To ask pharmacy staff on here about buying OTC codiene?

[OrchidPetalsFalling]

I occasionally buy solpadine when I need something stronger as I can’t take ibuprofen.

I always feel really guilty (but I’m the sort of person that feels guilty when a police car passes me!) when they ask questions and talk about addiction.

My question is, do pharmacy staff get a sense for who’s buying it for pain reasons and who’s abusing it? Can you tell?

I know this is for pharmacy staff, but speaking as someone who actually did abuse OTC codeine-containing medication (in my case codeine and ibuprofen) I only once got refused in maybe 5 or 6 years, and that was because I made the mistake of going to the same place once too often - I would usually space my visits out between a number of different pharmacies.

They have to ask the questions to everyone, don't feel guilty. You're buying it for pain, and you only buy it occasionally.

Generally yes.

Red flags for addiction are usually: repeated requests, overly rehearsed excuses as to why they need it, getting irritated/aggressive at more invasive questiong or refusal of a sale.

Sometimes pharmacies will warn each other too, particularly in the case of aggressive or abusive customers.

It actually got so bad at one stage that I just stopped keeping Neurofen plus or Solpadeine in stock. It was easier than repeated confrontations.

Thanks @HarlanPepper I hope you’re better now

Sorry you had to take such crap @TrufflyPig

Thanks Orchid I have since changed to hospital pharmacy so it seems like a lifetime ago.

Don't feel guilty for occasionally purchasing painkillers when you need it, that's why they exist.

I also do not think there is enough help for people with OTC/prescription medication addiction.

I usually keep cocodamol in the house, as there is one person who cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen safely.

I find then when I explain that to pharmacists, they are usually ok (I must sound sensible!) but I had a much, much shorter conversation when buying for me 'I've buggered my rotator cuff and I want to take something a bit stronger last thing at night in the hope of getting some sleep'

I like that no nonsense approach. I’ve probably bored staff with my ongoing wisdom teeth drama

I get this guilt too OP to the extent that I avoid buying it (even though my GP has recommended that I do take it when needed). When I have bought it, I've engaged in a charade where I ask for the pharmacists advice about pain relief even though I know I could just ask for it. Now I'm worried that will be a red flag for them!

I usually always sell codeine with only a few questions asked. It’s pretty obvious if someone is abusing it, but if I personally have only served them once that week there isn’t much I can do. I refused sale once, and the man came back in a few days later and admitted he’d walked to the next pharmacy along.

Opiates are awful to withdraw from, and judging by the sheer amount some people are prescribed by doctors, I can see how addiction occurs.

A box for teeth is never refused. Nothing else will touch the pain.

An infrequent purchase for a sensible reason would not be on my radar at all so don't overthink it.

It's hard to explain exactly what it is, you just get a 'spidey sense' for people misusing OTC products and lying to you after so many years of practice!

@TrufflyPig

Generally yes.

Red flags for addiction are usually: repeated requests, overly rehearsed excuses as to why they need it, getting irritated/aggressive at more invasive questiong or refusal of a sale.

Sometimes pharmacies will warn each other too, particularly in the case of aggressive or abusive customers.

It actually got so bad at one stage that I just stopped keeping Neurofen plus or Solpadeine in stock. It was easier than repeated confrontations.

I think saying getting irritated at refusal to sell is a red flag is a bit harsh. I take ibuprofen/codeine sometimes for migraines and I'd find it irritating if they refused to sell me them because I'd be in pain and they'd be stopping me treating that pain. Being a bit annoyed about that seems perfectly reasonable! The other stuff is fair enough though.

You'd only get the sale refused if it were a repeated request or if it was clinically inappropriate.

Thanks @OrchidPetalsFalling, I am in recovery now.

The one time I was refused, I wasn't irritated or aggressive. I did try to justify myself at first but more out of embarrassment. I could see that the pharmacist was doing her job, and like me, she didn't want a confrontation. I mainly felt ashamed at the position I'd put us both in. Not enough to make me stop of course, at least at first, but it did give me a lot to think about.

I'm not aware of any other time I gave a pharmacist cause to doubt me - I can't read minds - but it was always a nerve-wracking experience. I'm so glad I don't put myself through that any more.