Vikes
Vikes
Vikes (pronounced: vahyks) is a colloquial term often used to refer to the prescription medication Vicodin, a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. It is a narcotic analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Etymology
The term "Vikes" is a shortened form of Vicodin, which itself is a portmanteau of its two active ingredients: VI (from VIcodin) and KE (from aCEtaminophen). The term is primarily used in North America.
Usage
Vikes are typically prescribed by a medical doctor for the relief of severe pain. They work by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. However, due to their narcotic nature, they have a high potential for misuse and addiction, and are therefore classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States.
Related Terms
- Opioid: A class of drugs that includes the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.
- Analgesic: A medication that reduces or eliminates pain.
- Narcotic: A drug that relieves pain and induces drowsiness, stupor, or insensibility. Often used interchangeably with "opioid," though not all narcotics are opioids.
- Hydrocodone: An opioid pain medication. A narcotic.
- Acetaminophen: A medication used to treat pain and reduce fever. It is often combined with other medications to create combination drugs, such as Vicodin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vikes
- Wikipedia's article - Vikes
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