How much Vicodin does an average addict take? And how?
Setting: sci-fi, futuristic and technologically advanced society. Totalitarian.
So, this is more a 'is this plausible or what?' question, since I checked so many articles and sites (and YT videos of Dr. House :P) that my head feels like it's about to explode.
MC is a 32 years old guy of average weight and height. He's been taking this made-up painkiller for two years: he has a legitimate condition that causes him chronic pain, but over time it has turned into an addiction. For the sake of my own sanity I ended up taking inspiration from both Vicodin and Oxycontin (I'm aware they're not the same, I just cross-checked and combined symptoms for both withdrawal and side effects), but this fictional painkiller is 90% like Vicodin.
According to Erowid.org, "Acetaminophen/paracetamol can cause liver problems at high doses. It may not be safe for heavy alcohol drinkers or those with liver problems to take more than 2 or 3 Vicodin tablets at one time. Some people take more than this recreationally, but it is generally not a good idea" and Google tells me the effect wears off in 4/6 hours. It also tells me that addicts take from 20 to +40 tablets per day. Vicodin comes in 3 different strengths, from 500 mg acetaminophen (Vicodin) to 660 mg (Vicodin HP).
Now, my MC doesn't have liver issues so far and doesn't drink, so I was thinking he could pop about 24 HP tablets per day, give or take. But how would he take them? One per hour sounds weird to me - blame Dr. House, he pops them like candies if I'm not mistaken - six at once every four hours sounded quite about right, but I'm not sure if it's plausible or not.
I know that everyone reacts differently to drugs, I'm not looking for a one size fits all answer. I just don't want to make epic mistakes without noticing.
Also, I want to say a big thank you to those who answered my previous post. My internet fucked off for weeks and I never got around to say it.
Sources: Erowid.org, drug abuse treatment sites and programs, various combinations of Vicodin, addiction, withdrawal, side effects, overdose, dosage. Community tag for medicine: overdose
So, this is more a 'is this plausible or what?' question, since I checked so many articles and sites (and YT videos of Dr. House :P) that my head feels like it's about to explode.
MC is a 32 years old guy of average weight and height. He's been taking this made-up painkiller for two years: he has a legitimate condition that causes him chronic pain, but over time it has turned into an addiction. For the sake of my own sanity I ended up taking inspiration from both Vicodin and Oxycontin (I'm aware they're not the same, I just cross-checked and combined symptoms for both withdrawal and side effects), but this fictional painkiller is 90% like Vicodin.
According to Erowid.org, "Acetaminophen/paracetamol can cause liver problems at high doses. It may not be safe for heavy alcohol drinkers or those with liver problems to take more than 2 or 3 Vicodin tablets at one time. Some people take more than this recreationally, but it is generally not a good idea" and Google tells me the effect wears off in 4/6 hours. It also tells me that addicts take from 20 to +40 tablets per day. Vicodin comes in 3 different strengths, from 500 mg acetaminophen (Vicodin) to 660 mg (Vicodin HP).
Now, my MC doesn't have liver issues so far and doesn't drink, so I was thinking he could pop about 24 HP tablets per day, give or take. But how would he take them? One per hour sounds weird to me - blame Dr. House, he pops them like candies if I'm not mistaken - six at once every four hours sounded quite about right, but I'm not sure if it's plausible or not.
I know that everyone reacts differently to drugs, I'm not looking for a one size fits all answer. I just don't want to make epic mistakes without noticing.
Also, I want to say a big thank you to those who answered my previous post. My internet fucked off for weeks and I never got around to say it.
Sources: Erowid.org, drug abuse treatment sites and programs, various combinations of Vicodin, addiction, withdrawal, side effects, overdose, dosage. Community tag for medicine: overdose