Cocodamol

[TwllBach]

I went to the doctors today about what I have decided is sciatica. He agreed with me and prescribed cocodamol. 3 boxes of the stuff at 30 pills a box. Does that sound right? He told me to come back in a few weeks if the pain persists and he would refer me to a physiotherapist, which is fine, but I'm worried about the cocodamol. The leaflet says that I shouldn't take more than three days worth or I risk addiction, but he has prescribed what is essentially triple the dose. I took one an hour ago and although the pain has gone, I have a headache now and am shivering. But then again it is cold.

you shouldnt take it for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor (which you have done) so you should be ok.

www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Co-codamol.htm

In terms of long term pain relief, it's not as dangerous physically as ibuprofen or aspirin (which can cause stomach ulcers and sever pain if used excessively) but there is the addiction issue.

However, when I had surgery, I was prescribed Solpadol (also codeine based) and although I used it for a few weeks, I was very careful to avoid taking it regularly during the day. I tried to stick to paracetemol until the pain was really bad, and then only took one instead of two.

Tell him it's not working and get the purer codeine that's uncut with paracetamol and send it to me

You will get constipated though.

The important thing to remember with back pain is to keep moving. Doctors favour the painkiller route because it is better to rely on the regular use of painkillers and keep moving so your muscles are able to support the afflicted area rather than to rest and let your muscles seize up. Not moving will cause more problems longer term.

Taking painkillers regularly controls pain far better than waiting until it gets too painful to move. NoWay gives good advice about using paracetamol between Cocodamol doses as one of the side effects can be constipation.

I hope you feel better soon.

I took it once after an operation. I was certainly on it whilst taking it. I also didn't take the warnings of constipation seriously and was nearly in hospital for that. I think it is a dead cert you will be constipated so take preventative measures such as fybogel.

I have had it on repeat for years..the 30/500 one, I wouldn't worry ..(I don't take it every day, only when pain bad)

I'm on 30/500's and have been for a while, no side effects and no sign of addiction yet.

I love MN for this kind of thing I've been googling it but it just doesn't get the same answers!

He did warn me about the constipation but I sort of dismissed it at the time - I will take preventative measures though.

It says on the packet that you can take one or two, I took just the one an the pain has pretty much gone, so I will stick with that for the time being. The pain is much worse during the night and on the days where I'm sitting in the office for 8 - 10 hours, so I will take it around that and then either use paracetamol or grin and bear it :)

Just out of interest, can sciatica be 'cured?'

TwllBach it depends what it causing your sciatica in the first place. Mine was caused by a prolapsed spinal disc in my lower back putting pressure on the nerves and therefore causing the sciatica, so physiotherapy to help heal the slipped disc helped enormously.

You are taking it under medical supervision so the three day thing doesn't apply.

Like mumatron I take the stronger version - I've been on them for 20+ years - I don't think I'm addicted, I do occasionally need to take something stronger instead so I do occasionally go without, but as the other stuff is an opiate would I get withdrawal?