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Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic analgesic similar in most respects to codeine.
In combination with acetaminophen, it offers excellent relief for moderate pain.
It can ease the discomfort of a bad toothache or the aftermath of minor surgery.
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen is sold under a number of names, including Anexsia 5/500, Anodynos DHC, Bancap, Co-Gesic, Dolacet, Duradyne DHC, Hydrocet, Lortab, Norcet, T-Gesic, and Zydone. Vicodin is the most popular brand name for this medication.
Side Effects and Interactions
Possible side effects to be aware of include weakness, euphoria, loss of appetite, sweating and constipation.
Some people experience shortness of breath, especially if they have asthma.
Other less common reactions include an allergic rash, disorientation, dry mouth and urinary difficulties. Report any such symptoms to your physician promptly.
Acetaminophen may cause liver or kidney problems in large doses or over long periods.
Your physician should evaluate your need for this combination pain reliever periodically.
If you are taking any other medicines, check with a physician or pharmacist.
Alcohol as well as many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can add to the sedative effect of this analgesic.
Antihistamines, antianxiety agents, antidepressants and sleeping pills require extra caution.
Both tricyclic and MAO-type antidepressants may interact with this analgesic to cause greater toxicity, and the anticonvulsant Dilantin may increase the risk of liver damage.
Special Precautions
Like any narcotic, hydrocodone may make you drowsy. Do not drive or attempt any activity that requires coordination and judgment.
Older people may be more susceptible to this reaction, or to lightheadedness or dizziness. Never stand up suddenly as it may make you feel faint.
Long-term use of hydrocodone and acetaminophen has drawbacks. Hydrocodone, like other narcotics, may be habit forming if you take it regularly.
Do not increase the dose on your own in a quest to achieve greater pain relief. But don't play the hero by skipping doses during an acute crisis.
Pain is more easily managed if it can be nipped in the bud instead of trying to play catch up when it has gotten out of control.
Taking the Medicine
Some people react to hydrocodone with nausea or vomiting.
Taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
Nausea, dizziness and other common reactions may be less troublesome if you lie down for awhile.
I've been taking the generic for over a year. Last year I had knee surgery that resulted in a blood clot. I take warfarin to thin my blood, but apparently there was nerve damage that has resulted in pretty constant leg pain. I try to take the pain killer only at night. Sometimes I find it does not work, even if the dose is increased. Other times, one works just fine. I take it every day. Could this be a quality control problem?
I've had the same problem as Larry. I've been taking generic hydrocodone for 2 years now for degenerative arthritis. It's bone on bone now, and I'm going to have a TKR next month. It's a generic medication for vicodin (Hydroco/APAP 5-500 AB Tab with a V on one side and 3592 stamped on the other). The problem is it works some days and other days it doesn't. I was wondering if there's a lab to test product quality anywhere in the United States. I've heard so much about sub-standard pharmaceuticals coming from overseas, I would like to know that I'm actually getting what I've been prescribed. I tried calling my local pharmacy and they became defensive saying all of their products are USDA approved. I understand that over time one can build up a tolerance to a certain medication, but it doesn't explain why you take something that won't alleviate pain one day but will the next. Does anyone out there know of an independent lab that tests product quality? Please let me know. Thank you.
I have a herniated disc L4/5, with degenerative disc disease, and I am only 26.
i am having a hard time obtaining narcotic pain relievers.
I am in CONSTANT PAIN.
is there anything I can do? Any place over the internet that sells w/out charging a bundle? I can fax my MRI report...etc.
Thank you.
Is there any concern in taking this drug along with Dilanten. I am epileptic and have just recently learned that decongestants affect the dilanten DRASTICALLY. Thank you.
I have spinal stynosis and have to take pain pills daily because of the terrible pain. They say surgery would only be done if I could no longer walk. I am 82 years old. I take Vicodin if my doctor and insurance don't put me back on Hydrocodone. I called in for my refill at Walgreens and picked up my order. I did not examine it as I had gotten Vicodin last time. Previous to this refill I had finally gotten my doctor to put no substitutes on the order as the Hydrocodone did not work as the Vicodin had. Some one had decided, most likely the drug company per my insurance companys' request to substitute for the Vicodin.
My doctor went along with it. I was told when I asked at the pharmacy that they were the same. I used them and found they were not the same and did not help to lessen my pain like Vicodin did. I told the doctor that and got the same song and dance from him. I stood my ground and he finally said he would take care of it. He did and that lasted about six months. Once again I called in and was given the substitute. When I found out after arriving home I took them back. I told them the no substitution was in their records. I was told they were most likely in a hurry and did not look up my past prescription and called for the refill as the old one had run out. The doctors office sent a renewal for the Hydrocodone in spite of an order in my records not to substitute.
When I called and questioned this I was told very matter of factly that they were the same. I informed her I had the pain and I knew from experience they weren't. They are also bigger and very difficult to swallow. I worry about chocking as I am alone. I am stuck with the pills as I had taken them home not knowing what had been done.
I want to know from you if they are exactly the same. I would love to save the money I could if it were true. I would try to convince myself they are identical if it is possible. I am a widow. I am not well to do. I live on very little Social Security and pay my own insurance so you can understand it is not just being picky. I even have to use Lidoderm Patches when it gets too bad. I sure would like to know the truth about these pills.
I was wondering if I was crazy or if some days my prescription worked and others it did not. My pharmacy substitutes generic every time a different generic for hydroco/apap10/325.
Maybe it is better to ask for the real stuff, different manufacturers are apparently making this product different.
I too find that the hydrocodone does not work as well as consistently as the Vicodin but my insurance will not pay for the brand name. However, they do not question Oxycontin vs Oxycodone and I always get the brand name there (without the doctor marking the "x" for brand name only). They won't pay for my Valium, generic or brand name, at all.
As long as insurance companies are willing to pay for the generics from these companies, I am afraid we are stuck using these generics.