Acetaminophen / hydrocodone and Headaches: What Users Say

• Mea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 19, 2020

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "This is an update. The last 3 months of Tris brand of acetaminophen with hydrocodone (generic Norco) has felt like taking nothing. My new refill Friday of January 17 now feels like I'm taking a completely different medication. This is not hydrocodone in these pills!!! I am tired, dizzy, have a headache, and a little upset stomach. These manufacturers are doing some sort of testing on consumers, using us as lab rats, and it's sickening. PLEASE, PEOPLE, FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE COMPANIES AND FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE FDA ONLINE FORMS EVERY DAY UNTIL THEY GET INVESTIGATED."

• Leo...
• August 7, 2020

For Pain "I am a hardworking citizen. I do not do recreational drugs or drink alcohol, and yet I feel like I’m being treated like a vagrant getting the same medication I’ve been getting for years. The pharmacies are making it harder and harder, they push out refill dates every time, sometimes for weeks with the same excuse 'Oh sorry, our shipment didn’t come in.' Oh, sorry! They aren’t the ones suffering in pain, trying to make it through the day. Then they use cheap products like the brand LUPIN. It’s awful. It gives me headaches, blurred vision, and dehydration. It’s worse than Aurobindo. I call, and call, and call, and do tons of legwork on my own to make sure the pharmacist orders the right manufacturer, and they get it wrong. I physically talk face-to-face, and they still get it wrong. So at this point, it feels intentional. The street users and addicts make it so horrible for the people who really need to use it to function. This has to change. :("

• Me1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2022

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "This is no longer like it contains hydrocodone. For the last 2 and 1/2 years, these drug makers have been messing with the formula, and it's like they're poisoning us, using us as lab rats, and it's absolutely disgusting. My newest refill from the same manufacturer I've been on for 5 years caused severe dizziness. I couldn't even walk, I was walking into walls, it was so bad. Yep, my doctor says I'm the only one with this complaint. LOL. Are you people not reporting this to your doctor, the drug maker, and to the FDA? Wake up and start reporting this crap. This is unbelievable that this is allowed to continue this long. Some of us still are forced to go to work, and there's no way I can work like this. I'm scared to death what I'm going to do now. And for you pharmacists who claim that dizziness is a side effect, sorry, when you're taking the same drug for 7 years, it doesn't all of a sudden start causing these severe side effects including sleeplessness, sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate, and nausea."

• JBa...
• March 17, 2020

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "This pill didn't do much of anything before, but nowadays they do even less. Are they doing something to the pain meds so that they are not consistent ever? Some months, you get a script that's amazing, and other times they make you feel so bad your head hurts, etc. But the feds and gov have their hands in everything, so I'm sure they're knocking everything off so can't trust any of them anymore. It is nothing like it used to be."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 26, 2020

For Back Pain "I have chronic back pain from an injury to 5th lumbar region. I had back surgery in 1997. The surgery gave me pain relief for two years, and that was it. Now my entire back hurts from top to bottom with pain going down left leg. I have been taking hydrocodone since 2003, and it has always worked for me. Giving me enough pain relief to live an active life. Within the last two years, I have noticed that the hydrocodone wasn't taking away my pain like it used to. Now it doesn't work at all. My last prescription was Tris PHARMA brand. This medication is comparable to Mallinckrodt brand. I have nausea, ringing in ears, headaches, and severe dizziness. I feel like I am going to fall over when I get up. Is there anyone out there who can help us? Who represents the people who have to take pain medications to live? My quality of life is now gone. We need help here!"

• Fri...
• June 8, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have been on Hydrocodone 10/325 for about 2 years, and when the generics stopped working, or made me sick, this website helped me find a brand that works. First, my bad experience was with Lupin (severe nausea and headache with little pain relief) and Mallinckrodt (which used to work but a few months ago stopped being effective). The yellow pills with the V on them are the only ones that work, they are made by Qualitest, which is now Par Pharmaceuticals. None of the big retail pharmacy chains will order them. I called several local pharmacies until I found one who will order them and keep them in stock for me. They’re only open 5 days a week and I have to drive about 35-40 minutes round trip to get them, but it’s worth it. I hope this can help others, and thank you to those of you who recommended this brand to me. I finally have my quality of life back."

• Bab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 29, 2018

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I have been taking Norco for a while, and the manufacturer was Actavis. They really didn't help that much. Well, I just got another prescription filled, and Walgreens changed the manufacturer again to Mallinckrodt, and they do nothing at all but give me pains in my stomach and a slight headache. I wish these manufacturers would stop playing around with the ingredients. We are in pain and need something effective for pain, not the ineffective ones we are getting now."

• Fin...
• July 24, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I’ve been taking the generic Vicodin 7.5/325 for 15 years due to failed back surgeries. Walgreens is my pharmacy. They changed brands from Watson to Mallinckrodt and never told me. I noticed I was sick to my stomach all the time, had headaches, and felt tired. I didn’t know what was going on. When I got a refill on my inhaler, they changed that too. So, I checked my pills and realized they changed them without informing me! Now, I have to deal with this for a month. The pharmacist tried to assure me there is no difference in them, but that just makes me upset. I don’t appreciate being told something I know better!"

• Nan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 11, 2019

For Pain "I want to share my experience with these pain medications from Lupin. About five months ago, I believe I got a bad batch of this medication. I asked my pharmacist at CVS why I wasn't getting any relief from my medications. I was treated like I was imagining it. I spoke with my pain management doctor, and he said he didn't know why this was happening. So I got more injections. They just don't work for me. The next month, I picked up my prescription, and it was Lupin again. I was so upset. I took my first dose, and I had pain relief. So I thought, maybe I injured myself or it was just me. Well, I'm two days in on the prescription, and here we go again, no relief at all. I have headaches and muscle aches. I don't get it. I'm wondering if I'm just getting bad batches with little or no medication in them. I have been on the same doses for years, so I know my dose works for me."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

For Pain "I refilled my prescription a week ago for my regular acetaminophen with hydrocodone, and the pharmacy gave me these pills. The manufacturer is Lupin, imprint is N 358 and 10 on the reverse side. This is the first time using this brand of pills, and they are awful! I constantly have a headache and nausea, so much so that I actually vomited after taking one. I thought I had a stomach bug or something, but I realized it started when I started my new bottle of hydros, and nothing in terms of pain relief. Also, I feel more tired and depressed. The FDA needs to take these off the market."

• Bob...
• June 17, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Vicodin and Norco seem consistent and without adverse side effects. I was able to work, go to school, take care of all the necessities of a busy and productive life, even with pain from spondylosis. There has been a supply issue with the inception of the 'opioid crisis.' Legitimate patients are unable to fill their prescriptions. Mallinckrodt brand gave me what can be described as flu-like symptoms: nausea, ringing in my ears, headache, and general malaise. I checked the ingredients list to see if there was anything I was allergic to in the filler. I see nothing amiss. This is a mystery indeed. NORCO is unavailable at any pharmacy I have inquired at, and the preferred generic from Camber Pharmaceuticals is also not available. Whether this is a manufacturing issue, a supply issue, or a corporate issue (higher profits from offering a cheaper generic), I do not know."

• Jax...
• March 29, 2019

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Both Norco and its generic Actavis version 5-300 mg (white scored tablets) caused such a reaction that I turned in both prescriptions to the local police department's medication drop. CVS noted I could not take Norco, yet one month later they filled a prescription with the generic form by Actavis. Once again, I was violently ill. For me, Mallinckrodt white oval scored tablet 5-300 mg is a marvel. No side effects whatsoever, just absolute pain relief in 30-45 minutes. Effective up to 5 hours, even 1/2 tablet is effective within an hour and lasts perhaps 4-4:30 hours. CVS now only carries LUPIN Pharmaceuticals for generic Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 5-300 mg. Agh! Massive headache, waves of nausea, and dizzying lightheadedness-no pain relief."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2023

