Does Hydrocodone Cause Weight Gain??

[MAC9924]

I am new here but am going on my second round of hydrocodone addition and I'm wondering if anyone else has had this same issue.  The first time I was addicted it was for about 7 years and I was taking between 25-30 Norco 10/325's or anything comparable that I could get my hands on.  Needless to say, the things I did to feed the monster of addition landed me in state prison.  After being here, I came out weighing about 80 pounds less than I did when I went it.  Of course all of this is nothing I'm proud of but what can I say, an addict all the way.  While there, I did NOT work out, lift weights or do anything to cause the significant weight loss.  I did good for over two years and then somehow, slowly got back on them.  I am grateful right now because my level of addition/use is MUCH less than it used to be.  I'm currently taking 3-4  Norco 7.5/325's a day right now.  That number a year ago started at 2 a day and I have limited myself to 4 a day as of now.  I have a VERY steady supply each month and have let my addict tendancies lead and teach myself to make a months supply last a month.  I have a good paying government job and have not missed a single day at work in the 2 1/2 years I have been there.  I pay my bills, car payments and always have money in my pocket and eat out pretty regularly.  I guess I am the true definition of a "Functioning Addict"...  Still not the healthiest of lifestyles.  I'm getting off topic here but I just had a birthday and something hit me that I'm ready to change my life.  I got on the scale yesterday and I guess just work and worrying about my addiction has really blinded me to how overweight and unhealthy I have gotten.  I eat three meals a day because for me, eating and then taking the pills makes the high twice as good.  I walk anywhere from a mile to 3 miles a day depending on what my job throws at me each day...  I guess what I'm wondering is, has anyone else blown up and gotten overweight from just the pills??  I'm looking for the experiences of someone who's diet stayed the same, their activity level stayed the same and they gained weight just from the pills...  I'm just trying to figure out if they are the cause or is it my unhealthy lifestyle and poor choices and the pills have nothing to do with it.

[CraCra]

Mac
  I have been off the meds for a few months now. I had gained approx. 35-40 lbs. while I was taking them. I unfortunately cannot get that weight off. I had someone ask if I was sure I gained the weight, lol. I cant fit into any of my clothes, so I am sure. However, exercise ( Kickboxing, running, weights, I do it all.) and now eating paleo for my third week to not drop an ounce. Still jiggling and cellulite. I can't tell you if it will come off, but the weight with the pills definitely comes on!!

[Jinx_777]

opiates effect people differently, but they also slow your metabolism.
i have an EXTREMELY high metabolism so i see little weight gain, but then again, it is very hard to maintain my weight so it very well could be.

get off the opiates for at least 6 months (get off forever you do not want to lose everything and go back to prison EVER)
and see what happens.  

[Sweetness91]

It's hard to say what causes weight gain. I was on methadone for 8 years. For the first 5, I was pretty "healthy"...the last few..not so much. I had become "underweight" by doctors classifications. And it was strange, because at that time I felt like I looked better than I ever had. But my hubby was on me constantly, saying I looked like I was sick or like I was anorexic. And now, after being off the methadone for 19 months, I am at the average weight for my height but yet I feel like a big whale. Narcotics affect everyone differently. Are you sure that you aren't being a little self-conscious? I mean no offense here, seriously. Just askin. If you eat healthy and run everyday, it sounds like you're doing everything right!!!

Also, I'm just scrolling thru and seen this post, but if you want more answers, you should make your own post. This one is kinda old, a new one will get more responses.

[CraCra]

Do you happen to know how long it will take your weight to correct itself, assuming that you stop taking the medication.

[CraCra]

I've been using hydrocodone for a few years now.over time I put on 35lbs. I've Ben very frustrated, I eat healthy and workout almost daily, including running. If I stop the hydrocodone how long would it take for the weight to drop off, assuming that is the cause...

[ariley13]

Hi there Mac. Opiates can cause weight gain. They can indirectly affect your metabolism by slowing down digestion, can cause tiredness and decreased activity, and all of this can lead to a lower thyroid and metabolic rate. This is all fairly common. Many times when people quit, they notice and increase in metabolism and weight loss. I also think you tend to make healthier decisions while clean and clear headed as far as diet and exercise are concerned. Also people often replace a negative habit with a more healthy one many times.

