Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board pain killers

Out of curiously I did some research into Lortab and Percocet. As mentioned, they are powerful narcotic pain killers They are 6 times stronger then Codeine (Tylenol #3 Codeine + Acetaminophen), which is much stronger then aspirin or tylenol alone. Their side effects include Central Nervous System changes potential for antidepressant, slugishness and lightheadnedness. They also have a potential for liver toxicity, renal failure and problems with the urinary tract (like not being able to pee). They can cause Nausea and Vomiting and Constipation. Sounds like sore muscles may be a better deal.

HaroldA -

yes, and the most frequent of the CNS (that is, Central Nervous System) 'changes' is respiratory depression - opiates block breathing - they kill because people just stop breating. When you consider that a common effect of altitude is also to interfere with breathing (many people wake up at night gasping for air because they stop breathing for awhile due to an altitude effect on the brain), you can see why it is a terrible (mtn high would rightly use a stronger word) idea to take opiates on the mountain for a headache.

Sierra Sam...thank you for the clarification. I Like your posts..they show an understanding of the real issues....Just one thought....there could be a bright side...if you die on the mountain you won't have to worry any longer about headaches and sore muscles.

Medicine that stops one's breathing...not exactly the kind of pain relief I would be looking for...