Hydrocodone / Effexor, Ziac / Sleep Apnea

I have been taking Hydrocodone for 3 years and have noticed a weight gain of about 50lbs.  I also take Effexor XR and Ziac for the past 8 years.  On the other hand, I have had sleep apnea for the last 8 years since I snore alot.  The problem has been that before I started taking Hydrocodone, I used to feel my blood pressure rise at night (I could hear my heart beat and feel it as well) which meant I got up an took a blood pressure pill to calm down.  Now I have no such dilemna but I feel that I fall too deep in a sleep which my heart slows down too much, (making me dream heavy thus my body tries to get up since it feels it's not getting enough air).  These feelings make me more nervous at night based on my body not being able to feel my blood pressure like before.?

What is the reactions between these medications (Hydrocodone, Effexor XR, and Ziac/Bisopropol)?

[wannabefree330]

I too take effexor and hydro.  I have had a 40# wt gain as well.  When I was only taking the effexor, didn't notice the gain.  I think it's the hydro.  Course, I sit around alot more, don't go to the gym as I used to either.  When I'm using, I isolate....big time which leads to more guilt, shame and laziness.  I don't know of the other two-they're blood pressure meds.  How much hydro do you take?  It can supress your respirations and that can make your sleep apnea worse.  Do you take it before going to bed?  You can call your pharmacist and ask them to do a cross match to see what interactions your medicaitons are having.  I'd start there, then take your findings to your doctor who can possibly change some things for you.  For me, it's just lack of exercise and being lazy.  No one to blame but myself for that.