Vicodin and Alcohol

[nahson]

I am expierencing some chest discomfort (pressure/discomfort/heaviness and maybe some breathing difficulty...can't really tell. Two nights ago I drank and took vicodin. At the time I didn't know how much I was taking. It turned out to be 50mg. I woke up 2 hours after initially falling asleep with nausea and increased heartbeat. Both of these symptoms went away in a few hours but the chest discomfort remains.

I also just quit smoking (10 days ago) and I know discomfort in the chest is a side effect of this. However, I'm concerned because of the amount of vicodin I took on top of drinking. This was a large mistake, I know.

I don't know if this is just anxiety or something more serious

[National Jewish Health]

You are right in suggesting danger in taking such a high dose of a medicine like Vicodin® (hydrocodone bitartrate) along with alcohol, but the effect of Vicodin® (hydrocodone bitartrate) has since worn-off.  Chest discomfort, pressure/heaviness, in association with shortness of breath, is a potentially serious symptom.  I would not attribute it to your having taken the Vicodin® (hydrocodone bitartrate).  The pain could be originating in your heart, your lungs or even your abdomen, or it could be anxiety.  You need to find out which of these it is and I strongly suggest that you seek medical attention for this symptom.

Your decision to quit smoking is terrific.  Now that you have made this choice, do stick with it.