To request more?

Tomatoee · 2025-04-18T15:21:51+00:00

So. i have been struggling with sciatica and when i first went to the GP they gave me some Cocodamol. I requested some more after they had ran out but to do so I had to have a review , at the review I saw a physiotherapist who couldn’t prescribe and he made me do exercises and got the supervising GP to prescribe me some naproxen which I have been taking but they aren’t half as good. He said the others are addictive but I don’t think I care if they can let me carry on my day to day life (I can’t see how they are though as all they do is take away my pain)

ilovesooty · 18/04/2025 16:33

Prescription strength Cocodamol is addictive and tightly controlled. Your sciatica will improve if you do the exercises. Naproxen is an appropriate prescription. I hope you recover soon.

FinallyHere · 18/04/2025 19:24

I’m sorry that you are having to deal with this. Sciatica responds well to exercise, so like PP I’d encourage you to follow their advice.

if you were provided with the stronger prescription drugs, what would be your plan for not getting addicted?

if you do not continue the exercises which will fix it, you would need ever higher doses to manage pain, which would spill over in so many other parts of your life. Do the exercises at least as often as suggested and you will get the relief you seek.

swimming in a warm pool can help too. All the best xx

Theyreeatingthedogs · 18/04/2025 19:40

Strange. When I had severe sciatica I was prescribed co- codamol. They were useless. I asked my GP for something stronger. I got Tramadol. I did not get addicted.

Needtosoundoffandbreathe · 18/04/2025 19:45

I'd rather not take co-codamol as I don't like the way it makes me feel and it can constipate you too. I have e naproxen for my back pain plus physio.

Sirzy · 18/04/2025 19:47

Having been in the position in the past where I became dependent on tramodol your doctors are right in limiting what is prescribed

Original poster

Tomatoee · 19/04/2025 09:35

ilovesooty · 18/04/2025 16:33

Prescription strength Cocodamol is addictive and tightly controlled. Your sciatica will improve if you do the exercises. Naproxen is an appropriate prescription. I hope you recover soon.

To be honest they don’t make me feel good or anything just take away the pain which is essentially what they are for isn’t it?

naproxen does take the edge off but I felt more mobile with the other drug

OP posts:

Evaka · 19/04/2025 09:41

Feel your pain OP. Agree with others that exercise will help. Are you able to get down into low squats and child's pose?

PleaseAndThankYou12 · 19/04/2025 10:51

Sorry you’re in so much pain OP. I sympathise because I’ve got 2 prolapsed discs, which cause me a lot of sciatic pain. I’ve done more physio than you could shake a stick at! I would say though that I still do my exercises each day, even when I’m not in pain. However the magic cocktail from my doctor is tramadol, naproxen & some diazepam as I can’t even sleep with the pain during a bad flare up. Even just one or two days of those and I’m able to get back on my feet.

Original poster

Tomatoee · 19/04/2025 13:29

PleaseAndThankYou12 · 19/04/2025 10:51

Sorry you’re in so much pain OP. I sympathise because I’ve got 2 prolapsed discs, which cause me a lot of sciatic pain. I’ve done more physio than you could shake a stick at! I would say though that I still do my exercises each day, even when I’m not in pain. However the magic cocktail from my doctor is tramadol, naproxen & some diazepam as I can’t even sleep with the pain during a bad flare up. Even just one or two days of those and I’m able to get back on my feet.

I’m just worried to go back and ask in case they think I am just seeking them so I will just deal with the pain I suppose.

OP posts:

ToKittyornottoKitty · 19/04/2025 13:31

Are you still doing the exercises?

Whowhatwhere21 · 19/04/2025 13:45

Please do not just sit quietly and deal with the pain. That isn't fair on you. It's correct that co codamol can be addictive, but I also still see it used daily for years in my line of work, risk of addiction doesn't totally rule out long term use. Unfortunately most pain killers come with the risk of addiction but if the alternative is to be in pain everyday, and watch your quality of life be reduced then what else can you do? If the benefits out weigh the risk, it's worth asking. There are other alternatives available that also come with addiction risk, but are likely more suitable options if this becomes a long term thing. Do the exercises, just don't sit there feeling like you can't ask for help in the form of medication if the exercises aren't benefiting you much

Original poster

Tomatoee · 19/04/2025 14:33

Whowhatwhere21 · 19/04/2025 13:45

Please do not just sit quietly and deal with the pain. That isn't fair on you. It's correct that co codamol can be addictive, but I also still see it used daily for years in my line of work, risk of addiction doesn't totally rule out long term use. Unfortunately most pain killers come with the risk of addiction but if the alternative is to be in pain everyday, and watch your quality of life be reduced then what else can you do? If the benefits out weigh the risk, it's worth asking. There are other alternatives available that also come with addiction risk, but are likely more suitable options if this becomes a long term thing. Do the exercises, just don't sit there feeling like you can't ask for help in the form of medication if the exercises aren't benefiting you much

Honestly if rather be an addict than be in this much pain but I am too scared to ask for them. They only gave me 28 naproxen so I’m guessing I’ll have to go back as they are not on repeat I will just have to tell them that the others worked better

OP posts:

ilovesooty · 19/04/2025 15:40

Are you doing the exercises?

Original poster

Tomatoee · 21/04/2025 18:55

ilovesooty · 19/04/2025 15:40

Are you doing the exercises?

Yes. The physio I saw was so hot and he made me do all the exercises infront of him. I wanted the ground to swallow me

OP posts:

Eggsboxedandmelting · 21/04/2025 18:57

Have you tried a TENS machine op? I had sciatica during pregnancy.. Managed to go camping at 32 weeks wearing one!! Boots hire them out.

Iloveyoubut · 21/04/2025 19:00

Theyreeatingthedogs · 18/04/2025 19:40

Strange. When I had severe sciatica I was prescribed co- codamol. They were useless. I asked my GP for something stronger. I got Tramadol. I did not get addicted.

My mother ended up severely addicted to Tramadol which she was given for cervical spondylosis, so I guess it’s just your luck.

Jabberwok · 21/04/2025 19:14

Good luck with getting anything more. I have arthritis, my hands are constantly agony, I can only really use the middle and ring fingers of each hand...I get some anti inflammatory drug that I can't use for more than a few days at a time due to possible liver damage.

Even the pip assessor said I should get something else.

Hankunamatata · 21/04/2025 22:26

Try the over counter strength of course co-codamol with the naproxen?