Acetaminophen / hydrocodone and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• Bri...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 20, 2019

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "When the Watson brand of acetaminophen/hydrocodone was available, this medication was wonderful. The last 2 months, I noticed a difference in my prescription not working effectively. I honestly could feel little to no relief and excessive drowsiness throughout the day. I called the pharmacy and found out the manufacturer was Mallinckrodt. After reading reviews about others taking this brand, I have decided to talk to my pain specialist and switch medications rather than try to search for a pharmacy with a different brand. Good luck to you all, and I pray that we all get some relief from ongoing pain. #Peaceandlove"

• bob...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 1, 2019

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Back Pain "I have had back pain for years but didn’t see a doctor until the last few years. Recently had back surgery. I’ve taken Norco off and on, and it does help with the pain, but it just doesn’t last long and I need a high dose that makes me sleepy. My big complaint is the restrictions on opioids. If I have MRI reports that indicate I have a real need for them, why do I have to go every month to get a prescription? I understand patients make up illnesses to get them, but if there’s no indication at all, they need to not receive them. It shouldn’t affect someone who does."

• Jil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2020

For Pain "My GYN prescribed this for me on 4/2/20, for ovarian cysts as he's done a couple of other times in the past, when the ER doesn't want to help with pain control. I'm in pain management & despite my pain Dr ok'ing me receiving pain meds in emergency situations, from Dr's other than him, some ER Dr's don't want to be bothered with my quality of life & doing the right thing. In the past, I'm not sure who the manufacturer was, but, it was effective. With this particular brand, Mallinckrodt, it's not as effective & I've noticed it feels like I've taken some sort of sedative. This hasn't happened before & when I looked this up & found these reviews, I knew I had to share my experience. I also looked up Mallinckrodt & read where they've been in some legal trouble for ethical behavior concerning another one of their meds, so, I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't putting the correct doses of ingredients in these."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2014

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about seven years ago. I have taken Norco as prescribed by my physician along with other medications. Norco has improved my quality of life 100% as it allows me to manage down my pain level so that I am capable of conducting everyday living without that heavy narcotic side effects i.e., feeling 'high', sleepiness, nausea, abdominal discomfort. I think I have developed a mild physical or mental dependence due to the length of time that I've been on the medicine. First and foremost I take the medicine as directed and I do not wait until my pain level is at a 10 before I act otherwise its effects are limited. Norco has been very helpful in giving me my life back!"

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 17, 2019

For Pain "Chronic pain escalated to the point it was unbearable. Chronic fatigue and constant malaise. Arthritis specialist and pain management had no answers. The manufacturer for the medication acetaminophen with hydrocodone that I was taking was LUPIN, previously, I'd used Watson. I had a few reserves of Watson and tried one. There was a drastic difference between the Watson and LUPIN! Immediately, the sleepiness left. The Watson was effective and lasted long enough to complete chores with a pain level of 2 versus 8 I felt on LUPIN. The next day, I tried LUPIN, once again, I had serious side effects. Watson is no longer in business. My CVS Pharmacy manager found a manufacturer that produced pain medication that is effective without all the serious side effects of LUPIN. Be sure to file concerns with all parties involved. Best to all pain sufferers."

• 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."

• Gma...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 22, 2019

For Back Pain "Have had chronic pain since the 90s, and for years I took Watson brand of acetaminophen with hydrocodone and was and still would be fine with it if I could find it. Also took Mallinckrodt brand, and it was fine up until recently, sometime in the last 4-6 months. They have changed the formula, the pill is smaller, and it seems to have a sleeping agent instead of a pain reliever. Never have these pills made me tired before, in fact, just the opposite. By controlling pain, I could go about my busy day with confidence and ease. Now this company has ruined a perfectly good chronic pain reliever, and I spend more time in tears due to pain. If anyone can suggest how I can find Watson, I would be so thankful."

• 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."

• GRG...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2019

For Pain "Unfortunately, I’ve been on various hydrocodone/APAP (acetaminophen) combinations since 2001 for chronic pain caused by a gunshot that caused irreparable damage. For about the last 4 years, I’ve been prescribed Norco 10/325. All was well until around the end of 2017. My regular pharmacy began carrying a different generic than the previous Watson brand I was receiving. Prior to this, I did have a few occasions where I did receive a different brand than Watson but never noticed any difference in quality (prior to 2014). Since Watson is long gone, I’ve tried probably 4 different generics, and they are total garbage. They either had no effect or too many negative side effects (heavy sedation, nausea, overall lousy feeling, etc.). Luckily, my doctor and pharmacist are knowledgeable and do not believe in the “generics are the exact same” philosophy. My doctor recently put me on Nalocet (name brand, made in the USA & held to higher standards), and my pain has been properly brought back under control."

• Bob...
• September 4, 2019

For Back Pain "OMG. I knew it wasn't just me. Prior RX of 10/325 was fine. Refill on 8/23. Started taking 3-4 days later. (I was ahead last month.) Nothing. I've been in severe pain for 5 days. No normal side effects, sleepiness, hot flush feeling. (I did a test today. Took 2, then 30 min later took 1 via gums.) I don't abuse medication, and I was a former MA EMT. So 30 mg of this and ZERO effect or side effects. I called Walgreens. They don't care. Called FDA, they don't keep track of these issues. Called the drug manufacturer. Like they're gonna do anything if they're selling fake pills. Dr. won't write a new RX and take pills back. WTH am I supposed to do now? Check out Facebook for groups that support pain groups."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2011

Vicodin (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."

