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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath After Taking Hydrocodone?

I took gabapentin two years ago for pain associated with a herniated disc on the root of my sciatic nerve. I also was prescribed Hydrocodon at the same time. I took both for four months while receiving shots in my back for the herniated disc. Now I have severe shortness of breath. I cannot walk up a flight of steps without gasping for air. Recently I read an article that said this drug has a risk of serious breathing problems. My lung specialist has prescribed Symbicort which has not helped. Is there additional information on this side effect? Is there a medication to treat this side effect? Can this be reversed?
Wed, 3 Oct 2018
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi,

I got your chief complaint. Yes, Hydrocodone can cause respiratory depression and this becomes evident more in people who have some kind of respiratory discomfort.

Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic which also depresses respiratory center in the brain causing difficulty in breathing. This doesn't mean we have to avoid it and it is used to treat pain and cough.

To reduce the side effects either dosage needs to be changed or drug needs to be substituted by another in case the patient develops more side effects as in your case.

You don't worry go and meet your physician he will adjust it accordingly. You will be fine again.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Soheel Hussain Zargar,
Dentist
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath After Taking Hydrocodone?

Hi, I got your chief complaint. Yes, Hydrocodone can cause respiratory depression and this becomes evident more in people who have some kind of respiratory discomfort. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic which also depresses respiratory center in the brain causing difficulty in breathing. This doesn t mean we have to avoid it and it is used to treat pain and cough. To reduce the side effects either dosage needs to be changed or drug needs to be substituted by another in case the patient develops more side effects as in your case. You don t worry go and meet your physician he will adjust it accordingly. You will be fine again. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Soheel Hussain Zargar, Dentist