Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Sounds daft really, but can cocodamol give you a headache ??

37 replies

nutcracker · 08/12/2007 10:49

I have to take them for period pains and I have to make sure I take them regularly from the first sign of pain for about 4 days else I am in absolute agony.

They are working in that I am not really in any pain but they do make me feel a bit light headed and like I have a headache. Seems a bit odd that taking a painkiller can give you a headache, but my mum said she thinks she read that it was a side effect.

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeReindeer · 08/12/2007 10:51

They and other pain killers can give you a 'rebound headache' which comes on when the painkilling effects wear off. Odd, I know. HTH

MrsGrinch · 08/12/2007 10:53

Lots of side effects from the codeine part of co-codamol nutty. It's an opiate and it just doesn't suit some people. What strength are you taking, maybe try the lower one if you can, 10/500 I think.

Original poster
nutcracker · 08/12/2007 11:30

I am taking two 30mg/500mg three times a day.

I can cope with the light headedness, but the headache is starting to annoy me.

My gp said though that I can take ibuprofen on top of the cocodamol, but not keen on doing that.

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 08/12/2007 15:49

If your pain is that bad, then hopefully you have been referred to a gynaecologist?

Original poster
nutcracker · 08/12/2007 15:54

Nope, doc said that it is relativly normal and that if the combination of me being on the pill and the cocodamol should work.

I only have a break every 3 mths because I can't stand to do this more often than that.

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 08/12/2007 17:01

Well - I may be sticking my neck out here, but there are better things than hormones and very strong painkillers, and if I were you I would be keen to see a specialist.

You will be having perods until you are in your late 40s and it is a long time to put up with severe pain.

Poor you - it must be miserable

OhGiveUsAPruniPudding · 08/12/2007 17:05

Have you tried ponstan (mefenamic acid)?

Original poster
nutcracker · 08/12/2007 17:07

Yep, they sometimes work well but then other times don't seem to work at all.

Might give them another go though.

My gp wants me to try the coil but I don't want to. I would like to be reffered, because as I told my gp , having to sit on the floor half way through spreading a peice of toast because I am in agony is not normal.

I am going to go back soon so will mention it again.

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 08/12/2007 17:10

That's the stuff I was trying to think of...mefanamic acid...I don't think it is called ponstan any more.

The other possibility is something like buscopan (antispasmodic).

It just sounds as if the co-codamol isn't ideal. I only took it once in my life and it made me feel so ill. Far too strong for me.

3JinglesandnoBells · 08/12/2007 17:13

nutcracker, have you ever tried Buscopan...in germany it is the highly recommended tablets for things like menstration pain
here a link to a website about it

TinyTimLivesinVictorianSqualor · 08/12/2007 17:27

nutcracker, I may be barking up the wrong tree here, especially as you've seen your GP, but have you had a smear test since the pains first began??
Just wondering because my periods used to be so painful I couldn;t move for hours then I had a smear, they found abnormal cells and removed them, apparently the actual blood coming through my cervix plus the cells was what made the pains.
And, yes co-codamol can give headaches, It's all I can take apart from paracetamol for my severe headaches, abut the midwife said it may give me headaches too

OhGiveUsAPruniPudding · 08/12/2007 17:29

I did not know that about co-codamol
I was taking it recently for terrible headaches and they weren't getting better......
(All resolved now though)

Original poster
nutcracker · 08/12/2007 18:14

I tried sometihng similar to buscopan but not those exact tabs. Will get some though and try them.

I have had regular smears since I was 19 so I don't think it is that. Last smear was erm about 2 years ago i think, but periods pain has been awful for years.

OP posts:
Original poster
nutcracker · 08/12/2007 18:15

Could I take the Buscopan and mefanamic acid ??

OP posts:
JacanneAbox · 08/12/2007 18:25

Some people react bady to codeine I think. I used some stonger codeine tablets when I had a migraine and I had a really funny turn the 2nd and 3rd time I used them - light headed, hot flush - and my head really pounded - I though I was going to have a stroke. I mentioned it to my Mum (whose tablets they were) and she said it happened to her the first time she used them but not subsequent times.

I seem to be okay with ordinary strength - though these don't touch "period headaches".

3JinglesandnoBells · 08/12/2007 21:56

no idea...your best bet is to ask your Pharmacist or GP if you get them on prescription.

Original poster
nutcracker · 08/12/2007 22:18

Am in agony again at the mo but don't know what to take for the best.

Can't even stand up long enough to wash up fgs.

My stomach is so sore and bloated.

OP posts:
3JinglesandnoBells · 08/12/2007 22:33

you poor thing....
really don't know what to suggest

But laying down resting and a hot water bottle might be a good idea...never mind the washing up etc...

Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 09:51

Morning, well last night went from bad to worse until I was curled up in a ball on the floor in agony sobbing. Eventually I managed to get myself upstairs and into bed but i didn't sleep very well.

Have got up this morning and had to resort to the cocodamol once more as I just cann't stand it. Managed to scare the life out of ds by having to crouch down on the floor again midway through doing his cereal.

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 09/12/2007 13:12

There is a condition where the lining of the womb gets thicker than normal and doesn't break down and detach properly during periods. It causes excrutiating pain - just like labour pain.

A relative of mine had this and had very bad period pains. One night she really thought she was dying, and eventually passed what was a perfect, complete "uterus shaped" piece of tissue, which turned out to be the complete lining of her womb.

I will try and find out what they told her when she went to hospital - I know she had some treatment for it. I wish i could remember the name.

You really need to see a specialist - what you are going through sounds horrendous.

TotalChaos · 09/12/2007 13:13

you poor thing. I agree with the others - ask GP to refer you to a gynaecologist.

SantaBeClausImWorthIt · 09/12/2007 13:27

Nutcracker - this really doesn't sound 'normal' no matter what your GP has said. Can you see another GP in your practice?

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 13:48

I am going to tell my gp that I want a refferal. My mum said she thinks they have to agree if you say you want one.

Plus my mum works on maternity and regularly speaks to the gyneas on there and is going to ask their advice.

There is a condition beginning with A which I once read about and thought 'thats me', but I can't remember the name.

OP posts:
MrsGrinch · 09/12/2007 13:53

Was it endometriosis Nutty? If that's what you think you have then you should get a referral. TBH I think the amount of pain that you have should be checked out. That's quite a dose of cocodamol and it's still not hitting the spot.

Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 14:03

I'm not sure now, can't remember, i think I did read about that and identify with alot of the symptoms yes. Alot of people with that have heavy periods though don't they ??

I have virutally non existent periods, sometimes no bleeding at all. Always lots and lots of pain though.

OP posts: