Acetaminophen / hydrocodone and Constipation: What Users Say

• Rea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 13, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "With brand Norco or Watson Hydrocodone at one a day, I experienced occasional itchy nose, occasional mild nausea, occasional constipation. Now at six Mallinckrodt brand Hydrocodone, I have no side effects. Along with minimal pain relief. Billions of dollars are being spent on these inferior drugs. People's money, insurance companies, taxpayers' money in the trash, and people suffering! What a joke the FDA is. Time for a federal lawsuit against the FDA and Mallinckrodt, as well as anyone else who stood by while this is going on. This is not the solution to a few bad apples that misuse/abuse their medication. There are many more people who have been using it responsibly, and it's not hard to distinguish the addicts from the people who want to be able to live their lives without agony and depression from constant pain. It may be sad when abusers overdose, but it's worse when honest, deserving patients give up due to no pain relief."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2011

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "Works well to treat moderate pain and increase flexibility. If new to usage, you can expect a 'head buzz', but with continued usage, the euphoria dissipates, but the pharmaceutical effects remain. Does tend to cause constipation, but by comparison to some other painkillers out there, it is far more manageable. Prescribed to me with muscle relaxers, but the muscle relaxers make me too sleepy to function."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 29, 2013

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I have been taking 5 mg Norco every 3-4 hours during the day for nerve pain that resulted after a total knee replacement, which was three years ago. It has been very helpful, and I am able to function, which I could not do with a pain level of 8 plus. I have not had any side effects except for constipation, which is managed by taking Swis Kris, a herbal supplement. They say Norco is usually not helpful for nerve pain, but it helps me."

• 3Da...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 19, 2013

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I have been dealing with primary progressive multiple sclerosis since 2003. A rare form of the disease that only affects 10% of the MS community. Many people know someone with MS, but very few with this form. To this day, I have been repeatedly reminded by the medical society there are no known medications to treat this condition. Vicodin 10/660 has helped with the variety of MS pains and has also eased the mental stress and allowed me to think clearer. I have been allowed to try everything in stock but always come back here. I have not drunk alcohol this entire time frame and use Miralax daily to avoid constipation. Hope this helps, and God bless."

• Anonymous
• May 19, 2008

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I recently had an accident where a board hit the side of my ankle at a racing speed. About 20 mph impact to my ankle, and a broken cuboid, 2 torn ligaments, and a broken ankle cap. I was prescribed (M37) Vicodin. I take it 3 times a day and I live pain-free. But one side effect I've noticed is constipation. Sounds funny, but it's true, taking Vicodin on an empty stomach avoids this."

• bur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2024

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I have been prescribed Norco for kidney infections, painful UTIs, and kidney stones. Norco works well. Side effects include itching, some constipation, and drowsiness. Benefits include managing pain to a tolerable level. I know when my stones were passing and during my infections that this medication was a godsend."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2020

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "After an injury, I got a prescription for 60 tablets of Vicodin. The old class, I mean, 500/5. After one tablet, I felt almost no relief. After two Vicodins, my pain goes away within 30 minutes. I am pain-free for a good 5 hours. I feel a little happy, drowsy, constipated a little."

• bre...
• June 2, 2013

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I have a blown-out knee and major back issues, needing surgery on my back and a knee replacement. Also, two out of four left shoulder ligaments are torn in half. If not for Vicodin, I would not make it through a day. The only side effect I have once in a while is constipation and upset stomach. I've been on this pain regimen for four years. There are good days and real bad days where nothing helps."

• Mat...
• August 13, 2011

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I had a traumatic injury to my neck and shoulders about 7 years ago and didn't have proper treatment to repair the injury, so now I have constant moderate-to-severe pain in my neck, shoulder, and back. Norcos really help a lot, but, as others have said, they don't last very long. I have to take 1.5-2 10/325 mg tablets every 4 hours (at the most). WORST SIDE EFFECT: constipation. By far. Since my back hurts all the time, the thought of going and playing sports is intimidating to say the least, so I don't exercise nearly as much as I should (I've gained 35 pounds since the accident and I'm 28 now). Overall, this is a great medicine and one I would recommend."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2021

For Pain "I've been taking this hydrocodone 10 for over 12 years now, and last month, my pharmacy gave me a generic brand made by a company called West. This didn't do anything to help with my pain, but I can tell you what it caused. I started to have gallbladder and liver issues. I also couldn't move my bowels almost all month. Not to mention the constant sick feeling and falling asleep all day and night. Two days ago, I went for my refill, and I got the same kind I used to get before this last time, and within the last two days, my liver and gallbladder are no longer hurting, I don't have that sick feeling, and I can stay awake all day now."

• sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 9, 2018

For Pain "I suffer from arthritis and severe leg pain. I was thankful to read the comments here regarding Mallinckrodt hydrocodone. I have used both 7.5 and 10, and I find little relief, but I am feeling terrible (irritable, depressed, constipated). My pharmacy is still unable to get Qualitest. I found a pharmacy with Aurolife, so I'll try it, but I can't do the Mallinckrodt."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

For Pain "Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 7.5-325. Cost $27.36 for 18 pills. Prescribed by my dentist for pain until my root canal. This product did absolutely nothing for the pain. Two aspirin by mouth did get rid of the pain and cost a penny. I tried the hydrocodone (the presc acetaminophen/hydrocodone) for two days with no results, it was manufactured by Mallinckrodt. As effective as a sugar pill. My past experience with hydrocodone was the same, so he switched to oxycodone, which removes all pain with a few side effects like tiredness and constipation. For the root canal, I took aspirin and acetaminophen."

