R.D. asks from Richmond, VA on July 14, 2011
Vicodin Headache...
I took Vicodin for my back last night, and within 30 minutes I had a head ache (which I think I remember happening whenever I had to take it last, I RARELY take meds)... anyway, the head ache is kind of lingering. Are all pain meds like that? I'm wondering if I should call the doctor back and see if they will prescribe something else... but would that even make a difference? Would they even feel comfortable doing that after I filled the Vicodin? I know most doctors and pharmacies are really weird about painkillers... I'm only taking these at night after the kids go to bed because they make me cross eyed and drooling... just suffering through the rest of the day with Advil... Should I tough out the headache so my back feels better at night? Laying down is the WORST. Or should I call and see if they can give me something else? Again, would that even make a difference? Are all pain meds going to hurt my head?
So What Happened?™
@HealthyMom... I wouldn't take it if it wasn't absolutely necessary, like I said, I hate taking meds!! Heat aggravates the injury, ice just turns me into a Rachcicle, LOL... but I've been struggling through it anyway.
@Julie, LOL I was teasing about the cross eyed and drooling... pain meds just make me loopy, which is why I hate taking them! But my back, I mean, this is different... Ugh :(
@Dawn, I think the muscle relaxers sitting okay with me, thanks for asking! I only take that one first thing in the morning (when you're most tense), then I stretch, so I think that one's working. It's just the Vicodin. I'm waiting for the doc to call me back; I did call to see if they could give me something else. Worse they can say is 'no', which leaves me with Advil (Doc said 'no' to Aleve).
Featured Answers
E.B. answers from Seattle on July 14, 2011
I get this every time I take it for more then three days.
Then it lasts until I dont take it any more.
I get it with all the mega strong pain meds. Vicodin, morphine...anything higher then morphine gives me a migraine.
Drink lots of water while you are taking them. I think that is what causes some of the headache...the meds dry you out like a sponge on a counter.
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L.P. answers from Pittsburgh on July 14, 2011
Rachcicle,
(LOL)
You know this, but different pain meds work differently in everyone. More like an art than a science. I used to take Vicodin with no problem when I had a herniated disk in my neck. Had to take it recently for my shoulders, and it made me deathly ill. Same dosage.
Tramadol makes me even worse than Vicodin.
You could try something else if the headache is unbearable, but it's always hit or miss, whether the side effects will be worth the benefit.
Feel better, hon!
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More Answers
J.F. answers from Tallahassee on July 14, 2011
I can't take vicodin, or any other med with codeine, because it gives me such terrible headaches and makes me vomit. Ask your doctor if they can prescribe something else without codeine.
I also have problems with Percoset and Morphine. I absolutely HATE having to take prescription pain meds but if I do Demerol is one that works well for me. Luckily, the last time I had to take anything was after my c-section almost 5 years ago.
2 moms found this helpful
J.N. answers from Salt Lake City on July 14, 2011
Most pain meds beyond the OTCs are narcotics or synthetic narcotics (opiate based, or lab-created and similar in composition to the opiates). Some people are super sensitive to them. My husband will not take any narcotic pain reliever or muscle relaxer because he gets tremendous headaches from them. You may be one of those people.
However, it could just be the Vicodin; there might be something else out there that won't give you as much problems. I would highly recommend calling the doctor, though. The drooling and cross-eyed side effects don't seem normal and could indicate some sort of reaction. Tell him ALL your side effects/symptoms and see what he says.
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K.P. answers from New York on July 14, 2011
Call the doctor b/c not all pain meds are like that. Vicodin is a harsh medicine, but the more common variety. The doctor and pharmacist will likely ask you to bring in the Vicodin bottle and "turn it over" to fill a different script. They will need to count the pills and make sure that the number missing adds to the number of days since filling!
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D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on July 14, 2011
I guess you can see what they say. As for the Vicodin, I guess it really depends on how bad the pain is in your back, right? Is the back pain way worse than a headache? Are the anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers enough?
Be careful, Vicodin is wickedly addictive--and it can make you mean!
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D.B. answers from Charlotte on July 14, 2011
You do need a different medicine, R.. Call and tell him this. It sounds like it's the narcotic side of Vicodin. The other part of it is tylenol. I would ask if Tylenol 3 is a better fit for you.
No, all pain meds aren't going to hurt your head. How are the muscle relaxers doing?
By the way, someone suggested Alieve - make sure you can take Alieve with the muscle relaxers. If the doc doesn't get back to you on that, the pharmacist can.
Hugs~
D.
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S.O. answers from Rapid City on July 14, 2011
Everyone responds to drugs like that differently. I can take Vicodin without any problems, but Perkiset (sp?) doesn't agree with me at all. And my mother is the exact opposite. I would call the Dr. and they should be able to either adjust the dosage or offer a change in perscription. If you are worried about having the Vicodin in your house, simply return it to the pharmacy when you fill a new perscription and they will gladly dispose of it for you.
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A.K. answers from Phoenix on July 14, 2011
I've had the same experience with Vicodin. I have horrible back issues ( herniated discs) & prescribed Vicodin due to that. If you decide to call doc, you may want to ask for Tramadol. I have had luck with it, takes care of pain without headache & loopy feeling. It does make me a little tired at times but not horribly. Hope you get to feeling better.
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M.. answers from St. Louis on July 14, 2011
I hate vicodin. Doesnt even make the pain go away. See if they will give you some percosets and some valium. :) They will probably be willing to do it for you. And watch out, they will ALL make you constipated. Hope you feel better!
And Im not a junkie either, just lots of back problems.
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