Acetaminophen / hydrocodone and Dizziness: What Users Say

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

Norco (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."

• Pai...
• August 25, 2020

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "Fibro, CF, deg. arthritis, bilateral TJR of jaw. Have side effects to most meds. Norco works best. Generic Norco quality declined substantially since 2017. Used to take Qualitest generic 10/325, worked great, then Watson. Mallinckrodt, awful, did I mention AWFUL? Felt as if I took nothing, nausea, and dizziness. Tried Par brand, bad as Mallinckrodt. Dr. documents chart about lack of effectiveness of generic brands. Called a small pharmacy, asked to order brand name Norco. Did this without any hassle or judgment. Costs $500 for 100, Rx is 180 per month. I pay $10 or less for generics. Good news, brand name Norco works great, no side effects, pain 8 goes down to 3-4. Bad news, can't afford. Require insurance coverage, have documented generics give no pain relief. Think generic fillers are poor quality, and this is why they don't work for a lot of us in pain. Assume brand name has better quality fillers. It's unfair we have sub-par meds. Not all generics work as well as brand names, as they claim. Brand: Allergan, white, oblong, NORCO 539."

• Nur...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 21, 2020

For Back Pain "I have been taking Hydrocodone for about 10 years. I have back issues (need surgery), an ankle that I had surgery on several years ago that gives me problems all the time, and severe arthritis in my hands. I also have a bad left knee and a right rotator cuff issues. My body is just beat up and worn out. The biggest reason is from being a Registered Nurse in the hospital setting for 20 years. Anyway, I noticed a change in the medication for the first time about a year ago. Then again about 3 months ago. The changes are VERY NOTABLE!! I have nausea, ringing in ears, less pain relief, and dizziness so bad I feel like I have vertigo (which I don't - I had that checked). It is the Mallinckrodt manufacturer. The fact they change the formulas on medications and don't let people know is terrible. Whether it's the dosage of the pain medication in it or fillers, it could potentially be a fatal issue if someone has an allergy. The street addicts - the ones that take any and everything to get high - have ruined the lives of true pain sufferers!!!"

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

Norco (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."

• Sue...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 24, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I can tell you right now the Mallinckrodt hydrocodone has been changed! I don’t think there is anything in them for pain, I believe they are taking it off the market. I, for one, don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m 60, I’ve had 5 back surgeries, 1 neck surgery, I have been in pain for 13 years and have been taking the same dose for just as long! I’m sick to my stomach, puke, I’ve had a cluster headache for over two months, dizzy, gaining weight, tired all the time! Why would the government do this to people that truly need this medication. I’m not a kid sneaking pills out of the medicine cabinet! I wish I knew who to call about Mallinckrodt! This stuff is nasty, I’m worried there is something going into it that could really hurt us! My god, what can we do?"

• 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!"

• Kri...
• June 13, 2019

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Back Pain "I was injured years ago badly. When I fell, it worsened & had surgery. My pain is severe & classified as intractable. PT helps but my back pain persists. I tried Percocet, morphine & Hysingla, but nothing touched the pain. It was as if I hadn’t taken anything! I was taking too many Advil a day, which helped, but the doctor said that’s very dangerous. I gave up & she suggested 1 last medication, Norco. I was skeptical & gave in to the pain but took just one pill & after 1 hour, I had no pain for hours! I’ve had excruciating pain for so long, and it honestly feels strange not to have it a few hours a day now. Another plus is NO SIDE EFFECTS like others (dizziness, out of it feeling (I guess euphoria which I hate), no constipation) and it just works! Husband sees a difference in my outlook and how I’m walking better. There’s a need for a 2nd pill midday when the morning one wears off, then some pain at night. But I’m okay with pain at night because I’m just resting. I’m finally getting my life back. I really just can’t believe it!!!!"

• 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."

• TJJ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 7, 2018

For Back Pain "I agree with everyone! There is ABSOLUTELY no way they are putting the whole narcotic amount they are supposed to have in these useless M367 pills (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals brand). Someone with some clout needs to turn this company in to the FDA. I have been on the Watson brand for 4 years, for a myriad of health problems. These meds made me feel dizzy, sick to my stomach, and DO NOT HELP with the pain at all. The Watsons worked, M367 DO NOT. Maybe the Feds are in on it to make us suffer, or maybe the company is scheming narcotic off the books. All I know is these Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals M367 DON'T WORK!"

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

Norco (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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 14, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "The drug pharmacology is not effective in addressing pain. It’s not providing reliable relief of pain as the Teva Pharma brand did. It has an entirely different effect, even though it says the dosage is the same. I experience heart palpitations and extreme dizziness with their product. Don’t know what is added to their product to cause my body to not experience relief!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 18, 2019

For Pain "The generic Norco that I have been taking is terrible. I have been taking Norco for a few years now, and this is not like Norco. It makes me dizzy and spaced out. I have never had this experience with any other generic. A half is just too much! What the hell is in this? If it’s hydrocodone, you missed the mark by a mile."

• Sta...
• September 11, 2018

For Back Pain "Mallinckrodt... Mallinckrodt... please read on about this ‘poor performing so-called drug for pain relief.... Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at age 22. Now 65. I’ve been doing cardio and resistance training for the past 40+ years and began 5K races approximately 20 years ago. All in all, very healthy... can’t complain. My back started acting up about 5 years ago... had an MRI. Been with the same doctor for 21 years. I’ve been prescribed Norco 10/325 for the past four years. I get 3 prescriptions filled per year, 90 tablets each. That comes out to less than 1 full pill per day! Quality of life has returned. Watson was the generic. This last prescription filled by Mallinckrodt... does nothing; other than slight dizziness and foggy head for about 15 minutes. I still have a few of my Watson, and when I take it... there definitely is a difference... pain manageable. ... happy days."

