that's very interesting because vicodin (generic name is hydrocodone with acetaminophen) contains a narcotic that normally causes drowsiness. when a person reacts to a medication in the opposite way as expected it's called a "paradoxical effect. " some sleeping pills are well known for having a paradoxical effect on people keeping them wide awake all night long. in general experiencing a paradoxical effect from medication is nothing to be concerned about. it's not an allergy or anything like that. it just indicates your body responds differently to that particular medication. even if the hydrocodone controlled your pain you don't want to take a medication that causes you insomnia. you might consider scratching hydrocodone off your list and requesting a different prescription pain reliever the next time you need one. just let the doctor know how hydrocodone affects you. there are plenty of other narcotic pain relievers to choose from. wishing you well!
i took vicodin for the first time post operatively for pain and it kept me awake at night. what is this called and why?