qwrt
Journeyman
Reged: 12/09/03
Posts: 60
Loc: USA
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I really don't understand this...
Last year when I lived in Europe I took codeine regularly for my headaches (it was OTC) and it worked pretty well.
Since returning to the states I have been prescribed Hydro by an OP... and I find it really doesn't work as well and comes with severe nausea.
I NEVER felt nauseous with the codeine.
I ALWAYS feel nauseous when I take hydro.
(and I am taking equivalent amounts...( i.e. 10mg hydro = 60 mg codeine)
Could it be the apap n the Norcos? The codeine I took in Europe did not have any other ingredients.
I am really at a loss as to what to do...I have a pretty useless script now considering that I can't take my meds. I would switch it over to Tylenol #4s, but then if it is the tylenol that is making me sick those wont do much good!
Has anyone else experienced more nausea with hydro than with codeine?
Thanks,
qwrt
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oreo
Journeyman
Reged: 05/17/03
Posts: 62
Loc: North-lived South but prefer t...
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I've never experienced nausea from either med but it COULD be the tylenol that's giving you the problem. I have that problem with Ibuprofen-I develop a severe headache/nausea awful feeling after taking it. (And I've tried it a couple times when I didn't have to go anywhere just to make sure I'm not imagining things-yup, same thing every time!) But I'm not a doctor-have you tried taking the hydro with food or milk? Maybe it's just an adjustment thing? Maybe it's the brand you're taking and the "filler" doesn't agree with you. Well, I haven't been very helpful here but you could, possibly, have better luck with the T-#4. (If it's a "filler" or brand problem.....) 
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Earl777
Journeyman
Reged: 09/20/03
Posts: 50
Loc: West
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From a technical standpoint, nausea and vomiting are caused by direct stimulation of the emetic chemoreceptors located in the medulla of your brain. From a practical standpoint, we all respond differently to various opioid compounds. Despite its reputation, I know a number of people who cannot tolerate any form of oxycodone due to a similar nausea reaction. So...it may simply be the hydrocodone.
Another thought, if you search the archives for "mallies" you will find a number of posts discussing the possibilities that certain fillers in the tablets are the cause of nausea. However, as you are not getting sufficient pain relief either, it may just be a switch back to Tylenol #4 (325/60mg) that you need. I am not personally aware of nausea from Tylenol. Keep us posted and good luck.
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Pain control, psychiatric care, and hospice are REAL issues.
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lemongrass
Board Addict
Reged: 09/23/03
Posts: 361
Loc: IL
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I understand this completely. I recently took two vicodin for my arthritis pain because one simply didn't do much but take the edge off a little bit. I got so violently ill after about 45 minutes.
I have a high tolerance to medicines, so this really baffled me. I, too, wondered if it was from the APAP. But then again, when I take regular Ibuprofen or Tylenol, I don't get sick like that, so...what else could it be but the narcotic???
lemongrass
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tray1
Enthusiast
Reged: 11/22/03
Posts: 241
Loc: US
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I seem to have the same problem, I sometimes get nauseous(SP?) from hydro, not always though, ??? I have no problems taking percocet so I doubt it's the tylenol because there is tylenol in percocet too. I also do not get sick from codeine. It may just be a reaction to the hydro, but what has me baffled is that it is not all the time. I wonder if it is the other fillers, whatever they may be that various manufacuters put into their products. I wonder if moving to a dr that offers compounded meds would help? I would appreciate anyones input on this because I am ready to try this but I dont want to spend a lot of $$$ only to find out that I get the same effect. I know everyone's chemistry is different so I am not looking for a definate answer just if anyone has tried this and how well it worked.
Thanks
Tray 
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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I have found that even with my extremely high tolerance for narcotics that hydrocodone in ANY formulation (cough syrup, Vicodin) makes me nauseated. Oxycodone also causes this problem. Codeine causes me more nausea than any other narcotic. Morphine, Demerol, Methadone and other stronger narcotics typically don't cause nausea for me.
I would recommend, especially if the pain relief factor of hydro works better than codeine for you, ask for (or buy online) an antihistamine like Phenergan 25-50mgs, Compazine 25mgs, Vistaril 25-50mgs (also in OTC preps like Dimetapp..generic name is hydroxyzine) and take as an adjunct to your narcotic dose. Take them at the same time and you will not only find some relief from from the nausea, but perhaps an increase in effectiveness of your pain meds.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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qwrt
Journeyman
Reged: 12/09/03
Posts: 60
Loc: USA
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Thanks for all the suggestions...
I unfortunately cannot take any anti-histamines. Every anti-histamine I have taken causes very weird and uncomfortable side-effects. I get extremely drwosy and feel really "weird". They also make me have prostate issues (dont ask...). This goes for Dramamine, promethazine (phenergan), hydroxyzine (Vistaril). I have not tried Compazine but due to my poor track record with anti-histamines I don't know if I want to.
I think what I will do is to try to take 325mg of Tylenol and see if that causes the same nausea. This will at least rule out apap on its own causing it. As to whether apap+hydrocodone or just hydrocodone is causing it...i can't really know for sure.
I will also try taking it with food.
If I find out that the apap by itself is fine, I guess I will try to get my OP (NWW) to change my script to T #4. It seems like they should be ok with this since codeine is technically a lesser opiate?
thanks,
qwrt
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tray1
Enthusiast
Reged: 11/22/03
Posts: 241
Loc: US
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Thanks NightShade I will give it a try, definately a cheaper alternative then paying a consultation and higher $$$ for the compounded hydro......I will let you know how it works.
Tray 
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Chitownlady
Member
Reged: 10/30/03
Posts: 114
Loc: IL
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Yes, definitely more nausea with Hydro than Codeine. I found out that its the "fillers" in the Hydro. I also found out that either getting a generic brand of hydro or name brand makes a difference too. Good questions!
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tray1
Enthusiast
Reged: 11/22/03
Posts: 241
Loc: US
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Hi Chitownlady,
So are you suggesting to get the name brand? I currently get the generic (Watson) should I try the Norco's? Or do I have that backwards? LOL
Thank You
Tray
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