[Susan]

I have been prescribed vicodin for my very painful menstrual cramps because everything over the counter is too weak.However, I have not taken them yet because I am worried that if I take one vicodin for every month, overtime won't I need larger and larger doses? I am afriad of developing an addiction like the women on Oprah did to vicodin, but my cramps get so bad that I really want some peace.IF I start taking vicodin with my period and adjust my diet / lifestyle, lose weight, etc. over time will I be able to come off the vicodin to a slightly painful (but bearable) period. I've been eating healthy a few but I do not think it has kicked in yet.I am worried that in the future after starting with vicodin, that someday when I do not have any, my cramps will be worse than they ever will. Could this happen?

[MJ3000]

If you're only taking one or two a month, it shouldn't be a problem.You've probably already discussed other options with your doctor. If not, you should. Some things that may help are to do some vigorous exercise and take warm baths.

[RayeKaye]

Unfortunately, that is a risk with long term narcotic use - your body develops a tolerance to it and you often need higher doses to control the breakthrough pain.BUT! If you are only taking it for a short time each month (just during your period) you probably won't max out on it.You said nothing over the counter is strong enough - have you taken 800 mg of ibuprofen, or 440 mg of naproxen for your cramps? Usually those doses will help quite a bit, and they are safe doses - they are the original prescription strength doses from before they went over the counter.

[Tinamarie]

You build up a tolerance to Vicodin if you take it constanly. People who are addicted take it alot and therefore, need to take more and more to get the same effect. If you are only taking it for your cramps, once a month, u will be fine.Also, pain meds change the chemical make-up in your brain. People who take narcotics around the clock will, eventually, have worse pain and even experience phantom pain. But, like I said, once a month for a week is fine.Good Luck!!!!

[Paramedic girl]

If I were you I would do 2 things:1. Talk to your doctor about this again and see what other options you have.2. See a gynecologist. There may be an underlying problem to your severe cramps. You may also want to talk about having a procedure about a D and C done. I know for me when I was younger it did help out my cramps when I was 20.

[Naomi D]

If you want, you can take 1/2 vicodin to start and see if it does the trick for you. Please do not allow yourself to stay in pain because of fear of addiction. If you always take the medication for the pain and only a couple a month, you will probably not have a problem. When you are older, they will probably prescribe birth control for the cramps and you can get off the vicodin completely. If the lesser dosage does not work, take a whole one. Take what is necessary to control that pain.