To be a bit concerned about what the lady at the pharmacy said

[Lalalalas]

So My friend recommended co-codamol for period pains, since have had my coil put in, my periods have become so much more painful. I asked the lady behind the counter if they were good and she said "I don't know, I wouldn't take them if you paid me". What was the reason for this? now I dont know if I should take them.

They can be highly addictive

Why would they sell something like that?

What a weird thing to say
They're a good pain reliever

Lots of drugs are highly addictive.

Addiction.

My aunt got addicted to them.

Used to drink soluble like cups of tea.

Addictive how? if I take them will I become an addict'?

Sorry, I am just really confused and suffer massively with OCD and cannot rationalise this at all.

Who knows, some people don’t like taking any form of drugs. Co-codamol has some issues with addiction if used long term so maybe she’s worried out things like that. Or it’s known to cause constipation issues in some people so maybe that’s her worry . You’ll only really know by asking her.

Seems a bit dramatic - not very professional either. They can indeed be addictive but are fine if you're careful. I take them from time to time but they are very much my last resort and I'm careful not to take them for more than a couple of days

I think I might just leave it. My friend said thy were great so I just assumed they were a good painkiller.

It's only 8mg of codeine with 500mg paracetamol. It's meant for short term pain relief, and unlikely to lead to dependence if taken a few times a month. Not sure why that assistant said that as it's not professional.

They are known to be addictive and cause massive constipation issues and can make you feel spaced out…

like any drug if used responsibly - they are valid pain relief and have their place.

If used occasionally - with caution / awareness they may be helpful .

Inappropriate remark from them. HOWEVER, if you look at a thread like:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/substance_addiction_/4696497-im-on-day-3-of-no-codeine-i-feel-dreadful-cutting-down-from-30-per-day

You might get an inkling why they have a bad rep.

As long as you don’t take them for more than three days and follow the dosage instructions, you are very, very likely to be okay, if slightly constipated and drowsy. So drink plenty, don’t drive if feeling at all sleepy, and take only a small amount for a short time.

I should have asked her why but I was in a bit of shock

Jesus Christ! 30a day!

They're addictive and will cause constipation if have thought. It's codeine at the end of the day

That ^^

I took 30mg dihydrocodeine 4 times a day for a year and still not addicted
If you have a history of addiction then I wouldn't take it but otherwise there's no reason not to

The over the counter Co-Codamol is a very low dose of codeine. Ignore her.

It can make you constipated though, so be aware of that.

It was highly unprofessional of her to say sick a thing, frankly.

You’re only supposed to take them for (IIRC) 3 days at a time. My GP recommended them when I had shingles. I stuck to the instructions and was fine.
For just a few days for period pain I don’t see the problem - as long as you’re not tempted to take them for longer.

It was highly unprofessional of her to say that and it sounds like your OCD is making you massively overthink it.

Co-codamol can be addictive, yes. But millions of people take it periodically for short-term pain relief without being addicted. I'm an actual addict (recovering alcoholic) and I wouldn't hesitate to use co-codamol for severe pain sporadically. You don't get addicted just for taking it for a couple days to manage pain.

That said, if I was having such bad period pains that I needed to take co-codamol, I'd probably consider a different form of bc, as the co-codamol can make you drowsy and I wouldn't want to spend 3-7 days a month feeling woozy.

I am not going to take it. I am too scared. I dont think I have an addictive personality but who knows, by then might be too late.

Co-codamol contains codeine, which is an opiate (as is morphine and heroin). The over the counter co-codamol contains a small dose of codeine and is for short term use really. It is an addictive substance but taken sensibly and as directed is perfectly safe.

Though for period pain, I would alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen in addition to gentle exercise and hot packs before I went to co-codamol.

Addictive due to the opioid content, however the OTC ones are really not that strong.

Sorry it's addictive as it is an opioid, a milder but similar drug to morphine etc. the body becomes tolerant to them so you need higher doses for same effect her time. Also if you take them for a period of time your body will have withdrawal effects from them, albeit much milder than say off morphine. However if you simply take them for 1 day a month then you'll be fine it's more if it's prolonged use op

If you use it short term it should be fine. I’ve taken them for a 2 day spell after a shoulder muscle strain. Nothing else comes close to tackling severe pain, and I think the instructions on the packet say no more than three days?

You can’t take them regularly like paracetamol because of the risk of addiction.

Lots of things are sold in pharmacies that you have to get careful with. They’re safe if you follow the instructions - but possibly not if you ignore them.

On a separate note, if the coil is having this side effect, aren’t you considering removing it? There’s no way I would have had one of these inserted.

Try mefanemic acid for period pain (I can't spell it!). I personally wouldn't take codeine.