You can take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Take this medicinewith or without food. You can take this drug with food if you have nausea.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine because it may cause withdrawal. The risk of withdrawal is higher in people who have used it for a long time or in high doses. Your doctor may reduce your dosage slowly to prevent withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, mental or mood changes such as anxiety, trouble sleeping or suicidal thoughts, runny nose, watering eyes, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, muscle aches, or sudden behavior changes.

Hydrocodone may not work as well if used for a long time. Hydrocodone may sometimes cause addiction. The risk is higher in people who have drug or alcohol addiction. To lower the risk of addiction, take this medicine exactly as prescribed.