Do I have an addiction?

[lionlion]

Probablly if I'm asking the quesiton I know the answer... But I get chronic headaches and at the moment nearly every day. So most days I take one solpadeine, some days two and some days as three solpadeines per day - these are the ones that contain codeine and have a warning that shouldn't be taken for three days or more. I am concerned about going to doctor as I don't want to be branded as an addict, but equally perhaps someone out ther e- a GP - can tell me if they think I should do something - and what? - at this stage. It's s o hard living with constant pain... Especially when have to be on the ball with the kids... Thanks in advance...

Not a GP but I know someone addicted to solpadiene (sp?) and my friend has a huge use of paracodal.

Please go to your GP - I'm sure they've heard it all before.

The codeine might be causing your headaches!

Gradually reduce the dosage and try ibuprofen perhaps.

When you have a dependence on painkillers your body will make up pain to make you take more.

I rely on painkillers for a long term thing but every now and then I do a big cold turkey to get rid of the physical dependence.. its horrendous pain but stops after a few days.

You probably should see your doctor though really.. they've seen it all before.

Found this:
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Painkillerheadaches.aspx

That link was very useful, thank you. I think I do need to cut down and I think it may be rebound headaches - so it's just finding the strength to do so...

Do you have someone who could be with you and the kids for the first 3 or 4 days of stopping the pills, so you have a bit of support/you could hole up in bed if you feel truly awful.

I have done four days recently - so it was OK, it was just a case of trying to accept the pain as when rely on pain killers get so used to using them whenever start to feel pain. Think will try again. Irritatingly I go back to work in a couple of weeks from maternity leave so it's not ideal time, but equally would rather try and knock this on the head. Am seeing GP tomorrow. I want to talk to them generally about my headaches so perhaps she can give some advice.

Huge risk you have headaches caused by analgesic. You may indeed be 'addicted ' but your GP will help you. You may need referral to someone who can help, maybe even a chronic pain clinic but go to your GP. Soon.

Hi,

i found myself taking more and more solpadeine, same as you i started taking them for migraines/headaches they kick in so quick that i eventually was taking them to prevent a headache coming on.

i cut down at first by taking half doses and dropped that again day by day till eventually i realised i hadn't taken any one day so carried on that way and id never take one again ever. Very easy to become reliant on and to be honest i haven't had many headaches since.

I had a very painful tooth problem once and started taking soluble paracetamol and codeine,I got the tooth problem sorted and continued with the meds for about two years because I was getting headaches,which I now know were rebound headaches.

Started off,one single tab and graduated to 8 a day seven days a week.I went to my GP told him about the medication and he told me to stop taking them immediately as they were the cause of my headaches.
I did wean myself off them slowly and never take them now unless I absolutely have to.

One side effect of the meds was liver damage,which fortunately has now healed as well.