• Coc...
• July 17, 2010

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I've taken Lortab 10/500 for about 3 years for osteoarthritis in the knees, and I don't know what I would do without them. I was taking them prior to my knees being replaced and still take them for hip pain. The only negative side effect I've noted is occasional constipation, which is consistent with any narcotic. I take 3-4 every day, but I have begun to notice that they are not as effective as before. I'm sure I'm developing a tolerance to them also. But I would recommend them for chronic pain for anyone who can tolerate them."

• Pza...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2021

For Pain "I just started taking these pills produced by Tris for about 3 months. I have experienced much more constipation, and it doesn’t help the pain. It works more like a sleeping pill. It makes me sweat, and taking one does not help at all. Drs will say the generic is the same as the brand, which is not true. I cannot find the Watson brand or Abbott anyplace anymore. Also, taking two doesn’t help and really stops you up. Also, it seems like the pill has gotten smaller. I am told never to take any more than 1 every 6 hours. But your makeup of the same pill that Watson makes or used to make doesn’t come close to doing or stopping the pain. If there is another pain pill I could get, I would. I can only say, get your pill up to where at least it will help stop the pain."

• Han...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2018

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "Taking this solidly about 5 years now. People, please, if you take anything, there is a risk to become addicted. How many of you drink sodas, eat junk food, or diet sodas daily? All can hurt you, possibly kill you. If you have real pain, this works. Be responsible and take what is prescribed. If your body is getting used to the dose, tell your doctor. Don't take more. Sometimes taking this can cause rebound headaches. Will cause constipation. Can make your skin dry. This medicine does not make me drowsy or slow my heart rate. It could for you. Be safe. Live well."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2012

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Due to a drunk driver hitting me when I was 17, I now suffer from precipitating migraines, which is due to blood in my spinal column. I am allergic to traditional migraine medicines, so Lortabs are the only medicines I can depend on to actually help me. I do not take large doses but do take it consistently when I have an attack, and truth be told, I would not be able to make it through the simplest of days without it. Please drink a lot of water and fluids, and it will make you constipated. Stool softeners will also help."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2009

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I've been taking it (10/325 every 4 hours when required) for four months now and have found it to be very effective for my back, hip, and leg pain caused by a failed laminectomy. It doesn't block nerve pain, but it helps me to forget it for the four or five hours between doses. Since it is an opioid, it does cause constipation, and you have to stay on top of it with fiber and laxatives."

• Anonymous
• July 21, 2010

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I'm taking Lortab for the pain from getting my wisdom teeth out. I'm really lucky that I had them because when the anesthesia wore off, the pain was unbearable. Since then, I've taken one pill or maybe one and a half if the first one didn't help after an hour or so. That only has happened a couple of times though, and mostly at night. The side effects I got are (listed from most present to rare): loopiness (like I'm slightly drunk almost), extreme mood swings (I've cried multiple times over nothing), itching (mostly on my face, not too much), constipation (only slightly though), and nausea (only the very first time I took them, and with two pills). Overall, worth it. Takes care of the pain."

• Meg...
• April 21, 2016

For Pain "I've been taking 7.5 hydrocodone for endometriosis and cysts. This medication helps the pain very well but causes constipation and a little nausea. I'm sketchy about taking it too often due to risks of addiction."

• Sin...
• May 3, 2009

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I've just recently had 19 teeth pulled all at once and absolutely couldn't sleep at night. I was given 750 mg of Vicodin (Hydrocodone), and now I can sleep. It takes the pain away but only lasts for 3 hours at the most. I sometimes get a headache from it and have suffered from constipation. All in all, the relief you feel from severe pain is well worth it. Do not drive while taking this medication. It makes some people sleepy and slows down your reaction time."

• joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2014

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Lortab is a very strong pain reliever. It takes between 1-2 hours to fully kick in. The problem I had with it was: 1) Felt like I was in a mental 'fog' effect for days. 2) Constipation - drink a lot of water. I have had 20 pills over a period of 3 years for periodic intense leg, ankle, or back pain due to work. I have switched to Tramadol 50mg with less side effects."

• lou...
• February 18, 2010

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I have been on Lortab and OxyContin since I had spinal surgery in '07. Just had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in me in February of 2010. Lortab helps when the OxyContin starts to wear down, about five hours. Sometimes it gets to the point where nothing seems to work. Hoping to change to something stronger and no constipation. Any ideas?"

• pat...
• September 13, 2008

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone "Was prescribed Lortab for a lot of dental work that I'm having, and I found that it really took care of the severe pain of abscessed teeth, and it worked so fast. No real side effects except for dry mouth and constipation; both taken care of by staying hydrated."

• hap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 8, 2012

For Back Pain "This medicine has made me a different person. I tried handfuls of ibuprofen, Tylenol, naproxen, Voltaren, patches...nothing really helped my back and nerve pain until I found this. It can take the edge off my occasional migraines and stifles my cough when I'm sick. It elevates my mood and gives me a little burst of energy for a couple of hours after I take it. I'm much more patient with my young daughter, who can be very trying. I take about two 5-500 per day, although sometimes none, sometimes up to 5; it depends on the pain. I've never had withdrawal, built a tolerance, or felt I was getting addicted. My only complaint is constipation; I take Miralax when that happens."

• Mrs...
• October 29, 2010

For Pain "I have been taking Norco 10/325 and the 5/500 mg of hydrocodone/acetaminophen, and it works really well for my bulging disc in my neck, my back pain, and fibromyalgia. I am only 23 years old and have been diagnosed with all these, and now I have to go and see a cardiologist on the 12th of November to find out what is causing me to have chest pain all day, every day. But I would recommend Vicodin to anyone who has severe chronic pain. It really works. The only thing I don't like is the constipation. Just EAT A LOT OF FIBER."