Pain killer side effects?

[tshirtsuntan]

My gp has prescribed naproxen and co-codamol 30/500 for a knee problem. My stomach feels very weird, I have no appetite (No heartburn or indigestion) my problem seems to be constipation . Does anyone know which medication causes this? I'd like to reduce the amount of the one potentially causing this as it's quite uncomfortable! I have left a couple of messages for the gp but no response as yet.

Paracetamol (which is in co-codamol) makes me feel very queasy. I'm not sure how common that is though.

I'm putting money on it being the co-codamol. Contains codeine and paracetamol - the codeine causes constipation. How many are you taking per day? I would go to the pharmacy and ask for lactulose to take, plus increase your fluid intake and try to move about as much as possible (tricky with bad knee, I know). Naproxen can cause indigestion and should be taken with food, so it might be a combination of the two.

The codeine in the Co-Codamol can cause constipation. I hope it eases soon, it can be very uncomfortable.

It's likely to be the codeine.

Thanks all, I'm drinking loads of water (4 litres a day) and eating loads of veg, mainly veggie diet any way. Prescribed 2 tablets 4 times a day but taking one in the morning, one at lunchtime and 2 before bed so half the dose of co codamol. The naproxen is 1 tablet twice a day which seems to reduce the swelling but not really helping with the pain. Am still moving as much as possible, work in a primary school so not moving not an option!. Will try lactulose to try and move things along. I have an injury that has caused a bakers cyst so am awaiting x-ray results to try and establish the cause before physio appointment. Constipation is adding insult to injury.....literally

Try movicol, much better than lactulose. Ground flaxseeds might help too. Glycerin suppositories if it's been a few days. Good luck.

I've been! (Tmi I know) feeling a bit better, have bought tonnes of fruit and veg and some fybogel as the pharmacist recommended trying that first what a relief.

Codeine causes constipation and the naproxen should be taken aftrr food as it can upset the stomach. You can get anti inflammatory gels which may be better.

I take both. Always always have food with naproxen and take a stool softener with the cocodamol. Senna is good too. Naproxen might take a while to make a difference to the pain.

Yes its the codeine - Laxidose/Movical is good (or a tin of beans or prunes)