Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how long withdrawal lasts?

236 replies

Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 11:37

So for some bizarre reason I have gained a bit of a habit buying Cocodamol and Nurofen plus. It got to a point where my stomach was starting to hurt and realised I was upping my dose so I have decided to nip this in the bud. Yesterday I took 2, this morning I have took 2 and had some diarrhoea (sorry tmi) I felt they helped calm me down after my divorce but in reality they didn’t and I will be so glad and proud to be free of this

OP posts:
Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 13:09

tothelefttotheleft · 16/06/2025 13:06

I don't understand why you wouldn't ask him?

Show quote history

Mainly because they don’t really need to know everything about us. I will try on my own first and then reach out for help if I need it. I don’t want to worry him.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 13:07

FullOfLoveAndObsessiveCleaner · 16/06/2025 13:02

I can totally understand where you are / were. For various reasons I have been taking prescription strength cocodamol 30/500mg for the last 10+ years, also 5-6 times a day. Every time I think about reducing it, something happens in life that knocks me down. Previously spoken to GP about 2 years ago who advised to reduce but continues to prescribe without question. I've had counselling too about another issue and also mentioned it. No one wants to know.
You've already reduced on your own will power, you can do this now you've got this far. Dont look back. Keep going and I'll think of you for inspiration. I hope your stomach pain gets resolved soon too.

Show quote history

Good luck to you too! You will get there when the time is right for you!

OP posts:
tothelefttotheleft · 16/06/2025 13:06

Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:52

My DH is a GP so i am sure he can help if anything goes wrong (I haven’t told him)

I don't understand why you wouldn't ask him?

FullOfLoveAndObsessiveCleaner · 16/06/2025 13:02

Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 11:44

I was taking about 10-12 a day and realised what the hell am I doing this for. It’s bizarre how something over the counter can be so addictive but I am very strong willed and have decided enough is enough.

I can totally understand where you are / were. For various reasons I have been taking prescription strength cocodamol 30/500mg for the last 10+ years, also 5-6 times a day. Every time I think about reducing it, something happens in life that knocks me down. Previously spoken to GP about 2 years ago who advised to reduce but continues to prescribe without question. I've had counselling too about another issue and also mentioned it. No one wants to know.
You've already reduced on your own will power, you can do this now you've got this far. Dont look back. Keep going and I'll think of you for inspiration. I hope your stomach pain gets resolved soon too.

Thepollonator · 16/06/2025 12:57

Wishing you the very best of luck op. Well done! xx

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:56

ForeverDelayedEpiphany · 16/06/2025 12:54

I was told to cold turkey an off label antipsychotic that injured me.

I was only on it for a week, and it was literally prescribed off label for severe anxiety and insomnia after a head injury and post concussion syndrome. The withdrawal was horrible, I felt very unwell and wished I'd had better advice.

Unfortunately I then got a permanent neurological involuntary movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia from it too 😕 😢

People can underestimate the impact on the body of a cold turkey. I'm a great advocate of safe withdrawal and tapering.

Please take care, OP.💕

Yes. Maine drugs absolutely need a safe a safe withdrawal/taper process but opioids aren’t one of them. I will probably feel at deaths door for a few days but I will just have to keep remembering why I am doing this and then come out the other side.

OP posts:
eqpi4t2hbsnktd · 16/06/2025 12:56

Could you afford a private GP appointment? Online? So you wouldn't have to tell your own Dr but you could get some proper advice?

ForeverDelayedEpiphany · 16/06/2025 12:54

I was told to cold turkey an off label antipsychotic that injured me.

I was only on it for a week, and it was literally prescribed off label for severe anxiety and insomnia after a head injury and post concussion syndrome. The withdrawal was horrible, I felt very unwell and wished I'd had better advice.

Unfortunately I then got a permanent neurological involuntary movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia from it too 😕 😢

People can underestimate the impact on the body of a cold turkey. I'm a great advocate of safe withdrawal and tapering.

Please take care, OP.💕

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:54

NotTheRealStacy · 16/06/2025 12:53

Good luck OP, I hope it’s quick and as easy as possible (withdrawal is never easy but you know what I mean).

I have to be really strict with myself, any time I buy codiene, diazepam or sleeping tablets I always convince myself I need them and finish the box. I just like how well I sleep. Things came to head when I found myself taking codiene and diazepam together. It gave me a shock!

It is so easily done and never thought I would be in this position myself, don’t beat yourself up we are only human.

OP posts:
NotTheRealStacy · 16/06/2025 12:53

Good luck OP, I hope it’s quick and as easy as possible (withdrawal is never easy but you know what I mean).

I have to be really strict with myself, any time I buy codiene, diazepam or sleeping tablets I always convince myself I need them and finish the box. I just like how well I sleep. Things came to head when I found myself taking codiene and diazepam together. It gave me a shock!