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2019

For Pain "This is a quick update to 9/25 post. This is my 3rd month after switching from LUPIN to SUN Pharma brand. The first month the SUN Pharma brand gave me relief from pain just as WATSON brand. No serious side effects such as sedation, anxiety, depression, extreme exhaustion 24/7, increased pain level, little to no relief from pain, etc. all these symptoms using LUPIN brand. The second month using SUN Pharma, I have pain relief like WATSON brand with no side effects, except occasionally felt slight sedation. 3rd month the SUN Pharma brand has changed. I am getting less pain relief and heavy sedation, feels like you're coming down with the flu and makes it very difficult to physically complete work because you're fighting the sedation feelings. Thank you to all for your informative post. Blessings to pain sufferers ❤️."

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2019

For Pain "This is a quick update to 9/25 post. This is my 3rd month after switching from LUPIN to SUN Pharma brand. The first month the SUN Pharma brand gave me relief from pain just as WATSON brand. No serious side effects such as sedation, anxiety, depression, extreme exhaustion 24/7, increased pain level, little to no relief from pain, etc. all these symptoms using LUPIN brand. The second month using SUN Pharma, I have pain relief like WATSON brand with no side effects, except occasionally felt slight sedation. 3rd month the SUN Pharma brand has changed. I am getting less pain relief and heavy sedation, feels like you're coming down with the flu and makes it very difficult to physically complete work because you're fighting the sedation feelings. Thank you to all for your informative post. Blessings to pain sufferers ❤️."

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2019

For Pain "This is a quick update to 9/25 post. This is my 3rd month after switching from LUPIN to SUN Pharma brand. The first month the SUN Pharma brand gave me relief from pain just as WATSON brand. No serious side effects such as sedation, anxiety, depression, extreme exhaustion 24/7, increased pain level, little to no relief from pain, etc. all these symptoms using LUPIN brand. The second month using SUN Pharma, I have pain relief like WATSON brand with no side effects, except occasionally felt slight sedation. 3rd month the SUN Pharma brand has changed. I am getting less pain relief and heavy sedation, feels like you're coming down with the flu and makes it very difficult to physically complete work because you're fighting the sedation feelings. Thank you to all for your informative post. Blessings to pain sufferers ❤️."

• Chr...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 1, 2019

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Back Pain "I have had fibromyalgia and RA, as well as depression, anxiety, low vitamin D levels, migraines, and chronic fatigue syndrome. My doctor asked if I wanted 10/325 Norco or 5 mg Percocet. The Norco worked better and was less sedating and itchy. I know from the dentist I need 10-20 mg Percocet. Norco keeps me awake, functioning (out of bed, I’m disabled), but lets me get up and move around, also less addictive. I also take Cymbalta, Topamax, Xanax, Lunesta, Adderall, Norco, Soma, etc."

• Anonymous
• December 14, 2020

For Back Pain "CVS was giving me the Lupin acetaminophen/hydrocodone 325/10. Just 2 days ago, I got my new prescription for the month. These are from Novel Laboratories. Has N 358 on the white oval pill. Lupin bought Novel in 2015. So what's up with this? The pills do not work at all. Just make me drowsy and want to sleep. I don't want any more generics! I will pay extra to get the Watson brand."

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 25, 2019

For Pain "Like many suffering from chronic pain, my pain level increased severely several months ago. Medication that had in the past given me relief was not effective. It felt like a continual severe arthritis flare that would not leave. The pain intensified for several months. Due to arthritis progression and several other medical conditions that cause chronic pain, my doctors felt my condition was just getting more severe. Never in my life would one think it was the medication from LUPIN acetaminophen with hydrocodone that was the problem. But it was. The side effects were horrific. The minute I stopped taking LUPIN acetaminophen/hydrocodone and got the Sun brand of acetaminophen/hydrocodone, I started getting relief from chronic pain and the horrific and dangerous side effects, including the sleepiness, left instantly!"

• Cat...
• July 29, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Vicodin 5/500 for the past four years for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. I tried Norco 5/325 when I had my knee replacement, and it made me drowsy with a brain fog and nauseated. I asked my surgeon to give me Vicodin, and he insisted that it was all the same. I continued to try the Norco and just did not like it, so I called my primary care physician, and she put me back on the Vicodin. What a relief. Vicodin really helps my pain."

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

Norco (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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 19, 2019

For Pain "As many have said, Mallinckrodt's brand of acetaminophen with hydrocodone is worthless. I take 1 early morning, about 6 AM, so groggy and fatigued. I can't get up until noon or later. I've complained to local Kroger. Out of their hands, up to their corporate buyers. Many other chains carry this junk acetaminophen with hydrocodone brand. Yellow ones others mentioned work much better with few side effects. I think those are made by PAR. Hospital pharmacy used to have those, then switched to Amneal, which works better than Mallinckrodt but not as well as PAR."

• Dr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2015

Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone) for Pain "My physician prescribed Norco 35-325 after I complained of severe abdominal pain and pain in my kidneys. I started taking one tablet every 4-6 hours (sometimes less than 4 hours apart), and it didn't seem to help with the pain, it would help me sleep sometimes. I started taking two tablets, and it seems to make a noticeable difference. It doesn't take as long to start working as if I were to just take one. It lasts a while longer too. I've tried others, and it works just as well but only when I take two."

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

Vicodin (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."

• Flu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 8, 2014

For Back Pain "Significant arthritis at L4, 5, and S1 with no surgical options. Muscle spasms that will put me on my knees, and I'm over six feet tall; a long way to fall. I've been on 10/325 for about five years; that's a long time. I take ONE a day, usually late afternoon. Typically, I get a little drowsy but can work through any residual pain until bedtime. Oh, I've also got two artificial knees thanks to my service in the U.S. Navy. And this stuff works on the pain from them too. Yes, artificial knees can still hurt you. I'd prefer to have the back pain dealt with at its source rather than its symptoms, but to date, no one has any idea about how to do that. Until then, I keep a bottle of painkillers nearby."