I need help (prescription drugs)

[itsjustsoeasy]

Please don't give me a kicking :( I've needed to post this but not felt strong enough for months, even years.

I'm prescribed a variety of drugs. I had a fucked up, abusive, dysfunctional childhood and now suffer the psychological results. I also suffer chronic pain and disabled.

I've been taking opiates for a decade, and other addictive meds, but it's the opiates that are the problem. I'm often taking around five times the normal dosage a day. At first it was the pain provoking it, and many years later it's still the pain, not seeking a high that drives it. I will admit on rare occasions there is a high.

I'm scared to tell my GP as my pain levels are ridiculous and without these drugs I'd be in agony all day, every day. I also don't want "drug addict" on my record, although my GP must assume, they're very astute.

I'm worried about CNS depression as many drugs I take depress it.

Also, I have professional help started very soon, for an assessment at first then to hopefully sort my fucked-up childhood.

I don't even know what happens if I disclose this, to my GP, or to a psych doc.

Please don't kick me

Just be honest with your doctor, it's hard but it will help you. They can help you with addiction. I've had issues with codeine in the past. I used to get withdrawals and would take more to stop it. I was addicted for 3 years. I stopped by using CBD to help with the withdrawal headaches and codeine hangovers. I told my doctor to take codeine off my prescription.

I won't kick you, but I will tell you to see your GP. There are lots of really good painkillers, and if your current mix isn't working at your prescribed dose, they need to change it. There are normal release, modified release, patches, etc.

Codine by any chance?

( I take codine phosphate max dose on Drs advice)
You need to go see your Dr and confess . You have a journeys head, it won't be easy, but you have took the first step by realising. Now you just have to see your Dr. Be kind to yourself .

Speak to your GP so that you can get the help you need. Nothing bad will happen if you disclose this to doctors (as in you won’t be in trouble, if that’s what you meant?).

Thank you.

I've gone from codeine to tramadol (problem drug) and recently changed to modified-release oxycodone (which I Hope might solve the issue, being modified release).

My worry about disclosing is that the drugs will be removed from my prescription and my pain left untreated.

I've been through opiate withdrawal many times, it's really unpleasant and I cannot believe I put myself through it.

They are not going to leave genuine pain untreated, I promise you. They are also unlikely to abruptly stop something that you've been taking in large quantities, they'll wean you down off one drug as they introduce another. Talk to them, they will help.

I've come off all of these several times and it's so so so so pants
I think a long term pain management plan first needed
Then you need to look at tapering down the drugs slowly
And then you need to think about replacement
Can you try amatrptaline for the night time restlessness which is so uncomfortable during the withdrawal

Tell your pain doctor you want to taper off

I also can recommend the London pain clinic Harley st they saved my life
I really feel for you

Could they refer you to a Pain Clinic, who could support you? Kind thoughts, not easy.

Bleh been drs to find my usual GP is on annual leave and didn't feel comfortable so now need to wait a few weeks

I'm not going to kick you. I think it's absolutely understandable. I've 'messed about' with my medication from time to time to get an increased sense of wellbeing. I would hold off telling your Gp until you are in therapy because I would fear getting labelled as a drug seeking patient. If that's on your notes it will affect how you are treated at A&E for example. It could affect the relationship and ability to get repeat prescriptions. You are carrying a heavy load and I think you should explore the issue in therapy before making any rash decisions.
Big hugs - and good luck with therapy. Just please don't hurt yourself before you have the chance to get better xx

Bleh been drs to find my usual GP is on annual leave and didn't feel comfortable so now need to wait a few weeks
That's pants - having plucked up the courage and then find your gp is away.
But, and its a big BUT, you've plucked up the courage once so you can do it again.
Plenty of moral support here when your next are ready to go again.

You're not your!

If you're worried about your GP records, can you consult a doctor privately? Many specialise in drug addiction (including addiction to prescription drugs). You could be seen as an outpatient or check yourself into rehab, confidentially. It's a very common problem and nothing to be ashamed of.

Is your GP prescribing the tramadol or are you buying extra elsewhere? It's a really dangerous drug to overdose on, especially combined with other CNS depressants.

It sounds like it's not keeping on top of your pain. If you don't want to confess all to your GP you could ask for a referral to a pain specialist or the consultant who manages your condition. GP would most likely refer you to your local addiction team who could give specialist advice on weaning off tramadol and onto something more effective/sustained release eg Fentanyl patches.