hydrocodone bitartrate / acetaminophen (lorcet,
lortab, vicodin)
available over the counter: no
uses: short term relief of acute pain
mechanism of action: hydrocodone blocks pain at
the level of spinal cord and brain; acetaminophen interferes with
prostaglandins, which cause inflammation
side effects
- common: headache, dizziness, light
headedness, nausea, drowsiness, constipation
- less common: abdominal pain, false sense of
well being, depression, loss of appetitite, headache, nervousness,
insomnia
concerns: do not increase doses, even if
medication is not working, without consulting your physician |