to think alcohol and codeine would be okay

[pippinandtog]

I'm currently taking Co-codamol 30/500 tablets, two, four times a day, following an accident and surgery, and will be tailing them off very soon as I am progressing well.
The tablet box and information leaflet state that alcohol should be avoided while taking these tablets.
I hardly ever drink any alcohol, apart from a glass of red wine when enjoying a meal out.
I wonder if a small glass of wine would really do any harm: anyone drunk alcohol while on this medication?
A meal out just isn't the same with a glass of orange juice!

I would and have but others will be along shortly to say don't

(former drug and alcohol worker)

Makes me puke like noones business. That said I can have a couple of drinks whilst taking tramadol with no effect so I guess it's fairly individual

It really is down to your personal tolerance. I was, personally, fine drinking with codeine. If anything it will increase the effects of one or the other, eg make you very drowsy or less tolerant to the alcohol.

I've found that wine is fine, but not spirits.

No. If in doubt, ring a pharmacy and ask them but expect that response. Why risk it? I take codeine and wouldn't drink alcohol. Unless you're on tablets indefinitely, could you not just give alcohol a swerve for a bit?

I find that, unless a drug is contraindicated with alcohol, it's best to find your own personal tolerances.

(I mean specifically contraindication due to it affecting the function of the meds, not due to potential increased liver damage or whatever)

Blergh. I've done it, but it's not pleasant (just a really bad hangover, for me). Could you drink something like tonic and bitters, lime and fizzy water or something, something less sugary than orange juice?

It'll probably make you feel more drowsy and possibly a little sick. Unlikely to be dramatic though.

No it is not ok, do you think pharmaceutical company do this for shits and giggles.

Alcohol and codine is a bad idea because you could end up with a drug overdose

Well, I did and felt grotty.
I'm on 30/500 two twice a day ( but don't take morning dose if I have to drive) I just have half a sandy now, or stay off them for 24 hours before going out ( taking for chronic pain )

I've done it and threw up was just a bloody shandy you could miss a painkiller just in case and have a wine

Thanks, all, for sensible advice.

I did it after drinking heavily to ward off the forthcoming hangover and had very crazy hallucinations during the night! Not recommended.

Of course paracetamol and alcohol shouldn't really be taken together anyway, even without the codeine. Codiene and alcohol might make the alcohol more effective, but paracetamol and alcohol could be potentially fatal

(Very unlikely, but pharmaceutical companies don't say things for shits and giggles...)

It depends on you. I used to take that permently, and i still went on nights out. I'm still here.

(Though i never took any tablets after i drunk anything, only before).

I think as long as you know your own limits a small glass on an occasion would be fine. I've drunk on codeine before, definitely easier to get drunk drunk on not much so really pay attention to yourself.

I've got the same medication and the same suggested amount to take daily at the moment (I can't believe they just prescribed me 100 tablets, it's a massive box!).

They really have an effect on me and I've not tried alcohol, but I don't feel safe driving whilst having taken one so I'd personally err on the side of caution.

I hope your recovery keeps going well

It made me throw up, and virtually nothing makes me throw up.

I have had a glass of wine or two with codeine and it was fine. I have a stomach of lead though and codeine rests well with me, my husband can't take it without being sick.

I wouldn't, not on that dose.

Oops

I'm on codeine long term and I drink

I didn't drink when I was alternating it with tramadol and oramorph though

2016, my dh is like that
Projectile vomit out the back door... He is banned from taking it now!!