For Pain "I agree totally with these other people. I have 2 compression fractures and bulges all down my back. I also have neck and shoulder issues. I have taken Norco for many years but recently had to change pharmacies because mine decided to sell out to Walgreens. Since then, I have been getting the ER pills, and I have called an ambulance 4 times, with 2 taking me to the ER. The last one was today. My blood pressure was 175/84, and my heart rate was 140. I was very dizzy and lightheaded, my throat swelled, my lips felt swollen, was nauseous, and had a headache every time. These pills cause more problems than they are worth to me. I pray the powers that be have the presence of mind to give us our medicine back before I end up having a stroke."

• Gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2023

"I have cancer. The doctor switched me from Oxycodone to 325/5 Mallinckrodt due to headaches every time I took the oxy. Will try for increased strength next refill. I took Norco 325/5 years ago for a fractured scapula from a motorcycle spill, and it worked great for the pain. This Mallinckrodt seems to do nothing. Will be telling the doctor to see what she has to say. Would like to have a pill tested to see its true contents. Going to check on that for cost. If it's not over $200, I may give it a go. Lots of complaints on here about the Mallinckrodt brand."

• Pai...
• August 12, 2019

For Pain "So, as everyone above! It is so sad that we have to suffer because our voice doesn't count! I am in extreme pain, and it just seems like nobody cares? Watson was a great relief for me, but now, nothing just gives me headaches, upset stomach, and sleepiness? When I wake up, pain is still there. Not sure what to do as I am truly sick, doctors know it! But they have no say in what pharmacies carry! I am upset with Walgreens as I have been with them for 12 years."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For Back Pain "My medicine was recalled back to Rhodes and Parma Pharmaceuticals for testing. I am having all the above complaints: something's changed: heart racing, no relief, valve problems, lethargic, zombie, headaches. It’s like the chain on medicine that doesn’t work. Will relay updates later. Thank you."

• Tak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "These generic pain medications are horrible. Many times they have no manufacturer name on them. I am being given one now that gives me vertigo every single day, all day long. I lose my balance, have severe headaches, am nauseated, and have blurry vision. These side effects have me bedridden now. I am drowsy and sleep a lot. There was a note on my account with the pharmacy to not give this brand to me, but now I am being told, 'You get what we have.' I was willing to pay out of pocket for name brand, I was told, 'No one stocks name brand anymore.' I went to every pharmacy in our area and called ones that were not so close. I now don't have the energy to move and take care of many things. If I don't take them, I am in too much pain. Just as bad is the attitudes of the pharmacists now thinking it's open season on people who need these medications. They talk over me, they talk down to me, and everyone ignores me and acts like I am not a person."

• gla...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 13, 2020

For Back Pain "The generic manufacturer of acetaminophen/hydrocodone is making a lower dose of the hydrocodone and causing side effects I've never had before. I now get headaches (I have Cushing's syndrome and any headache is scary because I have a tumor on my pituitary gland). I am experiencing lower pain control and nausea. This medication does not work well for my conditions. This includes diabetic neuropathy, degenerative disc, sciatica nerve pain, and spinal stenosis. This medication does not relieve the pain like hydrocodone I have been prescribed before."

• Pls...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2019

For Back Pain "I made the mistake of filling my script at CVS (as opposed to Walgreens, they were out of it, not my regular Walgreens) and ended up with a LUPIN brand of acetaminophen/hydrocodone. Watson worked best, but they are well and truly gone. So, after having taken 1/2 of my 7.5 mg (which is typical, I manage this way throughout the day), I thought I was coming down with something, feeling nauseated, severe headache, hot/cold sweat, and didn’t associate this with using a different brand. My blood pressure was going up and down. I haven’t had a severe adverse reaction from anything before and have been taking since 2008. Anyone else???? Am I having withdrawals?"

