Best painkillers for very painful period cramps

[loopyloou]

My periods have become more painful with age (now 49 years) and are heavy on days 1 and 2. I've tried Boots period pain relief and Feminax but they don't touch the pain.

Does anyone use painkillers with codeine and which would you recommend?

I'm aware that codeine is addictive, but would only be taking them for 1 or 2 days. I'm very wary of the side effect of constipation, as my IBS causes this anyway, but think it may be worth a try, as I am unable to work when the pain is so bad.

[Stillamum3]

You would be overdosing if you took Two paracetamol and two Nurofen together as the Nurofen contains paracetamol too - maybe I'm misunderstanding here, but do be careful!

[horendouspain]

My GP prescribed me mefenamic acid and I was so surprised by it, I only took two tablets but that two really bulldozed through the pain throughout the whole time I was on my period. That drug is very strong compare it to cocodamol and feminax I would rate mefanmic 100!

[wowbutter]

I take mefenamic acis as soon as it starts, and that helps. I alternate that with paracetamol and codeine mixed.
Angus cast us can help regulate your cycle.

[lljkk]

ps: have you actually tried the mefenamic acid?

self help, things like losing weight & more exercise are supposed to help some people.

[lljkk]

(ZOMBIE)

If injection meant no pain I'd go back to injections.

[Julie3371]

Hi please advice. I stopped contraception ( injection) 6 months ago as my partner had a vasectomy which is amazing! Im 45. However...i am in total agony for about 14 days before my periods even make an appearance! Boobs agony, back agony, low severe cramps, night sweats!! Really awful after actually no periods for 6 years! I take cocodomol 30_500s a couple of ibuprofen in between and doc has prescribed mefemenic acid for heavy bleeding..( flooding more like!) Anyone else have this? The pain is like being about 8cm dilated during contractions! As soon as it comes its a huge release! I cant bare it! And cannot possibly stay off work but as i work with kids when they fling themselves against me....omg....the pain! Appreciate any tips or herbal remedies tried please im a single mum of a 10 and 13 year old boys ...cannot even rest ! Feeling exhausted as im not sleeping either. Thanks

[Polkadotties]

I use mefanamic acid. I don't take it before I only take it when the pain starts. Not all my periods are the same, some I hardly feel, some I want to die. I would rather not take the painkillers if I don't have to so don't until I feel pain.

[trudi1990]

i get really bad periods none of this works for me i have really bad symptoms such as vomiting and fainting the doctors wont even look into it

[trudi1990]

i get really bad periods none of this works for me i have really bad symptoms such as vomiting and fainting the doctors wont even look into it

[trudi1990]

i get really bad periods none of this works for me i have really bad symptoms such as vomiting and fainting the doctors wont even look into it

[MotherOfSoupDragon]

Sorry to hear that Solid, it's miserable, isn't it? Especially knowing it will come round again and again. Try 2 paracetamol (of 500 dose)and 2 ibuprofen (of 200 dose) at the same time. It worked for me with a hot water bottle last month.

[SolidGoldBrass]

Just signing in with fellow-feeling. First period for about 6 months and I am utterly miserable: my belly hurts, my back hurts, my chuff hurts and my ringpiece hurts. I have had a paracetamol but it's not done much. Might try some whisky instead.

[MotherOfSoupDragon]

Thanks I have seen my gp and a specialist about this. They have prescribed mefanamic acid but I haven't tried it yet due to the side effects.

[orangeflutie]

You could talk to your doctor if pain is really bad. I've been prescribed codeine sulphate and paracetamol for endometriosis. You absolutely have to take movicol alongside the codeine to avoid constipation and your doctor would probably prescribe this at the same time.

[VenusDeWillendorf]

Take mefanamic acid, or Ponstan as its branded.
It's an anti proglandins iirc, so should stop the clotting and cramping.

OTC stuff is ok, but I think you should have an appontment with your GP and gynae, to rule out other disease, like endometriosis, or anything else nasty.

[loopyloou]

Thanks TOTM started Monday and I took 2 ibuprofen and 2 paracetamol at the same time every 6 hours and kept the pain under control Much better than last month.

[nannyafrica]

Sorry not been on computer for a few days
www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/857.aspx?CategoryID=73&SubCategoryID=103
NHS says you can and I do.

[loopyloou]

Is that safe, Nanny? I will give it a try

[nannyafrica]

Trying taking the Paracetamol and Ibuprofen at the same time, not one then the other 4 hours after, this working for me.

[loopyloou]

Thanks missbopeep, I'll search for them

[missbopeep]

On a completely different note there are some simple yoga poses which are supposed to help with cramps. I can't begin to try to describe them and know you can't do them in an office setting but if you google you'll prob find them.

[loopyloou]

I have tried taking ibuprofen and paracetamol alternate every four hours, but when the pain is really bad it doesn't touch it. I literally am doubled over with pain and can only bear it with a very hot hot water bottle curled up tight in bed - not ideal for work!

[Iheartcrunchiebars]

Two paracetamol and two norofen taken every 4 hours even through the night. Lifesaver.

[pombal]

I have endometriosis and always find a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen good for bad period pain x