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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Vicodin Be Taken By An Alcoholic?

Hello. My stepmother feel about 1.5 weeks ago and after the fall, started to experience back pain. It became more severe over the next several days and she finally was taken to her PCP. He has prescribed Vicodin, but I am not sure of the dosage. I live several states away from her and as she lives alone, I am somewhat concerned. Although she has some help, I am more concerned about the type of medication she is on. She has had a problem with alcohol abuse in the past and I don t know if she still drinks as much as she used to. She is approx. 80 years old. Do you have any idea whether this drug is appropriate, given the little bit of information I have given you? I am concerned about addiction, withdrawal from the drug, and possible interactions with alcohol usage, Thank you.
Fri, 29 Jun 2018
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Vicodin is having guafenesin and hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone is centrally acting opioid drug.
It is having habit forming property.
Both of these are not having any drug interactions.
Except habit forming property, both these are safe and having least side effects.
It is advisable not to give hydrocodone in alcoholic patients.
This can lead to Coma.
So better to first quit alcohol android then start Vicodin.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Can Vicodin Be Taken By An Alcoholic?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Vicodin is having guafenesin and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is centrally acting opioid drug. It is having habit forming property. Both of these are not having any drug interactions. Except habit forming property, both these are safe and having least side effects. It is advisable not to give hydrocodone in alcoholic patients. This can lead to Coma. So better to first quit alcohol android then start Vicodin. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.