side effects?

[Guest guest]

I am new here and have been living with severe pain because I was afraid to take

strong pain relievers. Thanks to this group, I have been educated about

addiction and I find I am willing to try a stronger medication to try to get

pain relief.

I got Vicodin 5/500 from my doctor last Monday. The first one I took made me

relax enough to sleep for several hours. When I woke up, I felt drunk and

dizzy. I took another dose this morning for pain I could not stand. A few

hours later, I took another. I still have pain, but not as severe. I have

become depressed and have been in tears on and off for the past two days. Does

anyone know if this may be a side effect of Vicodin?

My blood pressure is staying high despite 4 different meds for it. I take

Prozac for depression and Klonopin for panic attacks (it used to be as needed,

now is twice a day)

I realize Vicodin is not a drug intended for long term use, and it does not work

well for me anyway. I felt the prejudice from my doctor when I told her Vicodin

did not work well for me in the past.

She is pushing me off to a psychiatrist. This is frustrating.

My back is severely screwed up. I don't mind seeing a psych., but what I really

need is to be out of pain so I can function optimally.

Is that too much to ask?

I so appreciate each and every one of you who are so willing to share their

own personal struggles.

Sue