Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Addiction support

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

Original poster

I'm day 2 of codeine withdrawl

99 replies

FrisbeeParty · 04/08/2019 13:02

I've nc because everything about my life is a contradiction to this. Please excuse grammar etc because right now I feel like I'm having the worst case of flu ever, which is made worse by restless legs.
I've been in denial for so long. I was prescribed cocodamol 30/500 4 years ago for probable fibromyalgia. But I've been abusing them and just take them for how lifted I feel. On friday I had a wake up I phoned the surgery to see if my prescription had gone to my local chemist to be told as it had only been 10 days the doctor would not issue it. I had 4 tablets left from 100. At first I thought no problem I will go to two different chemists and buy cocodamol from one and nurofen plus from the other and take 4 of the nurofen plus and 2 cocodamol. Then I looked at the kids who were waiting to go to the beach and were so happy. It dawned on me that this is addict talk. So I took 2 cocodamol at 1 on friday afternoon and I haven't taken anything since. I don't drink alcohol ever or smoke so it's crazy how this has become me.
So far the rest of Friday was ok in terms of withdrawl I was thinking about them constantly though.
Saturday was tough in the morning but I managed to take the children to the cinema ar dinner time and didn't feel too bad. I started to get ahead of myself and think maybe I wasn't addicted. But by tea time I couldn't stop sneezing my whole body was aching and my nose was like a tap. I hardly slept last night every hour I was up and my legs were driving me crazy.
Today well fuck me what the fuck is happening my stomach is in agony I'm sweating and my tongue is covered in ulcers. The sneezing is so intense it's honestly like the time I had flu.

So husband took the children out for the day and I've watched a film on the sofa (the vanishing with kiefer sutherland it was bloody good). I'm living off tiptops, squares of bournville and ready saltes pringles.

There's no going back now I will never take another tablet again. Husband is phoning the surgery tomorrow and telling them.
I know this isn't the recommended way to do this but I needed to act on my feelings at that exact moment and make this decision. Thanks to anyone who has read my jumbled crap and to anyone else suffering from an addiction fuck this is hard but we are worth more and we can do this.

OP posts:
MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 05/08/2019 22:48

Sounds like you're over the hurdle 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Would you consider trying Bach Flower Rescue Remedy for Night Time? You can get it in Boots. I find it helps me, but tbh I don't think I've had it for the last 3 nights.

PotterHead1985 · 05/08/2019 23:56

@FrisbeeParty I haven't found the code or helps me sleep. At least not in a long time. Copious amounts of wine does but that's not good either.

PotterHead1985 · 05/08/2019 23:56

@FrisbeeParty I haven't found the code or helps me sleep. At least not in a long time. Copious amounts of wine does but that's not good either.

PotterHead1985 · 05/08/2019 23:56

@FrisbeeParty I haven't found the code or helps me sleep. At least not in a long time. Copious amounts of wine does but that's not good either.

PotterHead1985 · 05/08/2019 23:57

Gah. Mumsnet is still broken I see.

Original poster
FrisbeeParty · 06/08/2019 06:51

@MilkTwoSugarsThanks good call on the flower rescue I will try and get some today.
I slept ok I was awake several times but it was ok. Feeling much brighter today not desperately wanting a tablet. Smile

OP posts:
BackInAtLast · 06/08/2019 07:27

Great work @FrisbeeParty I have fibro and have just come off amitryptaline (it was making me feel like a zombie in the day), which although apparently not addictive, has dependency issues....I'm two weeks down the line and am much better. I also had a day during the first week that was dreadful, but it sounds like you have gone through that barrier, well done.

I also have restless legs and use magnesium spray and Epsom salts baths but am certainly finding it's really hard to sleep without amitryptaline. If anyone has other suggestions to help OP and me with that...?

I had a back injury many years ago and looking back, I was addicted to diclofenac sodium and co-proxamol. I also came off those and have never taken either since, or anything with codeine. You got this!

BackInAtLast · 06/08/2019 07:27

Great work @FrisbeeParty I have fibro and have just come off amitryptaline (it was making me feel like a zombie in the day), which although apparently not addictive, has dependency issues....I'm two weeks down the line and am much better. I also had a day during the first week that was dreadful, but it sounds like you have gone through that barrier, well done.

I also have restless legs and use magnesium spray and Epsom salts baths but am certainly finding it's really hard to sleep without amitryptaline. If anyone has other suggestions to help OP and me with that...?

I had a back injury many years ago and looking back, I was addicted to diclofenac sodium and co-proxamol. I also came off those and have never taken either since, or anything with codeine. You got this!

