tylenol w/codeine

[cynthia]

I can't find any "interactions" between tylenol w/codeine and verapamil. I used to take the tylenol w/codeine for cramps and take it occasionally for chronic pain in my hand (osteoarthritis) (cannot take an anti inflammatory for this). Maybe I should ask my doctor?

[Burton Borrok]

Hi Cynthia,
With all the drugs I take, Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is the only one I’m allowed to use. I’ve been on both Verapamil HCL SR (January increased from 240 to 360mg/day) and five grains of Aspirin for years. I rarely use it, but the way the doctors peddle it you’d think Codeine was your friend. I try to save it for the times it’s really needed – but that’s me – the control freak.

If I may, I’d like to add a couple of points. Acetaminophen which is chemically the same, is about half the price of Tylenol, so why pay for advertising? The second point is I always dispose of any unused drugs on the expiration date. In this case it’s probably safe enough to use for a time after the date, but at these prices why fool around?
Burt

[BigHeart]

Codeine and any calcium channel blocker, especially Verapamil, are a prescription for severe constipation.

[Burton Borrok]

OK my BigHearted friend, that’s a good point, but maybe the lady really needs it. That reaction might well be a function of how large the dose is, and we are each of us different with different reactions.

I would suggest Cynthia ask her doctor about it, and if she needs the codeine and does experience that reaction, there may be something she can take to counteract it. I guess we are all in some form of drug juggling act.
Burt