• EMa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 19, 2021

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) "I have pain from breast cancer and fibromyalgia. I was recently given generic Norco manufactured by Lupin. OMG, what is in these worthless pills?! They crumble in your mouth and do absolutely nothing. I took a second one about a half an hour later and was sick to my stomach and dizzy. I've never had this reaction from Watson, Qualitest, or Amneal. When I complained to CVS, I was told they just put the order in and buy whatever is available at the cheapest price. I'm a senior and feeling abandoned by the medical community. I will complain to the DEA and had the pain doctor put in my chart ineffectiveness. And then what?"

• Jax...
• March 28, 2019

For Pain "When brand Vicodin or Lortab became unavailable to my pharmacy, I was switched (by CVS) to the generic brand Mallinckrodt 5-300 mg white oval scored tablet. For me, this worked. No side effects whatsoever, just pain relief within 30-40 minutes lasting upwards of 5-6 hours. Even when taking 1/2 tablet, relief was always welcome. Now CVS has decided that LUPIN Pharmaceuticals will be their supplier for this medication. As of Tuesday, my new pills are the same dosage, the same frequency, but oh what a nightmare. 20-35 minutes in, a massive headache starts at the base of the skull, moving upwards to the crown of the head, dizziness accompanied by waves of nausea. As for pain relief, none, nothing. Norco and its generic by Actavis is another form of this medication that I had a terrible reaction to, hence, off to the “Med Drop” with those as well."

• 2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2013

Lortab (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Back Pain "When I got ran over by the 18-wheeler, tried everything. Chiropractor, physical therapy, tramadol, etc. Nothing stopped the pain. Lortab 7.5 is the only thing that works. Take 1/2 in the morning, 1/2 at lunch, and 1/2 in the evening. Just watch for dizziness, nausea, and I guess that's a side effect. I feel loopy and detached a little, but it's better than hurting all the time. Most definitely don't mix with booze, it made me sick as a dog. Also, watch your tolerance. One day, I tried to take a whole one and had to lay down. Just be mindful it hits everyone differently. Hope this helps."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 6, 2018

For Back Pain "I agree with the user review regarding Lupin, the brand of hydrocodone that CVS sells. Not only did I get no relief from my chronic pain, but I experienced awful side effects, such as feeling like I'm going to pass out, along with dizziness."

• chl...
• August 6, 2011

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "Norco has been a Godsend for me. I have a fractured spine. When my injury was first diagnosed, I was put on Dilaudid. I hated the feeling it gave me (e.g., dizziness; feeling hyper). Norco has been 100 times better, and I have been on this medication since 2008."

• Ltl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2018

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "Rx for pain following laparoscopic surgery. Either my pain level after outpatient surgery was so high that it would cause me to be unconscious or screaming, or this Rx didn't work with my body as my pain level the day after surgery was 9 with this medication. (5-325 mg every 6 hours.) Side effects for me were confusion and dizziness."

• DJ3...
• February 5, 2016

For Pain "I had the worst experience of my life with medication with this prescription (hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5-325). Now I took Vicodin years ago after I got in a bad car wreck, and it worked great. THIS IS NOT the same. I took this for getting a tooth pulled. I took one on the first night, no real relief. The next morning the gum is still bugging me, the pharmacist recommends I take 2. Within one hour I'm spaced out, sick, dizzy, and short of breath. I literally felt like I was going to die. I called the pharmacist back, who assures me it will pass, I don't need to go to an ER. So I wait it out, it took 10 HOURS to pass. The scariest part being the shortness of breath. DO NOT TAKE THIS, I can't warn you enough. It is not the Vicodin of the past."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking 367 Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals acetaminophen and hydrocodone (325 mg/10 mg) for the pain for 6 years. My doctor prescribed this time I was given acetaminophen with hydrocodone (500 mg/10 mg), the Watson brand imprinted with 540. It’s just not the same, this pill is too strong for me, makes me feel very dizzy and start sweating. Did not have any sleep the entire night. Definitely, the FDA has to take a look at these narcotic acetaminophen and hydrocodone and check the different brands for active ingredients and strengths .... thanks .... god bless everyone..."

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2012

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "Extreme nausea, along with hot flashes and dizziness, masked any improvement in my pain condition. It was so intense that I decided that I would rather deal with the pain than suffer another dose of the side effect."

• ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2021

For Pain "Went into my dentist to get temp relief from a severe toothache (so severe I can't eat, I feel like throwing up, swollen mouth, and have a fever). The pain med he prescribed was Narco. I went to the pharmacy and ended up getting Generic Narco, MFG Mallinckrodt (5-325TB). All this did was make me nauseous and dizzy (eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head!) and I was still in severe pain! I almost threw up with how nauseous it made me and how much pain I was in! I also still had a fever! I'm going to have to go into Urgent Care just to get a different prescription to get me through the weekend! Do not get Mallinckrodt!"

• Lou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been through 8 orthopedic operations, suffer with RA, and failed back surgery syndrome. Still, I would be able to supplement my ibuprofen with no more than 20 mg per day of hydrocodone. Suddenly, after five years, these meds don't offer anything but dizziness, a sense of illness, fatigue; it's like their fillers are put in them to make people ill. I am scared that people could become really ill on them."

• Anonymous
• April 13, 2011

Lortab (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Back Pain "This medicine is good if you can get past the side effects. I was sick, dizzy, felt like throwing up, felt like I was on a ship moving fast, or like car sickness. I went to see a dentist, and he told me how best to take the medicine. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before, make sure to lay down, don't get in the car, and do not watch TV. Everything he told me was right."