Get Informed: Hydrocodone
Active Ingredient(s)
Hydrocodone
What does it do?
This product is used in combination with acetaminophen or other NSAIDs in the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. It is a narcotic analgesic that also has cough suppressant properties.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-05 10:30 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 8:28 AM
Other Names
- Hydrocodone
- Hydrocodone Bitartrate
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 03 May 1982
- Est US Patients*
- 2,309,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Hydrocodone or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Hydrocodone
There have been no alerts regarding Hydrocodone during the past year.
Hydrocodone Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Hydrocodone used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 13,300 patients that use Hydrocodone (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | 30% | 
|
| Osteoarthritis | 17% |
|
| Back / Neck Pain | 14% | 
|
| Migraine / Headache | 11% |
|
| Pain-Musculoskeletal | 7% | 
|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 6% | 
|
| Fibromyalgia | 4% |
|
| Other | 21% |
|
How well does Hydrocodone work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 13,300 users taking Hydrocodone (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 76%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Hydrocodone outweigh the bad things.
- 19%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Hydrocodone.
Common Side Effects of Hydrocodone
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 13,300 users taking Hydrocodone (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
44% of patients experience side-effects on Hydrocodone
7% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Hydrocodone
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Constipation
-
Drowsiness
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
Dizziness
-
Itch/Rash
-
Insomnia
-
Fatigue
-
Anxiety
-
Abdominal Pain
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Bladder/Urinary Problems, Blurred Vision, Chest Pain/Tightness, Dry Mouth, Grogginess/Confusion, Hair Loss, Loss of Appetite, Rebound Headache, Swelling/Edema, Weight Gain
Global Patient Feedback for Hydrocodone ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Has anyone developed ear ringing or ear noises with this- and has it lowered your hearing- please let me know and if so - what combination of meds do you take with it- ?
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-25 13:54:52
Question/Comment:
I have been using Hydrocodone 5/500 for several years as prescribed by my neurologist and found that over all it does relieve about 70% of the pain. I do not believe that I will ever have full pain relief as I have multiple areas of back and pelvic pain that have been on going daily for the past 20+ years. The side effects, I do not like, are nausea, dizziness and drowsiness but you have to take the good with the bad. Thank godness it does not last all that long and I feel that any pain relief is better than nothing since I have tried other medications that gave me little or no relief.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-15 01:46:50
Answer/Reply:
I too have been taking Hydrocodone but I take the 10/325 for pain from having my knee replaced 2x's and the other one with bone spurs. Hydrocodone is the only thing that will take the pain away. The side effects that I have noticed are that it makes me a little agitated or increases my fear in some situations, and makes me a little hyper. I have been taking it off and on for over 10yrs and make sure I get a liver test done yearly. I have stopped taking them for months at a time with out issue, and then when my knee starts hurting again, I start back on them. I am a 56yr old female and I too have tried many different kinds of meds for the pain and that is the only one that makes a significant difference. I have now found that they are going to stop selling them in Tx and I just hope they can find some thing for pain that works as well.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-21 09:53:52
Answer/Reply:
I can tell you more how to help yourself better,write me (wonderer111 At myway dot com) I can give you info about a good help available now.If I write it here you won't get it,
Your Friend- LEON
64 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-23 22:01:09
Answer/Reply:
I was taking 7.5/200 hydrocodone for about 4 years, and then went to pain management and now they have me on 10/350 hydrocodone. I agree with you that it helps very much with the pain, and I do not have any side effects, in fact it gives me energy and gets me going, it allows me to function during my day. I have scoliosis with a steel rod attached to my spine and arthritis and fibromyalgia throughout my whole body. I tried oxycodone and it was way too strong for me and the side effects were unbearable.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-28 16:53:58
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Hydrocodone for a several years now and I have never had a problem. It has worked great for my pain. The only thing that bothers me is that if I don't take them I do get a little moody so I do beleive that they are addicting. Be careful when taking this drug. God bless.
30 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-28 21:01:15
Question/Comment:
I am in pain constantly. I started getting severe migraine headaches when I was 10 years old, and over the years the pain has become more frequent and unbearable- I've gone to one of the best headache neurologists in the country for over a decade and NOTHING has worked except pain medications. During high school I took lethal amounts of aleve- as all the "migraine" medicines: Imitrex,zomig etc- i'm allergic to- after high school my doctor started me on pain meds- as i was his "Dr. House" case- couldn't figure me out. Theyve run every medical test imaginable at least twice- can't find a thing. I was up to six mephergan pills a day (demerol) and i had to make a conscious choice to down grade to lortab. I since moved on to a pain doctor because i lost my insurance I take 6 10/325 lortabs a day and 3 10-325 pills of oxycodone- and demerol for excruciating pain. I'm 23 YEARS OLD. I also have alot of pain in my back and neck that radiates up to my head and intensifies my headaches from stress. I'm too young to be on this much stuff and they are talking about increasing it. I just hate that I have two horrible options live in moderate to excruciating pain every second of every day or be a drug addict. I don't know what to do. I would much rather take pills and function then be in pain ALWAYS.
