"i have three herniated discs in my lower back. i started taking nucynta after i built up a tolerance of other pain killers (codine, hydrocodone, oxycodone). if i take a whole pill, it puts me to sleep, the pain goes away but my face and neck itch, this can last 6 hours. i have found if i take half a pill, it takes the edge off the pain and there&#039;s no itching and i don&#039;t feel sleepy; i can work and even drive. i take these halves every 5 hours until i know the pain subsides.i&#039;m on and off these pills; never had other side effects. i don&#039;t take them long enough (maybe 2-4 days) to get addicted."