• Dan...
• March 17, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Feb 28, 2021. I've been getting my prescription Norco 10/325 from CVS, and lately they haven't been working on my pain. So I called my doctor and mentioned it, they suggested I try a different pharmacy. It could be the manufacturer, so I did. I tried Walgreens, worse decision because they gave me a brand called Mallinckrodt. It doesn't help at all with pain. I've had really horrible side effects: bad weight gain, headaches, depression, forgetfulness. Never again."

• cru...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 18, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "The hydrocodone made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals is a much weaker version of the one made by Watson. Be aware when taking this medication that many generics do not assist with pain the same way as other brands. I have found the main difference is pain relief. Whereas I take one Watson-made hydrocodone, it equals the effectiveness of 1 1/2 Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals-made hydrocodone (M366). I know from research companies make medications with different ingredients, etc., and I would recommend to anyone that if you are taking this medication (hydrocodone), you splurge a little on your wallet and ask for the Watson-made brand. It is more effective, lasts longer, and doesn't give you headaches. Please also never take this med to get 'high.' It causes regulations that make us true pain sufferers suffer more to curb your addictions and criminal behavior. Ty."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2021

For Pain "It feels like there are no active ingredients in these generic hydrocodones, no matter what junk generic name it is, it is junk!! I've been getting yellow Qualitest. Last month they were okay, not great but damn well better than this chalky headache crap I got the other day. Why oh why can no pharmacy at all no longer get brand name Norco? I swear, the manufacturers must be running batches with 0.0001 percent active ingredient for distribution and then running another batch with the actual 10 mg for the thugs working there to take and sell. Or they could be switched during transportation. Either way, something nefarious is going on. Cannot locate a lab anywhere to reverse engineer these things to analyze the actual amount of medicine in them, if any! Absolutely worthless and the government doesn't care nor do the manufacturers. 2 to 3 doesn't even help my pain. I dissolved one in some water to see what happened, almost instantly dissolved with a ton of lime greenish looking dye and chalk-like particles floating around. Trash them!"

• Liz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 27, 2019

For Back Pain "I've been on pain meds acetaminophen & hydrocodone Watson 10 mg for over 10 years. I recently just got this oval UO3 acetaminophen/hydrocodone 10 mg. This is the most suckiest pill I have ever taken. I specifically asked CVS not to give this kind to me. I have told them this does not work well, he told me it's all in my head. But this pill gives me a headache. It does NOT TAKE PAIN AWAY LIKE THE OLD ONES now, and I'm stuck with this brand."

• que...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 17, 2021

For Back Pain "On this drug for 15 years for nerve damage. No problems until I received a fill with Mallinckrodt. Little relief, lots of side effects. Found 'better' brands-these brands are just not the same as in the past (where did THEY go??), but at least they helped. Anytime something helps, it disappears at some point(?). Now I got a fill with Amneal-I hadn't tried those. (I NEVER paid attention to 'brands' until Mallinckrodt! Any change before was seamless!!) Amneal has 0 pain-relieving properties! Nothing but side effects in a bottle! Cannot take these for another 30 days! Nausea, sweating, HEADACHES-side effects++! What works-anyone??? I have NEVER lost a script, lost my meds, sold my meds, had my meds stolen, and I am writing this, so obviously I haven't OD'd!!! Does it matter? Apparently not. Living like this is NO life."

• Sle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2019

For Back Pain "Was given Rhodes Pha brand of acetaminophen with hydrocodone and doesn't take pain away but makes me tired and nauseated. My stomach hurts, head hurts, feel like the pill is garbage. Thank God I didn't pay for it. I've been through a lot of makers, and this is the newest and no good brand. Yes, name makes a difference. Kaiser has the best to my knowledge. It's not in your head, and all pills are not the same. If they were, they'd have one maker. And I get 10/325, just not the same. It's no wonder so many overdoses occur, these new pills don't work anymore."