Hydrocodone Use & Nausea | How to Avoid This Common Effect

Use of opioids such as hydrocodone comes with a risk of experiencing adverse side effects like nausea. Studies show that there is an estimated 78% chance of experiencing side effects like constipation or nausea with opioid use.[1] 

Though usually mild, you can mitigate the issue by taking hydrocodone with food, remaining hydrated, and avoiding alcohol consumption. For most people, any associated nausea is strongest when use of hydrocodone begins, and the effect tends to lessen after about a week. Consult with your healthcare provider about anti-nausea medications to potentially alleviate this side effect.

Does Hydrocodone Make You Nauseous?

It can, especially when you first start using the drug.[2] In most cases, it is a mild issue that passes as you get used to the medication, but for others, it may be bothersome and persistent. 

According to research findings, approximately 40% of opioid users may experience nausea. Of this number, about 15% to 25% will experience vomiting as a result of taking the drug.[3]

Studies on opioid treatment side effects found that people who use drugs like hydrocodone cited nausea and vomiting as some of the most bothersome effects.[4] In fact, these side effects were significant enough to cause some people to want to lower their dose or stop taking the drug entirely in order to avoid them. 

This study also highlighted how important managing side effects can be, with 51% of patients and 58% of physicians reporting an urgent need for changes to pain medications, such that side effects and nausea and vomiting are no longer an issue.[4]

Is Nausea a Serious Side Effect of Hydrocodone?

Although hydrocodone may lead to nausea for some people who take the drug, it is not usually a serious side effect. It can be bothersome but not usually cause for alarm. 

Some people report experiencing mild to moderate bouts of nausea when they first start taking the drug. The effect is usually worse during the first few days to weeks of use due to hydrocodone’s effect on the digestive system, but symptoms generally become milder over time. 

Most people report that the side effect generally goes away after a few days to a few weeks. However, some people continue to experience it or re-experience the problem when they increase their dose. 

For those who find their experience of nausea debilitating, talk to your prescribing physician. In most cases, the doctor will lower the dose of the drug, switch you to a new drug or prescribe anti-nausea medications. The goal is to manage your pain without significant side effects.

How to Avoid Hydrocodone Nausea

To reduce hydrocodone-induced nausea, try the following strategies:

• Take the medication with food. Ingesting hydrocodone with meals or snacks will decrease your chance of experiencing nausea.
• Stay hydrated. Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate nausea.
• Avoid alcohol use. When combined with hydrocodone, drinking alcohol can worsen nausea and cause other adverse side effects.
• Reduce intake of fatty foods. Eating too many high-fat foods may slow down drug absorption and contribute to feelings of nausea.
• Consider anti-nausea medications. Working closely with your doctor, consider using over-the-counter or prescription anti-nausea medicines to limit symptoms.
• Be mindful of abrupt changes of position. To avoid dizziness and reduce the risk of nausea, make slow and gradual movements and avoid sudden head movements.[5]
• Consider using ginger. Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. Try incorporating products containing ginger, such as tea or candies.[6]
• Avoid strong odors. Steer clear of strong smells that could trigger or worsen feelings of nausea.
• Communicate with your doctor. If nausea persists or becomes severe, inform your healthcare provider. They can help you to explore any possible medication adjustments or alternative treatments that might help.

Issues With Hydrocodone Misuse

Patients who take opioids like hydrocodone every day can develop a dependence on these substances, leading to the experience of severe withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, if they miss a dose. If you’ve been misusing hydrocodone due to an opioid use disorder (OUD), you need help to stop.

Bicycle Health offers an evidence-based solution to OUD: Suboxone therapy (buprenorphine/ naloxone). When incorporated into a comprehensive treatment program, this form of Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) can help you to stop misusing hydrocodone. While Suboxone controls hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms and cravings, you’ll use therapy to address underlying issues that led you to misuse the drug.[7] 

If you would like to learn more about how to manage a hydrocodone dependence or OUD, contact us at Bicycle Health today for more information. We’re ready to help you via our telehealth services.