24 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-03 14:09:39
Answer/Reply:
I have the same symptoms you have. I am 38 years old and have been suffering from neck pain and migranes since age 22. I feel like giving up sometimes. It's hard to keep a full time job when your in pain all the time. I hope everything works out for you and know that your not the only one suffering with this problem. It's not just in your mind that your sick, you do have a problem and don't let doctors make you feel that way. I know they do you that way because they treat me that way.
Sincerely,
Melissa
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-11 09:20:29
Question/Comment:
I have been taking hydrocodone off and on for 10 years and went though pain management. I am in constant pain I have my pc next to my bed because I can't sit or stand for very long. When i do I hurt so bad i shake and get sick I have people ask me when I go to the store if I'm alright.i can't even drive any more because my leg and foot become dead wait. My daughter has to take me everywhere i go. The pain med are not working any more.unless I take two at a time.I have thought about going back to pain management maybe they will give me something stronger. I'm Disable now I 'm in such bad shape it took me only two months to get approved for my social security disablity I just need some relief so I can get up an excersize to lose all this weight I've gained, my Doctor told me to get a over the counter cough syrup Delsym it would help the pain pills work better. I did spent 14.00 for nothing no differents. I just wished I could go back to work It's been 1year and 3 months since I worked I use to drive truck for a living and I miss it very much.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 20:38:09
Answer/Reply:
What kind of doctor is he? If he's not a specialist I would suggest you seeing one, such as a neurologist or get a second opinion. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-20 18:06:09
Answer/Reply:
Hello 55 Female,
I don't know if this Company will allow me to give you a large hint.I have been on all those medications so I know what you mean. I had a trial in Jamuary of Neuro Stimulator installed and it was a big relief.So in February I had the Unit Installed in my Spine and a Battery Pack in my hip..It's not perfect but it's blocking most of thepain for me.The idea of the Neuro Stimulator is to have the unit running and it blocks the pain to enter the brain.Since most of the Pain is blocked ,there's lot less pain and I was able to reduce some of my medications.
THANKS----------------LEON
PS) www.poweroveryourpain.com It's very good site for you
64 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-28 21:36:32
Answer/Reply:
I took an MMRPI to see if I would be able to get the unit so I could reduce the pain meds and it showed me as an addict - now they want me to go to a drug therapist to be sure I am not - then back to the pain clinic - I used to be a heavy heroine user - over 25 years ago - but I have not used other than RX meds since quitting all drugs and alcohol - even went to school - got my masters and taught Alcohol and Drug Counseling for over 12 years until I had a stroke - the back pain is due to my being overweight and all of the lumbar spine is compressed - anyway - I really wanted to try something other than meds but seems to be impossible while in this state! I think the unit you are using is a tremendous tool! Am so glad it works for you!
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-08 18:23:16
Answer/Reply:
To 55 yr old female, What is wrong with you, from the way you are talking I'm assuming you have a spinal problem. If that is what it is have you thought of an epidural? Are you under the care of a neurologist? It sounds like you have Sciatica, & maybe a form of neuropathy. If that is what you have then an epidural would help. Taking hydrocodone for a long period of time causes your body to become accustom to it, then it doesn't do any good. Have you thought about physical therapy? How about massage therapy? Also the more you lay around the worst you will feel, I know. So get up & move, even if it is just a little bit. Good luck.
another 55 yr old woman
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-02 19:23:25
Answer/Reply:
I really feel for you having to take all the hydrocodone. As I have been disabled for 11 years. I have come to the conclusion for me that after awhile, you have to go on stronger and stronger meds and of course have also come to the realization that they will stop helping me altogether. They had me on Morphine sulphate years ago and I found I am allergic to sulpha drugs. So much for those. Another thing too is that you need to keep having your liver function tests and liver enzyme tests done due to the factthat all the acetominopehen that is in the meds will destroy your liver. I wish you the best of luck with all and hope you find your answer out there.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-03 16:00:54
Answer/Reply:
I have also been in pain for years so I know how you feel.I am a 31 year old mother of 2.I have been on hydrocodone and after a period of time it didn't work for me.My Dr just put me on methadone.After being on it for 3 days it started working good.I found it helped me so much that I started walking normal,but pills to me are like lies they take away the pain but not the problem.I have also had shots of cortisone in my back that worked for awhile.so you could try these suggestions if you haven't all ready.
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-04 07:31:15
Answer/Reply:
Hi....I noticed you found a compassionate doctor which is like finding a needle in a haystack these days I deal with anxiety and chronic pain which go hand -n- hand. I have constantly seen the run around with many pain patients and most of them are viewed as drug seekers if their pain control requires anything stronger than a Tylenol. Sorry, but that just does not cut it and never will no matter how much walking I do to stay in shape. Noone in real pain/anxiety should have to deal with all this red tape in this country and it really only makes person's symptom's worse. My liver enzyme level went through the roof taking so much Tylenol to stop the pain and I have ulcers in my stomach from all the Ibuprofen I have taken over the years. It gets tiresome setting up appoinments and getting charged hundreds of dollars only to meet a doctor with no compassion whatsoever. It is even tougher with no insurance because pain shots aren't as affordable and they only want to prescribe the medicine that doesn't work . I am sure we have all been there at one point or another. I hope your compassionate doctor is near my way but that would probably be a long shot. Any suggestions welcome. I can add my e-mail if it will help. Thanks.
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-03 18:59:35
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56
Patient Comments about
Hydrocodone