Can Vicodin Taken For Sciatic Pain Cause Headaches And High BP?

Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2023

Question: I have been prescribed Vicodin for sciatic pain and want to know if this can cause the headache and spike in blood pressure that I experience after I take it. I have been able to take only 1 pill mid morning. It takes away the pain, but then I have the headache and my bp spikes. I have had a cardiac workup and everything checked out fine. I have gastritis so no aspirin or other over the counter that irritate the stomach. Is it my pain or the med causing the headache and bp fluctuations. I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon on Monday...

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it can cause both the things

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, it can lead to both bp rises and headache, although not very common and seen in around 5 percent patients having it.

If there is no excessive spike in bp, able to monitor bp and headache is tolerable, you may continue it as sometimes it settles down with continuation. If not then withhold and may have Tab Paracetamol 650 mg only SOS.

For sciatica pains, medicines like pregabalin or gabapentin are quite effective, so discuss regarding these.

Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T