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Best painkillers for very painful period cramps

39 replies

loopyloou · 29/08/2013 10:59

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.

OP posts:
MotherOfSoupDragon · 05/10/2013 23:05

Thanks Smile 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.

SolidGoldBrass · 07/10/2013 21:14

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 · 07/10/2013 21:43

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.

trudi1990 · 02/10/2016 22:05

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 · 02/10/2016 22:05

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 · 02/10/2016 22:05

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

Polkadotties · 02/10/2016 22:14

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.

Julie3371 · 27/02/2017 16:07

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

lljkk · 27/02/2017 21:04

(ZOMBIE)

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

lljkk · 27/02/2017 21:05

ps: have you actually tried the mefenamic acid?

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

MridulaD · 30/04/2017 19:49

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wowbutter · 30/04/2017 20:00

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.

horendouspain · 13/05/2018 01:58

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!

Stillamum3 · 13/05/2018 03:04

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!

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