I'm withdrawing from codiene

[HaveALittleFaithBaby]

...and it's pretty vile. I've been taking it for 4 weeks for pain that put me in hospital for over a week -?renal colic/?kidney infection. I'm freezing, feel sick and my stomach is doing cartwheels! I'd just really appreciate some hand holding and encouragement that it won't last very long!

Technically you could do that but just Leave out the paracetamol as you don't need it. The withdrawals will be coming from the codeine not the paracetamol.

You need to get your pain sorted first tho before you reduce at all.

Just a quick update: I went back to the doctors because my pain was so bad. I've had another Course of antibiotics which have made a nassive difference. I'm gently withdrawing from the codiene. I managed about 5 days taking 15mg one dose (the rest 30) but today, the last day of antibiotics, I've only taken 15mg all day! Pain hasn't flared and I've had no major side effects. I've also got loads more energy :) so I think I'm on the mend, finally! Thanks to everyone for advice and encouragement.

Congratulations on your improved health and your withdrawal from codeine . I didn't realise it was so addictive until your thread .

Thank you trumpton! Yes even co-codamol over the counter they tell you to only take it for three days! Now that I think I'm over the worst of my symptoms it's been much easier to drop it down, but slow and steady is definitely the best way!

Glad it's working. I suspect the withdrawals are more manageable now you don't need the codeine to manage your pain!

Fix the problem... no pain... simples!

Definitely! I realise in retrospect I was still not well when I tried to withdraw initially. Finally think this lot of antibiotics has finally got on top of it. I'm not ready to stop the codiene completely yet but at least I know I can drop it down gradually! Thanks for your advice dor!

Just doing my job ;)

never knew codeine was addictive...oh dear i have been on it for years and havent had any for a couple of days..wondering why i was feeling unwell and ransacking the house for them....i have no option to not take them..the benefits outweigh the odds

n my case may i say just before ev1 jumps on me

If there are good reasons for taking codeine then that's fine but it needs to be approved by your GP and reviewed regularly. Long term codeine use can cause some problems.

doormat yes keep taking it until you can see your GP. I was taking 30mg four times a day. My GP gave me 15mg tablets so that when I started dropping down I could do it very slowly - started taking 15mg with my tea time dose. If you think you're ready to stop, based on my experience, definitely go to your GP!

friends and havealittle i see gp every 3 weeks, and it isnt prescibed for pain but for another reason...dont really want to go into too much detail but i have to take them..in my case the benefits of codeine outweigh the odds...but if codeine was prescribed for pain relief for other posters, and seing how addictive it is..i would advise to find another method of pain relief..

I've been on very strong pain medication since I was 20, (nearly 6 years now) that has included morphine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, etc.
When I've had to cut down / reduce because of constant vomiting and other problems, I can find myself getting withdrawal effects.

If you have been on opiate pain relief you are bound to have withdrawals. Its to be expected.

72 hours codiene free! Back to work Monday

Hurray! Well done