Anyone with a codeine problem- you are not alone!

[zedfaca]

I'm just investigating this because I think I've got myself into a bit of a painkiller pickle. I realised when I started hiding my tablets and visiting more than one chemist in a day. I don't know how to stop. They're like my cigarettes. I used to have them with caffeine tablets every morning before work and now that I have a baby, I just can't seem to get by without them. I'm not kidding myself that I'm in pain. I'm just so exhausted, I need them to boost me through the day. And then I think, I can't go through a flu like withdrawal because I need to take care of my baby. I try to cut down but then I have a bad day and ruin it. I can't speak to my doctor. I don't want to get a name as a bad mum. I'm not off my face ever but I just don't know what to do without my nice tablets.

I've just been researching this and it seems to be very, very common. I just wanted to let any of you out there like me, that you aren't the only one. It just creeps up on you before you realise and it's so hard to stop.

Don't feel you have to reply if this sounds familiar. I just want this for others to find.

zedfaca I think you're right, it is very common. My DH used to take solpedine every day (2 tablets a day) when I first got together with him. After I pointed out that the solpedine was giving him the headache, rather than curing it, he stopped taking it.

But that was 2 a day. You sound as though you're taking more? I'm wondering why you feel you can't speak to your doctor about this? If you really feel that you can't, why don't you make an appointment with a Dr. in a nearby town?

Good luck with stopping the codeine.

Codeine is really difficult to get off. I take them for chronic lung pain associated with my disease because I cannot take anti-inflammatory painkillers and paracetamol barely touches it, so my consultant prescribed co-codamol 30/100. I can take up to 8 pills a day but really try not to, but I have to say I am noticing now that even on less painful days I still 'need' the codeine, so am beginning to worry about an addiction, which is like you say, it creeps up on you. I do go days where I have no pills but then the headache starts and I get jittery then need them to feel better. This is not good, I know, but I don't know what to do, because without them the pain gets to much to handle and it is the only painkiller which will do anything.

I do hate the zombie-like effects though, they prevent me from driving when I'm on a lot, which is a pain, and make me sleepy and less energetic. But I feel stuck in a cycle, and don't know what to do about it. So I'll join the codeine club :(

I just feel like the doctor either won't be sympathetic and think I'm exaggerating or will think I can't take care of my baby, which I can.

I'm taking 8 a day of the 8/500. I get the headaches and feel jittery if I try to stop too. They don't really do much anymore but it's got to the point now where I feel like I have to take them. And also where sometimes I'm not sure I want to stop, even though I know I do!

They're just so addictive and easy to get hold of.

It's not good, is it?

It's a recognised addiction and I think your doctor will be very sympathetic, but if you're worried, there must be organisations you can get some professional advice from. Perhaps this site could help? (sorry if trying to teach my granny to suck eggs)

I currently take 8 30/500 a day, it's harsh but needed atm. I'm dreading trying to wean myself off them. But do go see your doctor nobody will think you are a bad mother.

Good site culture, seems like this is quite a common problem then.

Ferret, hope you don't have to be on them too long, I know well how they soon get addictive and getting off them hurts.

Just wanted to say another one here for whom it crept up on. Same as ABF and backed up with Tramadol. I was taken into hospital and weaned off them slowly. That as 8 years ago. The trouble was I was put on antidepressants equally addictive (Amitriptyline). I weaned myself off them and the damage it has done to my body is permanent.

It's terrible that this particular addiction is seen as shameful. Desperate people don't seek the help they need.

That's somehow a more positive way of looking at it for me Leonie. I am dependant on many drugs to keep alive, like you, and that is just another - not to keep alive, but to keep the pain relatively under control. Problem is I suppose that I know on days the pain is not bad I still need them. However, I don't need to increase the dose, so the 'addiction' is not developing - I see what you mean.

Still need to work on lowering the dependency - how did you do it? :)