That's a difficult question to answer. Usually it's based on weight and height for each individual. But as with any pills or medications, it's not good to take to many or to often, as it can cause liver damage. I've done my very best to not take any pills. They never really seem to be to much help anyways. If your pain comes at a time when it's possible for you to soak in a hot bath, I have found that to be one of the better ways to deal with the pain. I've even woke up all hours of the night, and jumped in the tub. Plus sometimes my husband will massage my back, and that does help a little too. You can also try those heat patches that you can get from walmart or walgreens, they are kind of like bandages, you peel the back off and stick it where the pain is. It last for several hours, and helps. Other than that, I would say ask your Dr what he/she thinks is the best dose for you. Be careful not to take to many, for a long period or to often, as it can cause liver damage. Best wishes!

Vitamins can ease pain as well. Daily doses of Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C and Omega 3's. They help me. And they are great for you, so have a double effect. Another great thing is breathing techniques. Our brains actually respond to certain types of deep breathing to release pain killers! It is worth a small try....

On a average day I take 2 1/2 -3 vics. On a bad day I take two Methdones, and 2 vics.

I have been on vics for over 3 years now. The heating pad is my best friend (I even take it to work with me, if I can even make it in.)

i usually take 1 or 2 a day but on the really bad days sometimes i'll take 3 or 4 or 5.. depending on how bad. i also take maybe 2-4 of the big motrins. my doctor was saying i was taking them too much also.. so i try not to take them as much now, but still, its hard being in pain on a day to day basis and not be able to do one of the few things that actually helps. i understand the drs worry about the liver and all that, but theres not too many options for relieving the pain. i started cutting them in half sometimes, but even when i take a whole one, it doesnt always touch the pain... I use my heating pad a lot too, its become a very close friend of mine :) Hope this helps!

My prescript says no more than 5 in 24 hours for Vicodin. I find that when my pain is starting to get bad I first try to take 1/2 a pill....then in 4-5 hours take the other 1/2....by doing this I can usually get away with taking no more than 3 whole pills even on a really bad day....if the pain does get bad enough I will take a full pill.
The heating pad is also my best friend!! SInce I am a nanny I don't get to sit too often at work....so I also use those heat patches!! The best invention ever!!!

Thank you for all of your replies, I appreciate all of the advice and input! I am trying to cut down, but finding it hard to do, as the pain gets so bad sometimes, the vicodin doesn't even help. I too, enjoy the heating pad, but find it hard to do when taking care of my kids.

angc
I would ask your doc if you can have Methadone for your bad days, sometimes it seems like everyday with endo :o)
R U taking 5/500mg or 10/325mg of vic?
Take care