Shandrees,
First I want to compliment you on being such a caring daughter. Any pain medication can have negative effects from long term use. But she is 70 and does suffer from chronic pain, which is why her doctor has prescribed this medication.
I could not find a 250mg dose. It comes in 5/500mg, 7.5/750mg and 10/660mg. I suspect she is taing the 5/500mg tablets, which can be prescribed 1-2 tablets at a time, max dose of 8 tablets per day. The information below is from Wikipedia.
Vicodin is made as a mixture of hydrocodone and paracetamol. Paracetamol, which is also called acetaminophen, acts as an analgesic/antipyretic. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic.
Vicodin contains 500 mg paracetamol and 5 mg hydrocodone. Typical dosage is 1-2 tablets as needed, max 8 tablets/day.
Vicodin ES contains 750 mg paracetamol and 7.5 mg hydrocodone. Typical dosage is 1 tablet as needed, max 5 tablets/day.
Vicodin HP contains 660 mg paracetamol and 10 mg hydrocodone. Typical dosage is 1 tablet as needed, max 6 tablets/day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicodin [Source information added by EmpowHer Moderator]
The getting up at night could be related her diabetes or high blood pressure. It is something she should mention to her doctor. She could also be getting up because of her pain, staying one position for more than a few hours may cause her more pain and she gets up to more around to help with the pain. Chronic pain can be a downward spiral, "You stop moving because it hurts and pretty soon you can't move." More physical activity might be helpful for managing her pain and other health issues. Try finding her a Tai Chi class. It is slow controlled movements that will increase her flexibility and her balance. I have a chronic pain condition and Tai Chi has been wonderful. Be sure to check with her doctor before she starts.
The reason your mother may not like talking to you about her medication is that she feels that you are trying to take her freedom away from her. At her age and with her health problem, her freedom is slowly being erroded away from each day. And, she may have been offended by the way your approached the topic. Perhaps if you asked her if you could go with her to her next doctor appointment. I would offer to take notes and just be quiet. She may be willing to talk if you give her space and don't express your opinion unless she asks you.
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Shandrees,
First I want to compliment you on being such a caring daughter. Any pain medication can have negative effects from long term use. But she is 70 and does suffer from chronic pain, which is why her doctor has prescribed this medication.
I could not find a 250mg dose. It comes in 5/500mg, 7.5/750mg and 10/660mg. I suspect she is taing the 5/500mg tablets, which can be prescribed 1-2 tablets at a time, max dose of 8 tablets per day. The information below is from Wikipedia.
Vicodin is made as a mixture of hydrocodone and paracetamol. Paracetamol, which is also called acetaminophen, acts as an analgesic/antipyretic. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic.
Vicodin contains 500 mg paracetamol and 5 mg hydrocodone. Typical dosage is 1-2 tablets as needed, max 8 tablets/day.
Vicodin ES contains 750 mg paracetamol and 7.5 mg hydrocodone. Typical dosage is 1 tablet as needed, max 5 tablets/day.
Vicodin HP contains 660 mg paracetamol and 10 mg hydrocodone. Typical dosage is 1 tablet as needed, max 6 tablets/day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicodin [Source information added by EmpowHer Moderator]
The getting up at night could be related her diabetes or high blood pressure. It is something she should mention to her doctor. She could also be getting up because of her pain, staying one position for more than a few hours may cause her more pain and she gets up to more around to help with the pain. Chronic pain can be a downward spiral, "You stop moving because it hurts and pretty soon you can't move." More physical activity might be helpful for managing her pain and other health issues. Try finding her a Tai Chi class. It is slow controlled movements that will increase her flexibility and her balance. I have a chronic pain condition and Tai Chi has been wonderful. Be sure to check with her doctor before she starts.
The reason your mother may not like talking to you about her medication is that she feels that you are trying to take her freedom away from her. At her age and with her health problem, her freedom is slowly being erroded away from each day. And, she may have been offended by the way your approached the topic. Perhaps if you asked her if you could go with her to her next doctor appointment. I would offer to take notes and just be quiet. She may be willing to talk if you give her space and don't express your opinion unless she asks you.
Reta
October 23, 2009 - 10:39pmThis Comment
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