To be worried about Codeine

[TherealKimK]

So I am waiting for an appointment at my GP as my lower back is really playing up at the minute, I dunno if this is part of getting older (im 33). I went to the pharmacy and they gave me some co-codamol which has really helped along with Ibuprofen, I do have quite an addictive personality and the pharmacist did warn me these things could be addictive, I have been taking them for longer than 3 days (only the recommended dosage and would never increase as I am too scared)

Should I worry about this? does anybody else take codeine?

If you’re drug naive and a rapid converter, yes. If you’re a long term user, less so as your tolerance will be high.

When eg addicts get clean their tolerance decreases again relapse can lead to overdose.

I take 30/500 3x per day for 5 days during my period every month and have done for years.
No issues.

Better to find out what's wrong with your back. For a bad back they often give injections of vitamin b

Well they don't start out taking copious amounts, like you they probably start with a prescription for pain and as people have said some people have feelings of well being/get a bit high - which after some time the dosage doesn't give the same effect and so they begin taking more etc etc. Then they reach the stage where stopping causes withdrawal and they are now dependant and taking higher amounts than they started with.

So no you aren't over thinking things and yes you could potentially develop an addiction, but then again as many have said you may not become addicted - although I would imagine that just because you aren't the one who gets addicted/the high feeling, you may still develop withdrawal from stopping. I personally wouldn't take them because there are many addicts in my family so I know the risks from reading so many threads on here.

As long as I stay within the recommended dosages and do not up my intake I should be fine?

I have an appointment with GP on Thursday and worried he will prescribe the stronger stuff, I am going to mention it to him.

Hot water bottle has also been helping. I gained 5 stone in each of my pregnancies and manage to lose all my baby weight but left with this back pain for some reason

To me, its highly addictive and I don't intend to ever take it again if I can help it. I was on it for a long time due to chronic back pain from hypermobility and it ended up being more trouble than it was worth. Clock watching, anxiety, worrying if my script would be ready, not to mention the constipation. I got off it and had serious withdrawal symptoms for about a month. I cope with yoga, paracetamol and improved core strength now. It's not addictive to everyone, but for some people it really is.

OP people on this thread are not able to give you proper medical advice.
I actually think all the people saying 'I've taken it for years with no issues' have been really irresponsible. Its been explained that everyone doesn't react the same or metabolise opiates with the same efficiency.

I'd ring your surgery tomorrow and explain your concerns. Your GP may be able to give you a call back before Thursday.

PawPaw24 · 16/02/2024 13:54

I've been on dihydrocodiene since 2017 and no addiction issues with it

Do they still prescribe that? I was on it in 1999, after a motorbike accident left me with two slipped discs and spinal nerve damage. I knew it was addictive and spoke to the doctor about it and he said that it takes 3 to 6 months to develop a true addiction, but you can get psychologically dependent very quickly.

I have Tramadol, which is much better than Dihydrocodeine, no sour stomach, no constipation.

So, TherealKimK, you are vanishingly unlikely to get addicted in a few days. Talk to your doctor, to put your mind at rest. It's great that you are aware of the dangers and taking steps to avoid addiction!

I thought Tramadol was significantly stronger and more addictive than Dihydrocodeine?

TherealKimK · Today 09:41

I thought Tramadol was significantly stronger and more addictive than Dihydrocodeine?

I don't know, but the longest I've taken it without a break is 3 weeks.

Well and good that you’re trying to be informed, but addiction is a complex issue. Your curiosity can only achieve so much, and is unhelpful if you have anxiety. Get to your GP follow-up appointment for professional advice on getting mobile again.

OP, I gave you an answer on the first page of this thread. The most important factor in whether codeine will become an ADDICTION for you (which means you are pyscologically compelled to take it), is whether taking it gives you pleasurable feelings. If it does you are at risk and should avoid, particularly if as you say, you have an 'addictive personality'.
The most important factor in whether it becomes a DEPENDANCY is how much you take and for how long. Because taking larger doses for long periods will mean your body starts to need it to feel normal. Taken as you've been prescribed it's highly unlikely you will become dependent.
It is possible to form an addiction before you're physically dependent, and its possible to be dependent without being addicted, hence the range of different experience on this thread.
If codeine gives you NO pleasure, then take as prescribed and stop worrying. If it DOES give you pleasure, then don't take anymore and stop worrying.

Are you the same person who got overly worried about a possible cold sore? You have health anxiety. You're not going to end up in a crack den from this.

People are saying stuff like that because the level of anxiety the OP has over a few days of OTC painkillers looks like the actual issue, not the painkillers.