Been prescribed codeine

[MissKittyBeaudelais]

I’ve seen my GP this morning who’s given me codeine on prescription. I’ve picked them up from the chemist and taken them. The lessening of the pain is such a relief but I’ve now sat down and read the info leaflet. Christ! It sounds awful. Can I really become an addict? Suddenly very scared to take this medication.

Anyone taking this able to advise? Thanks

Sorry I mean extra fibre is not a good idea, not fibre in general!

I've been on as many as 8 to 10 a day, then dropped to 2 with no problems, they do make you constipated though, you might need to get something in, for if that happens.

Lordy! Didn’t expect the constipation would be a problem. Will need to take steps.... 😐

I have had a period from lunchtime today (took 1x15mg tablet with 2x Brufen) until now (9.30pm) where the pain has lessened to such an extent that I can think about/do something other than think about how horribly and nauseatingly uncomfortable I am. It’s wonderful.

Since last summer, I’ve spent a small fortune on Paracetamol, Brufen, Deep Heat, Accumed Pain Patches, VoltarolGel, Ibuprofen Gel, heat packs, cool packs, and a new mattress. This one little tablet has worked better than all the rest. I’m practically delirious with joy!

The constipation was such an issue for me I ended up with an inflamed bowel and a trip to A&E. It was my fault as I know lots of meds effect me and I have to increase fiber and fluids and now keep moving physically too.

I used some powerful pain killers. By my estimates I needed twelve tablets which I planned to take in a decreasing fashion over three days by which time I guessed the pain would subside.

The gp prescribed me a ridiculous number of tablets. I considered it irresponsible.

I stuck to my plan and returned all the other unopened packets to a chemist for disposal.

Agree it's best to take the lowest possible dose you can for the shortest possible time.

I had horrendous SPD and sciatica in my second pregnancy and a few weeks towards the end was prescribed codeine. Took 1 tablet a day (at night as that was when it was worse and could barely sleep).. I hated the side effects though.. left me really really woozy so I'm not sure I would have coped in the day time. Also took lactulose as I got constipated after only one or two nights!

OP, pop along to a pharmacy (or supermarket actually) and get some dulcoease - take them whenever you take codeine, they’re only softeners. Also buy some glycerine suppositories to keep on hand in case you do get impacted. I once went two weeks without going after an operation so sadly I am very familiar with this problem!

The key with codeine is to get ahead of the potential constipation before it starts. It will bung you up so drink loads of water and get some gentle laxatives lactulose to keep things moving.

Good grief 😂

I’ll be so bunged up I’ll forget all about my knackered spine/hips/feet/shoulders/elbows! Is that why codeine works!?

Not always, probably tmi but I wish it did work that way. 60mg x 4 daily plus other opiates for breakthrough pain, and been on that codeine dose now for upwards of a decade and on codeine for the last 25 years.

Codeine Phosphate is often combined with paracetamol as it acts as a potentiator as well as being a deterrent for abuse. Caffeine, some anti-nausea meds etc also act as potentiators which metabolizes more morphine into the blood. All opiates work in the same way, certain enzymes in the liver convert them into morphine.

My only word of caution is that a) you will blow a positive breathalyzer and b) it is one of the meds you can now be prosecuted for driving under the influence of even with a prescription in England.

Your dosage is not high. The highest to buy over the counter is 2 x 12.8mg in combination with paracetamol or ibuprofen. HTH.

Thanks @Annie. Didn’t know that and wasn’t told by the GP.

I haven't heard of 15mg tablets, I thought they only came in 8 or 30.
I think for .pain relief they are very good, but the problem comes when/if you feel a buzz from taking them, which is common. People like the buzz and want to recreate it. Hence the problems start when you begin to need a stronger dose to get the same effect.

I was on codeine in the few weeks leading up to a shoulder op, at quite a low dose, just so I could cope with the awful pain until the op. Then I had a much higher dose post-op which I took for about 10 days at a reducing level as I hate the feeling I get (like travel sickness whilst not moving!) on the higher dose.

It is a great painkiller, but yes, it's addictive.

I needed Laxido sachets to assist with the constipation post-op, sadly! The morphine in hospital plus the high dose afterwards was not great at all. 🙈