Can painkiller abuse cause heart problems?

I recently quit a 2 year addiction to hydrocodone.  At its worst I was taking up to 20 pills per day, 7.5/ 325 Norcos..  I know about the risks to the liver, but can this type of abuse lead to heart probems?  I have noticed since quitting that I am much more easily winded, and after even a small amount of exertion my heart is pounding.  I am only 33 and before the addiction I was physically fit.  Could the abuse have led to a heart condition, or is it just my body being out of shape?

[erijon]

I have researced this and discussed it with my Rheumatologist as I take 2 5mg/500 each day for my arthitis pain. I take 1/2 a pill sometimes in the afternoon when I get home and another 1 1/2 at night or the pain keeps me awake. I have found no tie to hydrocodone and heart diease or damage. I am not a doctor so you should ask one to be safe. You could just be experiencing some deconditioning or withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms as 20 7.5mg/325's per day is a considerable amount.

I would see a doctor and let him evaluate you to be safe. Congrats on kicking the addiction!

Jon

[ChatterAlly]

I have chronic pain in my hips and back. I took Vicodin HP for 2 years and I do have heart disease and history of heart attacks. Then it was decided that I should take Methadone because of the overuse of Tylenol.  I only take half of what the dose is, because the pain is better on this med. I didn't feel any different with or without the Vicodin. I am worried about something and you might know the answer for me. I have been told by friends that withdrawls from Methadone can be worse than the other drug. If this is true I will be so upset with my doctor for putting me on this wilthout warning me.

Good luck to you!

Ally

[lostsoul2]

I have never taken Methadone myself.  There is a post on the Addiction forum from a guy whoa has taken everything and he rates the difficulty of each drug to w/d from. Methadone is at the top, hydrocodone down at #8.  So I understand that Methadone is way, way tougher.  I believe it can also be dangerous to stop c/t, so please do some research.  My w/d from hydrocodone really sucked, so I can't imagine how it would be with something worse.  Be careful.  Good luck.