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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To just want the strongest possible drugs?

42 replies

inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 15:57

Which sounds dodgy as hell

Have really hurt my arm and shoulder and in a lot of pain. At first I just took paracetamol but after a few days it became apparent it wasn’t working and so saw my GP who prescribed naproxen. That also hasn’t worked and so made another appointment. This time I was sent to the physiotherapist which might have been helpful if she’d actually done any physio!

So now I’m facing another awful night and I can’t. I’m desperate for some strong pain relief. How can I get it at this time? I’ve no history of misuse of drugs and I only had a couple of paracetamol after two c sections so I’m not prone to dramatics but it really, really hurts.

OP posts:
Original poster
inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 17:06

@Charabanc i know what you mean but the problem is it knocks me out the next day and I have two preschoolers!

OP posts:
AnonSugar · 24/07/2025 17:04

I would go the local Boots Pharmacy for Co-codamol. They do 12.5/500mg which is the strongest non prescription I think.

Also try a painkilling gel but ask the pharmacy for advice.

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 24/07/2025 17:04

You can get co-codamol over the counter.

Balloonhearts · 24/07/2025 17:02

See if they'll give you Diclofenac, it's my drug of choice for Trigeminal Neuralgia but get it as a suppository if you can, as I've always found the tablets upset my stomach.

Charabanc · 24/07/2025 16:59

Don't laugh, OP, but try liquid NightNurse. It's paracetemol and anti-histamine and something else.

Or else, try co-codamol, as PPs have suggested, and some strong anti-histamine. The drowsy kind.

GonnaeNoDaeThatJustGonnaeNo · 24/07/2025 16:59

They should give you co-cocodamol

K0OLA1D · 24/07/2025 16:58

Try cocodamol and naproxen together.

Do not take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you do though.

Original poster
inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 16:57

Not sure if co codamol will work when nothing else OTC has. Worth a shot since I’m not getting anywhere with the GP.

OP posts:
Larooba · 24/07/2025 16:37

Try over the counter co-codamol which contains paracetamol so you cannot take it with paracetamol but you can combine it with naproxen but talk to the pharmacist too. They are a wealth of information.

I also second @Womblingmerrily in trying heat or cold to see if any of that helps too. If anyone you know has a TENs machine you could borrow that. If they are like me they will have a stash of new pads so it won't have been attached to their skin.

Original poster
inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 16:35

I’m hoping for something to reduce the spasms in my arm. I’m sure it’s something and nothing; I’m not suggesting it’s anything serious but it’s painful whatever it is and it’s massively impinging on my life.

OP posts:
JaneEyre40 · 24/07/2025 16:30

inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 16:08

Yes - I haven’t jumped from nothing to the strongest possible! I went from regular paracetamol and ibuprofen to stronger (neurofen plus) then prescribed - nothing has helped and I just can’t face another night like last one and all week. I’m desperate for some sleep!

Cocodamal (I can't spell it and too lazy to Google) with paracetamol.

If you can get Diazepam it will DEFINITELY help.

Original poster
inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 16:28

Whatever it is, I just need it to relieve the pain. I’m not prone to theatrics for no reason but I am honestly quite scared of tonight. The last couple of nights have just been awful. I’ve got some exercises but they don’t seem very effective.

OP posts:
ChocHotolate · 24/07/2025 16:22

Can you get some over the counter co-codamol 8/500? You can take 2 of those alongside the naproxen

4naans · 24/07/2025 16:20

Codeine? What kind of pain is it?

Womblingmerrily · 24/07/2025 16:20

The strongest isn't always the best. Having strong opiates may just make you feel like crap.

Pharmaceutical only isn't always the best.

Did the physio give you any specific advice or exercises to do?

Heat/cold/movement/Tens/relaxation may all have some place.

As mentioned above, start with staggering paracetamol and naproxen.

When I had a bad sciatica flare I used to take minimal pain relief during the day and then do exercise routine/warm bath then Tens machine plus strongest pain relief just before bed so that I can get some sleep. The combination of muscle relaxation/stimulation plus pharmaceuticals worked for me.

Original poster
inalotofpainnow · 24/07/2025 16:08

Yes - I haven’t jumped from nothing to the strongest possible! I went from regular paracetamol and ibuprofen to stronger (neurofen plus) then prescribed - nothing has helped and I just can’t face another night like last one and all week. I’m desperate for some sleep!

OP posts:
BreezyPeachGoose · 24/07/2025 16:01

Analgesia should be a stepwise approach, not in at the deep end.

Have you tried staggered paracetamol & ibuprofen? your local pharmacy can advise you on this and other over the counter options.

Other than that it'll be for your GP to prescribe.