Why does Vicodin cause euphoria?

Question

I am looking for a scientific answer. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Hydrocodone, the opiate in Vicodin is a partial agonist of opiod receptors with a moderate level of analgesia. Even at high doses, it can't quite get to the level of pain of stronger opiates like morphine, so it is combined with non-steroidals like acetaminophen.
It works by combining with receptors on nerves that prevent their signalling, called the mu, delta and kappa receptors. The main receptor is mu, which hydrocodone is a partial agonist of. It is believed that the bulk of the pain relieving qualities, as well as pretty much all of the euphoria, dependency tendencies, and sedation are linked to mu receptor activation in the central nervous system, especially in the spinal cord and brain. The exact biochemical process that causes this is not known, only the receptor pathway. We know this because a partial agonist of kappa receptors and antagonist of mu receptors nalbuphine works as a pain reliever, but tends to have less respiratory and addictive side effects. It has other side effects that limits its use though.
Hope this helps, but like I previously said, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done on the subject, and some theories condradict eachother.

Answer 2

I'm interested in answers to this question as well. I've had Vicodin prescribed many times for pain, and I've even used left over Vicodin to help get to sleep on those figity nights. I've never felt any euphoria and I can't figure out why these pills are so popular on the streets.

Good question.

Answer 3

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Morphine and Vicodin are narcotic analgesics -- they induce euphoria, not hallucination. I have taken both of these painkiller meds. After a euphoria, the user will become tired and may go to sleep. Hallucinogenic drugs include LSD and the prescription sleeping pill Ambien (officially classified as a Hypnotic). Depending on dosage, these meds may calm you down, or induce hallucinations.

Answer 4

Vicodin contains hydrocodone, a powerful opiate-type substance which causes addiction. The reason people get addicted to opiates is the euphoria they induce along with their pain-relieving effects. How scientific is that?

Answer 5

"This medication is a combination of a narcotic (hydrocodone) and a non-narcotic (acetaminophen) used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins, therefore relieving pain."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_receptor

Answer 6

Hydrocodone and it is highly addictive for that reason. Codeine is much safer