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:52

My DH is a GP so i am sure he can help if anything goes wrong (I haven’t told him)

OP posts:
DiscoBob · 16/06/2025 12:51

It depends on the size of your habit and how quickly you do the reduction. Some people can break their addiction in a few days, some take weeks. But just focus on taking less today than you did yesterday, keep going down if you can each day until a half tablet, then a quarter, then finally none.

If you have trouble sleeping Nytol or some antihistamines make you sleepy. And use magnesium salts in your bath. A whole bag in the bathtub. Before bed.

Well done for trying to stop. The paracetamol in the tablets is extremely bad for your stomach.

Obviously the codeine is physically addictive as you know. And it doesn't really work well once you take it all the time.

You'll be so much happier without it. Stay strong!

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:44

Codeine alone would be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.

OP posts:
mrandmrsrobinson · 16/06/2025 12:44

Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:13

I have many reasons why this isnt the best idea. Opioid withdrawal isn’t dangerous. If I cannot stay off them I will go to my GP but surely it is worth a try on my own first

Show quote history

Lansoprazole protects your stomach lining. You're burning a hole in your stomach taking these meds.

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:43

Sdpbody · 16/06/2025 12:41

I took 6 weeks of codein and I realised in the last weeks of taking it, that I was taking it because it was making me sleep so well.

I stopped taking them immediately and I didnt have any side effects.

A year and 6 weeks is really different and whilst I hope my withdrawal isn’t too bad, I’m not optimistic. It’s my own fault.

OP posts:
Serpentstooth · 16/06/2025 12:43

See your GP. Its the Ibuprofen or paracetamol concentrations thst are most damaging. Your GP can prescribe codeine alone and reduce your daily usage from that. He/she won't be surprised, there are many users addicted in this way.

Sdpbody · 16/06/2025 12:41

I took 6 weeks of codein and I realised in the last weeks of taking it, that I was taking it because it was making me sleep so well.

I stopped taking them immediately and I didnt have any side effects.

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:40

This is why it is so pointless to go to your GP. They don’t really know that much about it (some of them) and then when you need pain relief in the future genuinely you won’t be given it. Especially with opioids when it is about 72 hours of withdrawal and then it gets rapidly better.

OP posts:
feelingbleh · 16/06/2025 12:38

Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:29

Benzo’s are so dangerous to come off, like alcohol. That was really irresponsible of your GP

Show quote history

Yeah i ended up having to Google it to do it safely

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:37

FriendofDorothy · 16/06/2025 12:34

This is simply untrue. (speaking as someone who works in this field so I know my stuff!)

Opiate withdrawal, whilst unpleasant, will not kill you.
Benzos and booze are a different issue.

Well done OP. Sounds like you have got the idea and are reducing gradually. I would say that if your stomach pain doesn't clear up once you have stopped taking the meds it would be worth a trip to your GP to check there isn't anything nasty like stomach ulcers.

Show quote history

Honestly since I stopped taking the ibuprofen it isn’t half as bad. I am going to pick some omeprazole up

OP posts:
Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:36

FriendofDorothy · 16/06/2025 12:34

This is simply untrue. (speaking as someone who works in this field so I know my stuff!)

Opiate withdrawal, whilst unpleasant, will not kill you.
Benzos and booze are a different issue.

Well done OP. Sounds like you have got the idea and are reducing gradually. I would say that if your stomach pain doesn't clear up once you have stopped taking the meds it would be worth a trip to your GP to check there isn't anything nasty like stomach ulcers.

Show quote history

I kind of know what I am dealing with but don’t want to out myself too much. I think this is something I can deal with myself.

OP posts:
FriendofDorothy · 16/06/2025 12:34

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 16/06/2025 11:47

I wouldn't yet.
Codeine needs to be dropped very gradually.
You're at risk if you do it too quickly.

Show quote history

This is simply untrue. (speaking as someone who works in this field so I know my stuff!)

Opiate withdrawal, whilst unpleasant, will not kill you.
Benzos and booze are a different issue.

Well done OP. Sounds like you have got the idea and are reducing gradually. I would say that if your stomach pain doesn't clear up once you have stopped taking the meds it would be worth a trip to your GP to check there isn't anything nasty like stomach ulcers.

Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:34

Hoardasurass · 16/06/2025 11:39

You need to talk to your Dr asap opioid addiction is a serious matter that should be delt with by medical professionals and counselling

Yes I completely agree at dangerous levels.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scunthorpee · 16/06/2025 12:29

feelingbleh · 16/06/2025 12:28

I was told similiar with benzos the gp had no clue about safe withdrawal and just cut me straight of completely

Show quote history

Benzo’s are so dangerous to come off, like alcohol. That was really irresponsible of your GP

OP posts:
feelingbleh · 16/06/2025 12:28

slowlydecaying · 16/06/2025 12:22

I would not bother with GP, my DH asked for help, they just told him to cut down🙄

He was taking loads for 20 years and stopped cold turkey with no ill effects

I was told similiar with benzos the gp had no clue about safe withdrawal and just cut me straight of completely

Swipe left for the next trending thread