When and if you decide you are ready to quit, we are here for you. This site is full of encouragement, support, and advice so please continue posting. Good luck to you!

[Back2Me]

Yes. I gain massive amounts of weight while on them. I just pulled off and I have about 65 lbs to lose now. I don't know why I just think they slow my metabolism to a crawl. And It makes sense because most of my normal body functions are affected when taking pills. I NEVER sneeze at all while on them. Not even once. I have gone years without sneezing until I pulled off of them. That can't be right.

[MAC9924]

Lesa, I did not take your response as rude or blunt in any way.  I know I rambled in my original post and I guess I should be a little clearer.  I eat 3 balanced meals a day and eat out occasionally.  My eating habits are the exact same as they were during my clean time but yet now I have gained weight as I did not before.  As far as how active I am, I am twice as active now as I was during my clean time.  As I stated above, I walk anywhere between 1 to 3 miles a day, constantly in and out of a truck, lifting, digging, unloading semi trucks of cast iron and brass products, for 45-60 hours a week, I am constantly moving, lifting, walking and running like a chicken with my head cut off.  The fact that my eating habits have not changed and my activity level has doubled has me completely puzzled as to how I could do nothing but continue to gain weight.  The only conclusion I could come to were the pills and therefore caused me to question if anyone else has had the same experience.  As to your questions...  Well, I will say, and I know this sounds completely crazy even as I say it but I will say as far as addicts go, I am probably one of the most self controlled addict you will meet.  Again, I KNOW this sounds crazy even by the very definition of an addict.  The only reason I know I have control is because of how absolutely I have been out of control in my past.  As far as increasing my usage.. Well, when I was taking only 2 a day, I was just fine with that and never seemed to get immune to the usage.  The simple fact that I have increased my usage to 4 7.5's a day was only because the amount I had access to each month doubled at no additional cost.  There are days when I take less than 4 but the days I take all 4, I don't like the feeling but with the long days, sometimes it helps push through for the long haul.  Yes, my job does random drug tests and I have 2 legitimate prescriptions in my name that cover me on those and the way things have gone for the last year, I will be covered with those for atleast another year or two.  Those are stored and NOT taken so they are always there when a test comes up, which is about every other month.  That alone, makes me feel a little better about my addiction because before, if they were there, they were gone.  I guess by now you probably think I'm crazy but I'm being 100% honest here and as many addicts as I've been around and seen I can understand why you would think I'm crazy for even saying the things I am.  I have hit COMPLETE rock bottom once and no matter what will not go down that road again.  You talk about being numb, I think this is the entire reason I am still taking them.  I work a VERY VERY VERY high stress job with unreasonably demanding bosses and a huge responsibility and work load and they just keep me calm and deal with stress.  For me, they are an upper more than anything.  They help me work harder, and not let my emotions judge my decision making or problem solving skills to work through things and not make irrational and snap decisions.  I know, I know, sounds crazy...  :)  I have started tapering off since sunday and have already cut my usage down from 4 a day to 2 a day and have not had any physical withdrawal symptoms but I found myself getting pissed about getting cussed and screamed at and realized today how much they help keep me calm.  I hope this answers any questions you had and I greatly appreciate your input and perspective on this.  Wish you well!!

[10356]

Hi Mac Welcome o the forum.. I saw this last night before i went to bed and I really did not know how to respond to your question without sounding blunt our rude. No the pills are not causing your weight gain. You may be gaining water weight, meaning your kidneys are not filtering as well as they should Our the pills have made you not as active as you would be off and maybe it is your choice of foods knowing you enjoy eating while taking pills Maybe it is all the above You would need to speak with a Dr. to get a more accurate opinion. I was wondering how you were going to handle it when your body becomes tolerant to the dose you are on now ? Will you up them ? Your work does not Drug test ? You may have all the things you say now but what happens when the addict in you gets out of control.. That word control all addicts think we can control our use till we are at the bottom.. I guess I left with more questions then answers and for this I apologize I hope to hear back and I'm curious as to what you want out of life and if you miss your emotions and if you enjoy living in a muted world more as this is what those 4 noroc a day do for you numb and mute.. I hope you stay read offer encouragement for others as you find your way. I wish you well on your journey. lesa