How do I deal with this?

[ticketytock1]

Without realising it, I have become addicted to co codamol. I was taking 30/500 once a day, sometimes twice.
3 tablets at night time and 1 or 2 during the day sometimes.

I ran out on Saturday and haven't had any since. I'm in cold turkey and I feel wretched.

I didn't know I was addicted, didn't realise I would run out and haven't prepared for this.

I'm very anxious, sleeping is a problem. I feel very jittery and almost flu like. I can't concentrate and feel very nervous.

Can any of you share your experiences of this? How long did it last for and what have you done to help manage the symptoms.

I'm at work but doing the bare minimum as I'm just about functioning. I have 2 kids so hiding away from this isn't an option. Thanks in advance

When I quit smoking cold turkey it took me about a week for the urges and the twitches to go so not very long in the grand scheme of things :)

I was prescribed Tramadol after major surgery. I only took it for two weeks and not even the maximum dose. I had horrendous withdrawal symptoms. GP's should make people aware of the consequences of stopping these drugs without reducing the dose gradually.

Yes, the thing is - there are a whole range of things that ARE addictive and are well known to be ; prescribed drugs; nicotine; alcohol etc. So when we become addicted why do we feel shame and stigma? It is not a moral failing to become addicted to an addictive substance! Especially when such a substance is legal or prescribed by your GP!

I am just musing, not yelling at you,OP. (Just to clarify).

It's a really really common problem OP, don't beat yourself up. The first week is the worst physically but it's the mental addiction that lasts the longest. Just be strong. It may be best to mention it to your doctor so that if you ever need a painkiller again, they can look for a different type.

I'd try and stick with not taking any more and weathering the cold turkey. Mine lasted about a week , I didn't realise what it was at first and thought I was dying ! I had only been taking them for a couple of months.

GP's dish these out like smarties (tramadol for me ) without proper advice and support , makes me mad .

Thank you all. I spoke to the gp over the phone.. she said the only thing they can prescribe is diazepam but that would be addictive also so didn't. Just advised rest, hot bath and mentioned camomile tea. I'm gonna go get some kalms and herbal sleep aid because I'm beyond exhausted at this stage.
Thank you all for your kind words and support

I actually feel a fair bit calmer after speaking to her and to you all... half the issue may have been built up anxiety so thanks again

Please come back and update how you're getting on in a few days. I'm addicted to codeine also, I take 90g with two paracetamol every 4 hours, I'll sometimes take 120g at night to relax when DS is away to bed. I know I need to stop but I keep telling myself 'just one more repeat prescription then I'll wean myself off' I never do, I'm actually surprised no one at the surgery has noticed how quickly I'm requesting prescriptions. I wake up with horrendous headaches craving it, sometime I'll forget when I'm 'due' them and then the headache starts. I know I'm going to have to endure these headaches when I stop and it's scary.

Oh Rita you are exactly the same as me. I kept telling myself one more script then that's it.
I forgot about reordering this time and found myself with none left at the weekend. I though right that's the choice been taken out of my hands and just didn't realise what was in front of me.

It was in my head that I needed to quit but I ignored the logic and went for the fix.

I will of course keep you updated. What don't you grab the bull by the horns and join me???

Hello Tickity.
Until very recently I worked for a company contracted by our local authority to professionally help people in exactly your situation.
If you can pm me with your postcode I will be happy to reply with people who can support you locally for free.

ticketytock1 I still have loads as I'm half way through a script, once I'm nearly finished them I might give it a try, I'll need to wean myself down I think and not just stop completely.

Yea reduce it gradually. Cold turkey has been tough.

I just told my husband and of course he has been supportive. I'm terrible for keeping things in but I'm glad I got this one out!

I hurt my back a few months ago. The doctor gave me 100 co-codamol and I only used them that night and the following one (so TWO tablets).

The number they give out beggars belief.

Best of luck Op (and Rita).

Same here snow.. they gave them out to me 100 at a time. I know it's. It their fault, they didn't force me to take them but it seems there isn't enough control in place. And if this is as common as appears on this thread, it is probably a widespread issue.

Folks just to let you know it's day 5 and I'm feeling so much better. Tuesday was by far the worst. I've managed to get some sleep and most of the extreme symptoms are gone. I feel a little jittery and anxious at times through the day, but nothing major and certainly manageable. I'm so glad I done it this way.. otherwise I'd be weaning and I know me too well, I'd end up relapsing.
You guys really helped me, thank you so much x

Glad you're feeling better. I had a bad knee injury 4 years ago and think I've still got some of the codeine I was prescribed knocking around. It's shocking how easily they seem to dish them out, particularly the quantities.

well done! I quit smoking 3 months ago after over 25 years but went cold turkey like you.

Has to be done, you can't go on like it for ever. Stay strong!

@ticketytock1 Well done, that's fantastic. So pleased for you. Just make sure your GP puts it on your notes so you're not given it in hospital or anything.

Well done, you should feel really proud of yourself for getting through that. Massive pat on the back.

I'm so pleased you're feeling better . There needs to be much more awareness about addiction to these drugs and doctors should really be monitoring how many they're dishing out.

If a patient is constantly needing pain relief they should be exploring why (I know for some conditions there's no option ). Continually taking painkillers should be a last resort .

• by 'they' I mean the GP , not the patient .

FluffyPersian
No zapain is a brand name.
Wouldn't worry About liver damage, as long as you haven't tAken over the prescribed amount ( what all docs have told me!)
I had to go cold turkey once on this and another pill, the first 3 days were the worst! By day 4 i was fine.
I was fine then to take the odd few when needed.

I've been prescribed it on repeat prescription for nearly three years. I have a high dose but only took at nighttime. Have been feeling terrible lately so had a blood test.
My liver is in a bad way. I'm awaiting a scan and really scared of what damage they might have done.
I took nowhere near the dose stated and it was just a rolling prescription for back ache.

Aw I'm so glad you're doing well ticketytock1 and your symptoms are manageable.

Due to your thread I've made an effort and dropped my evening 'dose' so that's a whole 60mg less I'm taking per day, my head is banging by bed time but I'm sure with small steps I'll get there, so thanks for posting this as it has made me give myself a little kick up the backside.