We're a thyroid disorders forum, so I have to ask, if this is a thyroid related question? It doesn't appear to be, though RA is an autoimmune disease, as are some thyroid issues. Have you been tested for any thyroid abnormalities? My suggestion would be hyperthyroidism, but if that were absent, I'd talk to the doctor about the pain med.
I did some checking on the Loratab and can't find it; are you sure it's "Loratab" and not "Lortab"? "Lortab is a combination pain reliever containing an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever, hydrocodone and the non-narcotic pain reliever acetaminophen..."
Because opiates are narcotics and are addictive, if they aren't helping your pain, you really shouldn't be on them... You need to discuss this with your doctor...
You might want to post your question on the Addictions:Substance Abuse Forum which can be accessed via this link:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/show/77