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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think alcohol and codeine would be okay

48 replies

pippinandtog · 07/07/2016 10:36

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!

OP posts:

BathshebaDarkstone · 07/07/2016 11:20

YABU, I never mix any drug with alcohol, because I don't know what kind of chemical reaction could result.

BeyondVulvaResistance · 07/07/2016 11:24

As we're sharing anecdotes and not just general advice - I'm on a chemo-type drug, antidepressants and anti epileptics, along with other stuff and morphine. Not only do I drink, I sometimes get drunk.

My liver function is tested often and is perfect :) the only part of my body that can be bloody relied upon!!

Original poster

pippinandtog · 07/07/2016 11:25

Beyond, you fooled me with that first posting.
I was thinking, "Well, I didn't know that!"
Might have gone round telling people

OP posts:

Sonders · 07/07/2016 11:25

I used to work in pharma and I had to see a lot of the adverse effects that were reported from different medicines, including common ones. This is the evidence that they use to guide their advice.

Before I knew all of this, I probably would have risked it, but now I don't.

If they say don't do it, it's because they either they know something bad will happen, or they can't be certain what will happen if you do - it could be a massive hangover, drowsiness or that it just stops the codeine from working.

Unfortunately sometimes it's much worse. Every single body reacts differently so just because one person isn't affected at all, doesn't mean you won't be one of the most unlucky.

I'm on the super cautious side and don't like to drink much though!

rwilkinson84 · 07/07/2016 11:25

Suppose it depends on the person but I was on a similar dose recently and I was completely off my rocker for like a whole week - and that was without alcohol!

I'd be careful and if you can miss a painkiller then I'd do so.

Cutecat78 · 07/07/2016 11:26

1 glass of wine and Codeine is not going to result in a drug overdose.

1/2 bottle of vodka and Codeine may equal an overdose.

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 07/07/2016 11:26

You'll probably feel more woozy so don't drive home even if you've just had one glass.
I think the best advice is to miss a couple of doses on the evening you go out. You could also water your wine down with soda water or something to make it last longer.

Enjoy your night out.

BeyondVulvaResistance · 07/07/2016 11:27

It's technically true - paracetamol is metabolised in the liver as is alcohol, so if you have unknown liver problems it could cause you to keel over.

StrictlyMumDancing · 07/07/2016 11:29

Oh yes ilost I was just about to suggest the same. I've done that on a few nights out before when I've had to take pills. Bought a small glass (or mini bottle if they sell them) of wine and a glass of lemonade, added a small amount of the wine to the lemonade enough to give some taste. Then for the rest of the night bought lemonade until I'd run the wine out. Gave the illusion of drinking without having too much alcohol

EveOnline2016 · 07/07/2016 11:30

Cutecat can you 100% guarantee that.

EveOnline2016 · 07/07/2016 11:31

I just think it's silly to put your Heath at risk for the sake of a drink.

Original poster

pippinandtog · 07/07/2016 11:31

You have all given very sensible and balanced advice, as I knew you would.
Think I will give the alcohol a miss and start tailing off the co-codamol, too, although that's a different issue.

OP posts:

BorpBorpBorp · 07/07/2016 11:31

I would, and sometimes do (with co-codamol 8/500), and not just a small glass of wine.

It's the paracetamol that's the problem rather than the codeine, because paracetamol and alcohol are both hard for the liver to process. If your liver is generally fine, I wouldn't worry about having a small glass of wine, but try to space out the wine and the co-codamol. It takes an hour to process one unit of alcohol, so try to wait 2 hours or so after your glass of wine before you take the co-codamol, and wait at least a couple of hours after taking the co-codamol before drinking.

AndNowItsSeven · 07/07/2016 11:32

I take codeine long term 30 mg four times I day. I don't drink very often but ever now and then I will half to a third of a bottle of prosecco or similar with no issues.
That's over the course of say 4 - 5 hours.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 07/07/2016 11:33

No judgement, honestly, but it just makes me think what a nasty, insidious chemical alcohol really is...

WreckingBallsInsideMyHead · 07/07/2016 11:35

Made my best friend throw up a lot

Why risk it?

MLGs · 07/07/2016 12:09

I've done it. I have them for period pains although I only take them if pains very bad and usually only at night.

At times when I have taken them in the day and then later had a drink it has been ok. Maybe a bit more drowsy that usual. Perhaps don't take them if you have to negotiate public transport afterwards (obviously you wouldn't drive!) but just if having a glass in your house.

MLGs · 07/07/2016 12:11

Also I think it might depend if you have had them often before. First time you take them it completely knocks you out. But if you have them long term it's not quite such a strong effect.

StarryIllusion · 07/07/2016 12:12

Ha! You sound just like me. One smirnoff ice cant hurt. Hardly anything in it I said! I wasn't saying that an hour later when I was heaving my guts up.

PurpleAquilegia · 07/07/2016 12:18

It depends...

How are you with the codeine? Does it make you dizzy, floaty, spaced out or nauseous? If so, the alcohol will increase that.

If you feel normal on the codeine, then a glass of wine isn't going to make a lot of difference. You'll probably just get an enhanced effect. I wouldn't drive, though, even after one glass.

I've been on codeine for decades, and drink alcohol with no problems at all. Codeine is my normal, though, as is drinking alcohol - I know people who are strongly affected by codeine and it wouldn't be a good idea for them to drink.

Enjoy your night out.

DIYandEatCake · 07/07/2016 12:23

I had a small glass of wine after taking cocodamol once (in my early 20s) and projectile vomited all over the doorstep of the pub - horrible experience, and I've never mixed the two since.

kali110 · 07/07/2016 12:40

I used to take 8 a day and still get drunk on occassionS.
My doc would tell me any drugs that i could not drink on.

kali110 · 07/07/2016 12:48

One drug i take my doc was very clear that i cannot drink on it and so does the leaflet.

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