Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/5/2008

Question
I am having pollups removed from my throat on 1/7/08.  I have an addiction to Vicodin, doing 4/5 a day for the past year. i don't want to tell the surgeons, i don't want to be blacklisted for pain meds.  i am so afraid this will effect the anastesia...i don't know what to do.  i know you are on vacation until tomorrow, i hope you can answer this question tomorrow...thanks so much

Answer
Debbie
From what I can see Vicodin is made by several manufacturers and is a combination of paracetamol(acetaminophen) and hydrocodone that we don't use in the UK. It is important that you realise that the dangerous bit for you is the paracetamol and you must not take more than 4 grams of paracetamol per 24hours. Currently you are well within this limit. However it is also important for you to seek help for this problem - Vicodin causes more of a psychological dependence rather than a physical one. That means it should be easier for you to be weaned off these drugs.
I think you should tell your surgeon but if you don't be careful how much other pain killers you take. I would stick to your current Vicodin dosage and add in some ibuprofen if necessary.
You must treat this issue seriously - many people have started on this drug and then slowly traded up to more powerful pain killing drugs. Act now...
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson