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When it comes to managing moderate to severe pain, many doctors prescribe medications such as hydrocodone or Vicodin. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems down the line, from potential side effects to the risk of addiction. Many patients taking M365 use it as a short-term means of pain relief, but it can quickly go from temporary pain relief to long-term dependence.
This analgesic comes from a modified codeine molecule of codeine and has a similar structure to morphine and codeine. M365 is one of the more common types of opioid medication on the market, so it’s no shock that people become addicted easily. From patients that develop a dependence to young people raiding their parents’ medicine cabinet, hydrocodone is very easy to come across.
What is the M365 Pill?
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It is often prescribed as a pain reliever for those suffering moderate to moderately severe pain, whether from an injury or other reason. M365 is available in generic form or as the drug Vicodin.
M365 is a white capsule-shaped acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate 325 mg/5 mg that Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals distribute. This prescription medication is often prescribed to patients with back pain to get some relief from their symptoms. It is considered a narcotic analgesic drug and Schedule II controlled substance.
As a pain reliever, it is highly effective, which is why many people develop a dependency. While acetaminophen alone may not be enough to touch the pain many people experience, when combined with hydrocodone, it can make a big difference in the amount of pain they are feeling.
In addition to being a very efficient pain reliever, Vicodin can give the user a high, which includes feelings of happiness and euphoria when taken in larger doses. This can be dangerous because that euphoria adds to the appeal. In addition, the drug is highly addictive, and tolerance builds up over time. When this happens, it takes more and more Vicodin to achieve the same effects, which can lead to overdose. Once someone has had a chance for their tolerance to build, stopping abruptly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Misusing medication is a slippery slope. Many folks begin their struggle with addiction because their pain is intense, and they think an extra dose will help just this time. Unfortunately, just once misusing your medication can backfire and become a battle with opioid addiction. Fortunately, if you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to M365 or another form of Vicodin, there are options. With the help of a support system and a recovery team, recovery is possible.
Side Effects of the M365 Pill
As with any medication, M365 does have the potential to cause side effects. When taken as prescribed, patients will feel their pain is lessened as it connects to the brain’s pain receptors. This blocks the pain signals that the brain sends to the various parts of the body. Because of how effective it is, it is very commonly prescribed, thus making it one of the most abused painkillers.
Even when used as directed, the following symptoms may occur:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes
- Dry mouth
- Ringing in your ears
- Difficulty urinating
Drug misuse is when someone uses a drug outside of the specified instructions. This can be as simple as taking your medication too early or late, taking an extra pill because your pain levels are higher than usual, or as serious as using medications to get high. When folks misuse M365 and other powerful opioid-based medication, the high can be very enjoyable, which is one of the reasons abusing Vicodin is so dangerous.
Those that have taken Vicodin in excess to get high reported the following side effects:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Socializing became easier
- Felt warm, comfortable, and at peace
- Feelings of relaxation and contentment
These happy feelings only last so long. As with many other drugs, users build a tolerance to M365, and it takes more and more to get high. In addition, they never get as high as they did the first couple of times they abused it, so they are chasing a high that they won’t feel again. Rather than that, they need to take larger amounts to feel “normal.”
Side effects from long-term Vicodin abuse include:
- Lack of motivation
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Desire to be alone
- Mood swings
- Irritability and agitation
- Nausea and vomiting
M365 Pill Withdrawal Symptoms
Once a dependency is formed, and tolerance is built, it is not too late to get clean. Some doctors recommend that the patient weans off M365, so they don’t have to experience the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that happen when they stop.
When someone suddenly stops taking it rather than weaning, they may experience some or all of these withdrawal symptoms:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Unusual sweating
How to Get Help if Addicted to M365 Pill
When it comes to addiction, recovery is possible! The most proven way to recover is to employ the help of an inpatient rehab facility that can guide you through the process of recovery safely and effectively. Furthermore, these facilities can help you understand why you’re using drugs in the first place, preventing you from going down the path of addiction again.
You do not have to do this by yourself. There are resources out there that want to help you get clean and stay that way. With a trusted support system and a solid plan, anything is possible.
If you or a loved one are looking for a drug rehab in Orange County, Ocean Recovery is here to help. Reach out today to our premier rehab facility that can give you the support you need to immediately walk the path of sobriety. You deserve the opportunity to live the life you’ve always wanted, free from the bondage of drugs.
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Sources:
Ocean Recovery has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations for our references. We avoid using tertiary references as our sources. You can learn more about how we source our references by reading our editorial policy.
1. Tran S, Lavitas P, Stevens K, et al. The Effect of a Federal Controlled Substance Act Schedule Change on Hydrocodone Combination Products Claims in a Medicaid Population. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2017;23(5):532-539. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2017.23.5.532
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