Weight Loss or Weight Gain due to Hydrocodone use?

December 02, 2004

When I was first prescribed pain medications I used to be quiet chubby but I lost many pounds during the first year of pain management with Hydrocodone and Oxycodone containing medications. After about a year of pain management I started craving large amounts of sugar (Mainly chocolate and about 12 cans of Coca Cola daily). This is when I started to gain weight and I went from about 140 pounds to 210 pounds!!! During the first year of treatment I lost most of my appetite; I just didn’t feel hungry at all. I guess when you stop eating because you use pain medications your body starts compensating the shortage of energy with cravings for sweet. Hydrocodone may take away the feeling of hunger as it dulls pain and other impulses that normally set off an alarm in the brain.

For me the best way to maintain a normal weight is sticking to a healthy diet and forcing myself to eat 3 times each day, especially breakfast is important. Breakfast should be consumed within 2 hours after you wake up. If you really can't eat in the morning visit a health-store and buy a box of energy bars with fibers and vitamins. This way you will obtain the necessary nutrition that your body requires without eating a complete breakfast. Although a regular breakfast is better the bars are better then not eating at all and will provide the required nutrition. If you know your diet is poor buy some 1-a-day vitamin pills like the ones available from Centrum at the local drugstore or one of its generics and take 1 daily with your meal. Remember that vitamins are vital for a healthy body but do not take more then recommended. Large amounts of Vitamins may have adverse effects such as recently discovered about Vitamin E available in much higher doses then required. Be conscious about your diet and any additional supplements or medications you are taking.

A balanced diet will make you healthier, increase your immune system and you will also feel better. Without good daily nutrition you will become weaker and if you are taking narcotics you may not notice signals from your body that indicate a serious condition. Make sure to prevent additional medical problems by obtaining the nutrition required. When you are conscious about your eating habits and lifestyle you’ll live longer!

Anonymous Subscriber of FindRxOnline.com