ll need to take more frequent or higher doses to produce the same desired effects of hydrocodone.3 This can put you at a higher risk of developing negative health risks from hydrocodone and experiencing an overdose.3

Repeated hydrocodone use can also cause you to become mentally and physically dependent on the drug.6 In other words, your body may rely on hydrocodone to function normally.6 Addiction can occur even when taken as prescribed, though risk increases with misuse.3 Hydrocodone addiction can manifest itself in many ways, but is often defined by a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeatedly using the drug.

The long-term effects of hydrocodone abuse include:

• Constipation3
• Hearing loss (rare, reported in some case studies)5
• A weakened immune system4
• Liver damage, particularly with acetaminophen co-formulations3
• Respiratory depression3
• Physical dependence3
• Withdrawal symptoms (i.e., muscle aches, abdominal cramps, agitation, anxiety)6
• Overdose3

Mixing hydrocodone with other opioids, other drugs, or alcohol can increase adverse effects and the risk of overdose. Opioids target the opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), which slows breathing and brain function.3 When using hydrocodone with other opioids, these effects compound, heightening the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, overdose, and death. Similar hydrocodone risks are present when mixing it with alcohol or benzodiazepines (benzos), which are also CNS depressants.3

Combining hydrocodone with stimulants, like meth or cocaine, can also be dangerous. These drugs can be unpredictable when used together. Sometimes these drugs conceal the effects of one or both. This can mask how impaired you really are and lead to taking more than intended, increasing the risk of overdose.7

Hydrocodone Overdose Symptoms

Hydrocodone misuse and abuse can lead to overdose, whether taken once at a high dose or long-term.3 Taking too much hydrocodone can slow breathing to dangerous rates, resulting in coma and sometimes death.3 Here are common hydrocodone overdose signs:

• Cold and clammy skin1
• Severely constricted pupils1
• Slowed breathing1
• Extreme drowsiness3
• Coma1
• Low blood pressure3
• Slow heart rate3

Since hydrocodone is most commonly co-formulated with acetaminophen, there are additional dangerous health risks if taken in high doses or too often.1 Acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage, problems with blood clotting, and may affect kidney function in some cases.3

If you suspect someone is experiencing a hydrocodone overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer the opioid overdose reversal medication, Narcan, if available. Try to keep the person awake and remain with them until help arrives.

If you become dependent or addicted to hydrocodone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use.3 Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant, which may make it harder for some people to stop using them.6 Here are some typical withdrawal symptoms you might experience with opioids, like hydrocodone6:

• Muscle aches
• Abdominal cramps
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills
• Diarrhea

Many seeking treatment for opioid addiction attend medical detox as a first step in recovery. These services can help you safely withdraw from hydrocodone with 24/7 medical care, monitoring, and medications. After reaching stabilization, you’ll typically transition to another level of care, such as outpatient rehab at Empowered Recovery Center. These programs can help you get to the root of addiction and gain essential coping skills for lasting recovery.

Some treatment centers also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is an integrated approach that includes FDA-approved medications and behavioral interventions.8 Medications, like buprenorphine, can help you manage the physical symptoms and cravings associated with quitting hydrocodone.6 That way, you can focus solely on recovery and lessen the chances of relapse.

Starting the road to recovery can seem challenging, but help is available at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta. We provide a wide range of personalized outpatient levels of addiction treatment, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient care, and standard treatment. You can also access specialized programs to support your journey, including MAT.

Our rehab admissions team can help you explore your treatment options and find a suitable program for your needs. We’re also here to assist you in navigating the process of starting care. From using insurance for rehab to paying for addiction treatment privately, our team can work with you to understand your payment options and begin your journey as soon as possible.

Contact Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta to verify your insurance and embark on your pathway to health and happiness.

References

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d). Drug Fact Sheet: Hydrocodone. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://www.mcieast.marines.mil/Portals/33/Documents/Safety/Abuse/Hydrocodone.pdf
2. Cofano, S., Patel, P., & Yellon, R. (2024). Hydrocodone. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537288/
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). FDA Briefing Document: Joint Meeting of Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://www.fda.gov/media/111253/download
4. Habibi, M., & Kim, P. (2024). Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538530/
5. Ho, T., Vrabec, J., & Burton, A. (2007). Hydrocodone use and sensorineural hearing loss. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17525781/
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Opioids. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids#addictive
7. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Polysubstance Use Facts. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/polysubstance-use.html
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Retrieved on February 4, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder#oud-meds-work