First off I'd like to say that I am not a doctor or licensed healthcare professional. My advice/review is solely based on my own experiences and persons close to me. I have (unfortunately) been taking prescription pain medications for about 8 years now, mostly due to a severe auto accident. Like anything else I put in my body - I've done a lot of research as well. My advice should not be substituted for the advice of a doctor. With that said: This is perhaps the lowest dose narcotic pain medication available. The 5mg dose is a popular choice of ER doctors for things like breaks/sprains/back strain and also by dentists after major dental work/extractions. If you are prescribed this and not used to the medication, go slowly. I've seen a big difference in how it affects people. Many doctors will allow you to take 1 or 2 every 6 hours as needed. If you are in a lot of pain, you might be tempted to simply take the 2. But I would advise giving 1 a chance to do the job first. The medication is quite affective and begins it's work pretty quickly (about 20 mins). I would wait a full 30-35 mins before taking the 2nd pill. Also, hydrocodone (aka Vicodin) 5mg /APAP 500 (this stands for acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, so please DO NOT take any additional Tylenol). The medication is not time released, so you can cut them in half in order to adjust the dosage. Some people find that even just a half is sufficient for their pain, or might want to take 1 1/2 pills instead of a full 2. This may upset your stomach and make you feel a bit strange/dizzy, taking it with food helps this & won't impact it's effectiveness (other than it perhaps taking an extra 5 or so minutes to begin working - better than throwing it up). Do not take more than prescribed, especially if you expect your pain to persist for awhile because you may find yourself having to do without it. This medication is frequently abused and doctors and pharmacists will not refill it for you if you don't follow the directions. Don't leave this medication out where it can be stolen/lost either. This medication causes constipation in many people, so increase water/fiber intake & perhaps use a stool softener if you're going to be taking it for any more than a couple of weeks. This medication has addictive properties. So take care when taking it for more than a week or two.

Rjcoleman

USA

Since I was unable to continue taking Tramadol Hcl  [http://www.viewpoints.com/Tramadol-Hcl-50-MG-Tablet-review-2a448][1]  for chronic pain relief because of other medications that I was prescribed, my Pain Management/Arthritis physician gave me a prescription for Hydroco/Apap5 500 mg tablets, which is the generic for Vicodin.  Vicodin is a narcotic analgesic, is prescribed for moderate to severe pain and contains hydrocodone and acetominophen. This medication does not work anywhere near as well for me as theTramadol and causes constipation.  However, each person reacts to a specific medication differently.  It might work quite well for you. If your doctor prescribes Hydroco/Apap5 for you, be sure to give him a complete listing of all medications and supplements that you are taking so that he can check for any drug interactions. I make no claims for this medication; and you should never take any medication that is not prescribed to you.  [1]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Tramadol-Hcl-50-MG-Tablet-review-2a448

LindaOH

Madison, OH