How Long Does It Take for Hydrocodone to Kick In?

Hydrocodone’s effects are usually felt within 10 to 30 minutes after taking it, and they peak around 30 minutes to an hour. 

After reaching its peak, immediate-release hydrocodone gradually wears off over six to eight hours, while the effects of extended-release formulations will last longer. 

What Kind of Drug Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic medication prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain when other, less potent medicines (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) have failed to be effective.[1]

Since hydrocodone is a controlled substance due to its potential for dependence and misuse, its sale, possession and use are limited to those who have a legal prescription for the drug.[2] Though hydrocodone is safe to use for pain management when it is used as prescribed, it should only be used under the supervision of a doctor, exactly according to the prescription guidelines and for no longer than recommended.[3] 

Misusing hydrocodone in any capacity — such as taking the drug without a prescription, taking it in higher doses than prescribed or altering the drug before ingesting it (crushing and snorting it or chewing the tablets) — can have serious health repercussions, including the development of an opioid use disorder or overdose.

How Does Hydrocodone Work?

Hydrocodone works by binding to and activating mu opioid receptors (MORs). However, as opioid doses increase beyond typical starting doses, delta and kappa opioid receptors may also be activated.[4] All of these opioid receptors are located throughout the brain and spinal cord. When this medication binds with these receptors, it inhibits the transmission of pain signals, which in turn decreases the perception of pain.

In addition, hydrocodone affects brain areas involved with emotional and pleasure responses, leading to an increase in dopamine levels. This is the neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of reward, so hydrocodone use can lead to a sense of euphoria or well-being, often called a high.

How Long Does It Take for Hydrocodone to Kick In? 

Everyone is different, but when ingested orally, hydrocodone generally begins to take effect in about 10 to 30 minutes.[5] 

The exact timing depends on several factors, including metabolism, medication formulation (immediate release or extended release) and whether or not the drug is taken on an empty stomach. Food delays drug absorption, thus prolonging the amount of time it takes to kick in.

When Is the Peak Effectiveness of Hydrocodone? 

Hydrocodone typically reaches its maximum effectiveness about 30 minutes to an hour post ingestion.[5]

The duration of peak effectiveness depends on the specific formulation used. Immediate-release forms typically retain their peak effectiveness for about four to six hours. Extended-release forms last longer, as the dose is released into the system periodically throughout the day.

When Does Hydrocodone Wear Off? 

In most cases, hydrocodone will wear off between four and 16 hours after use. The length of hydrocodone’s effectiveness varies from person to person and based on the formulation used. 

For immediate-release hydrocodone, its effects typically begin to wear off about four to six hours after ingestion.[4] The drug’s pain-relieving and euphoric effects peak during this time and then gradually decrease. The effects continue to decline until they dissipate altogether about six to eight hours after taking it.

For extended-release hydrocodone formulations, there is a longer duration for pain relief — up to 14 to 16 hours.[4] As with immediate-release hydrocodone, after this peak period, the effects reduce gradually over time.

Does Hydrocodone Affect People Differently?

Hydrocodone will affect different people differently depending on a number of factors, including these:

• Age: Age affects medication processing. Seniors usually experience slower metabolism and decreased liver function compared to younger adults. This may prolong hydrocodone’s effects and potentially cause longer lasting side effects.

• Sex: Sex differences in biology impact medication metabolism, with women metabolizing some pharmaceuticals like hydrocodone differently than men.

• Height and weight: Body size impacts drug distribution and elimination. This means that larger individuals must take higher hydrocodone doses to experience similar pain relief that smaller individuals do with lower doses. Furthermore, fat distribution may impede drug distribution, potentially altering the duration of hydrocodone use.

• Liver and kidney function: Impaired liver and kidney function can delay hydrocodone clearance, increase the risk of adverse reactions, prolong effects, and affect drug clearance and overall health.

• Tolerance: Individuals may develop tolerance to hydrocodone, requiring higher doses for pain relief, effectiveness and duration.

• Genetics: Genetic variations affect individuals’ responses to medications such as hydrocodone by altering the body’s processing. This then affects the duration of the drug’s effect.

Healthcare providers must evaluate patients’ medical histories, demographics, liver and kidney functions, and genetic profiles before prescribing hydrocodone.[3] Customizing dosage and treatment plans improves pain management and reduces adverse reactions. 

Adherence to professional recommendations and timely reporting of unexpected effects are crucial for safe and responsible hydrocodone use.

What Can You Do to Make Hydrocodone More Effective? 

Hydrocodone may be combined with other medications. However, doing so requires medical supervision and guidance from doctors in order to avoid adverse effects. 

One commonly approved combination is hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen. Formulations such as Vicodin, Lortab or Norco utilize different ratios of this combination to increase pain relief effectiveness. This is especially beneficial for people who are recovering from surgeries or injuries as well as those with some chronic conditions.[1]

Caution should always be exercised when taking combination drugs. These drugs could increase the risk of side effects or harmful interactions if you are taking other medications. 

Under no circumstances should individuals self-prescribe or mix medications without proper medical guidance. Only a healthcare professional can determine the appropriate combination of medications. 

For this reason, it is important that you provide your doctor with all the information you have about your medical condition and other medications you are taking. Make sure to ask questions about potential supplement interactions as well. 

Risks of Hydrocodone Use

Hydrocodone use poses several risks, ranging from mild to fatal. As a result, it should only be taken when medically advised. Common adverse reactions to hydrocodone include the following:[2]

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness 
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Psychomotor impairment
• Allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, swelling or trouble breathing

Hydrocodone is a central nervous system depressant that may cause serious, life-threatening side effects, such as misuse, dependency, respiratory depression, and overdose.[3] When hydrocodone use is combined with the use of other drugs, including alcohol, those risks increase significantly.[6] 

Getting Started With Bicycle Health

At Bicycle Health, we recognize the difficulties that come with opioid misuse even when it begins with a medical prescription. To help people safely stop misusing hydrocodone and other opioids, we offer a Medication for Addiction Treatment program via telehealth that is accessible to all. 

Our top priority is your well-being and safety. Contact Bicycle Health today to get started. A better life awaits you.