Why do I throw up and/or have an upset stomach when I take pain medication? (Vicodin, Hyrdocodone, Oxycodone)?

Question

It's really weird and it just started recently (as in last few months). I am on other meds but have asked a pharmacist who says there is no adverse reaction and that everything mixes fine. I throw up almost everytime and I am looking for what the science of it might be, so please no "I don't know, just quit taking them" - not to sound snippy. :) Thanks!

Answer 1

there are other avenues for recieving pain medications, if you cannot tolerate swallowing them, you can have rectal suppositories for pain, there are even sublingual tablets that melt under your tongue and never reach your stomach. Talk to your doctor about a different route for your pain meds.

Answer 2

Nausea and vomiting can be a side effect of those meds. You are probably taking too large of a dose. It is also possible that you are allergic to codeine. While none of those drugs contain codeine, they are derivatives of it. Even if this has just begun, it can be a new allergy. You can develop an allergy at anytime to anything. I developed a severe allergy to penicillin after having taken it for years. Your best bet is to look up the drugs on google, you can find a page that will give you the indications, dosages, side effects and adverse reactions to any med you'd like. Good luck!

Answer 3

Nausea is an unwanted side effect of narcotics and NOT a drug allergy. A drug allergy results in the release of histamine, causing a rash, hives, and in severe reactions breathing difficulties.

The science of the nausea is due to Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ) stimulation of the medulla. See the link below for more information. If you need the pain medication, perhaps you can get a prescription for medications to reverse the side effects. Also, you can try non-narcotic pain medications such as NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen) which may not be as effective. One non-pharmacological treatment of nausea is to simply inhale rubbing alcohol. Sometimes this simple trick can prevent vomiting.

Answer 4

Oxycodone is a central nervous system depressant. Oxycodone's action appears to work through stimulating the opioid receptors found in the central nervous system that activate responses ranging from analgesia to respiratory depression to euphoria. People who take the drug repeatedly can develop a tolerance or resistance .

SIDE EFFECTS (when taken as directed):
Constipation, dryness of the mouth, confusion, sedation, light-headedness, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating

Answer 5

Your body can't handle those meds,. You have to report this to your doctor. He doesn't know you are having side effects from the meds if you don't tell him. Some people just cannot handle narcotic pain meds so call your doc and let him know this.

Answer 6

Have you read the literature that comes with the medication? I think not, do it, it may be a reaction.

Answer 7

Could be allergic to something in those medications. Stop ASAP and let doctor know.

Answer 8

you could be allergic to an ingredient used in pain meds

Answer 9

are you taking it on an empty stomach?If not i would stop taking them,sounds like they don't agree with your system.

Answer 10

You may have an ulcer from them.