Vicodin 5-500 mg is a mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. A narcotic is another term for an opioid. The less effective analgesic acetaminophen intensifies the effects of hydrocodone. Tablets of Vicodin are used to treat moderately to severely painful conditions. There is a risk of overdose, addiction, and abuse with Vicodin. In the US, it is categorized as a Schedule II-controlled substance, meaning that there is a significant risk of misuse and dependency.