Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Vicodin withdrawal and heart arrhythmias

I was taking 1-2 500mg. tablets of Vicodin daily for a couple of months. Took it as needed rather than on a schedule. Last week I was down to 1/2 -1 pill just as needed, probably every other day or two. One week ago, I began experiencing pretty severe palpitations, and they haven't quit since. I have been in the ER  thinking I might be having a cardiac event because I was sweating and having shortness of breath as well as some nausea and severe indigestion. I checked out just fine, and am wondering if the sudden withdrawal from vicodin might be the cause. There has been no reduction in symptoms since they began 7 days ago.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
996946 tn?1503249112
Hi Marye,  I know everyone's different wheen it comes to effects of pain meds.  I have an arrhythmia, a-fib, that comes in episodes of several hrs...a lot of things can trigger it.  I had a head-on car accident 3 yrs ago and what's strange the week or so I was in the hospital with all the stress and trauma and Vicodin....I never once had palpitations or full-blown a-fib once.

When I got out of the hospital I continued on the Vicodin like you for a couple of months as needed.  The I weaned myself off but cutting back from 2 a day to 1 to 1/2 and I didn't have any adverse effects.  It sounds like you weaned yourself gradually off it too. If you are still having those symptoms I think you need to go to your primary care Dr and get to the bottom of what is going on with you.  These symptoms are not to be taken lightly.  Good Luck.
Helpful - 0
612551 tn?1450022175
COMMUNITY LEADER
I read Vicodin is a narcotic pain reliever, nothing specifically to do with the heart.  However, as it is a narcotic a "couple of months" seems to me to make it possible for you to develop a dependence on the drug, other than pain related.

Have you discussed your symptoms with the doctor who prescribed the Vicodin? That would be a good first step I think to the possible making of an appointment to be examined by a cardiologist.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.