available over the counter: no

uses: short term relief of acute pain

mechanism of action: hydrocodone blocks pain at the level of spinal cord and brain;  acetaminophen interferes with prostaglandins, which cause inflammation

side effects

• common: headache, dizziness, light headedness, nausea, drowsiness, constipation
• less common: abdominal pain, false sense of well being, depression, loss of appetitite,  headache, nervousness, insomnia

concerns: do not increase doses, even if medication is not working, without consulting your physician