What is an alternative med other than vicodin, but just as effective?

Question

I have been taking vicodin for a long period of time now. I take it for back pain from past serious injuries that have never healed correctly. The meds really helped me for a while, I would only take 1-2 a day, but one morning I woke up and toke one and it didn't do anything. It happened overnight, is this common? What is a better substitute med other that vicodin? Vicodin can make extremely dependent on it, and I don't want to fall into that category. Any advice??

Answer 1

Marijuana, however is is illegal in 3/4 of the United states.

Answer 2

CODINE, DERVOSET,  OR HIGH MILLIGRAM MOTRIN .

VICODIN IS A MUSCLE RELAXER AND FROM WHAT I HERE THERE AREN'T ALOT OF THOSE AVAILABLE. ALSO, YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE VICODIN FOR VERY LONG BECAUSE IT WILL SLOWLY STOP YOUR BOWELS FROM WORKING. YOU MIGHT HAVE NOTICED NOT GOING TO THE BATHROOM AS MUCH WHILE YOUR ON THEM.

Answer 3

Hydromorphone.  It is as effective as vicodin, but much less addictive.

Have you had a thorough evaluation by your family Chiropractor?  None of these pain drugs treat the CAUSE of pain.  A good Chiropractor may be able to find and fix the cause of your back pain.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 4

Lyrica would be a good med to discuss with your doctor.

Pain control requires a multi prong attack.

At the top of your list should be physical therapy with an emphasis on weight control, stretching the lower extremities, and strengthening the abs and lower back. Many folks get great relief doing mild aerobics in a heated swimming pool. Also look into an etxernal electrical stimulator, called a TENS.

Next is medications. A daily dose of NSAIDs, such as Naprosyn [Alleve] is usually used first. After that consider opiates [Vicodin and friends].

Third are adjuncts --> this would be either a topical such as capsacian, also a prescription class called 'neuroleptics'. An example is Lyrica. For some forms of chronic pain doctors will use low doses of anti-depressants such as Elavil or Cymbalta. Adjuncts have been shown to reduce pain by more than 40%.

Finally, look into massage, acupincture, and hypnosis.

Answer 5

I have taken vicodin a few times due to extreme back pains. I had a car accident in 2001 and a minor fender bender last year. I never took any medication or did phys. therapy, however, about 4 months ago I started having excruciating back pains and headaches. I started physical therapy because we found out that the headaches were related to the back pain, then at the same time I started acupuncture. I think acupuncture really did the trick. I don't like putting anything that is not natural into my body; my advice, if you can afford acupuncture do it, I am glad my insurance paid for it. Acupuncture, Yoga, meditation and the exercises I was taught in physical therapy has really made a difference.

I applaud you for choosing an alternative to your pain, vicodin is a narcotic drug and yes, you can become dependent of it.

Now, what you need is, foods that will give you high doses of endorphins, endorphins send signals to our brain receptors and it makes us "feel good". I am looking into a diet that will give me high doses of endorphins and serotonin. Such as beef and asparagus for starters...:)

Answer 6

You can take pain pills for the rest of your life but all your doing is numbing the symptom, not treating the problem. Alternative medicine has several different modalities available to treat the problems that manifest the pain you feel. Chiropractic, Reiki, and other holistic healing practices is what I would recommend. Treat the problem and the symptom ( pain ) will go away. I have treated clients with Reiki who had pains that years of doctors and pain meds couldn't fix. Go deeper than band aid medicine, it is at least worth a try. Find a healer instead of a drug pusher. That is my advice.