BackInAtLast · 06/08/2019 07:27

Great work @FrisbeeParty I have fibro and have just come off amitryptaline (it was making me feel like a zombie in the day), which although apparently not addictive, has dependency issues....I'm two weeks down the line and am much better. I also had a day during the first week that was dreadful, but it sounds like you have gone through that barrier, well done.

I also have restless legs and use magnesium spray and Epsom salts baths but am certainly finding it's really hard to sleep without amitryptaline. If anyone has other suggestions to help OP and me with that...?

I had a back injury many years ago and looking back, I was addicted to diclofenac sodium and co-proxamol. I also came off those and have never taken either since, or anything with codeine. You got this!

BackInAtLast · 06/08/2019 07:28

Great work @FrisbeeParty I have fibro and have just come off amitryptaline (it was making me feel like a zombie in the day), which although apparently not addictive, has dependency issues....I'm two weeks down the line and am much better. I also had a day during the first week that was dreadful, but it sounds like you have gone through that barrier, well done.

I also have restless legs and use magnesium spray and Epsom salts baths but am certainly finding it's really hard to sleep without amitryptaline. If anyone has other suggestions to help OP and me with that...?

I had a back injury many years ago and looking back, I was addicted to diclofenac sodium and co-proxamol. I also came off those and have never taken either since, or anything with codeine. You got this!

Original poster
FrisbeeParty · 06/08/2019 09:49

@BackInAtLast I've ordered the bach rescue remedy night from amazon it's coming tomorrow I'm going to try that to help with sleep. Also have found a sleep hypnosis app. The restless legs are the pits.

OP posts:
Roomba · 06/08/2019 10:11

It's madness I'm the most straight person you could meet I don't even drink caffeine yet here I am going through technically cold turkey.

Codeine addiction is a massive problem in this country. Frequently amongst very 'straight' responsible mothers who barely drink and wouldn't dream of taking anything illegal. They keep taking cocodamol or Nurofen Plus (or both) to 'take the edge off' or because of pain issues. Then they find it very hard to stop, as when is it convenient to spend a week or two not sleeping, running to the loo, feeling like you're having a breakdown and having restless legs when you have kids to deal with, work to go to etc? You can't just drop everything and do cold turkey so it starts to feel impossible. Then you end up like the MNer who suddenly began throwing up pints of blood and almost died (the ibuprofen not the codeine, ironically).

Hot baths can be helpful for the legs - but possibly not v appealing in the middle of summer. it sounds as though things are improving though, it can take a while for sleep to get back to normal.

Original poster
FrisbeeParty · 06/08/2019 10:20

@Roomba that is terryfying, throwing up pints of blood! I definitely think I'm over the worst and I'm relieved it hasn't dragged out too long. But it's been tough and I doing complete withdrawl isn't right for everyone but I had to act on the impulse to stop right away. This has scared me so much I'm definitely going to look into having it put on my records that I'm not to be given anything remotely addictive again.

I'm now prescription free this is so nice to say.

OP posts:
Orlandointhewilderness · 06/08/2019 10:23

You are all amazing, I'm in complete awe of anyone who manages to give up things like this.

Orlandointhewilderness · 06/08/2019 10:23

You are all amazing, I'm in complete awe of anyone who manages to give up things like this.

Dec2019mumtobe · 06/08/2019 12:14

Well done OP. For restless legs, I swear by weight! I get DH to put his legs over mine or look for something heavy to put on top of the quilt - like another thicker blanket (easier when it isn't so warm at night). I also find raising them helps too. I will fold up my pregnancy pillow and stuff it at the end of the bed to elevate my legs.

What about trying a massaging tool too? I have one by Lloyd's with infrared heat - it vibrates with different attachments - it was about £20. Sometimes I rub that over my legs for a bit of relief.

Lastly, drink lots and get a good multivitamin - you might find that helps a ittle.

ashtrayheart · 06/08/2019 22:45

I use magnesium spray for restless legs

Original poster
FrisbeeParty · 07/08/2019 06:45

@ashtrayheart I will look in holland and barrett today.
I took the children swimming yesterday afternoon and I felt ok just a little tired. Slept better last night I'm controlling the legs a little by being on my side but putting a rolled up duvet between my legs because it's worse if one leg touches the other with bare skin Confused.

OP posts:
slipperywhensparticus · 07/08/2019 06:59

Magnesium for restless legs I find the boots dissolved tablets the best and for your feet aloe vera gel or and foot cream with peppermint in it

Good luck

Roomba · 07/08/2019 12:14

You're doing absolutely brilliantly - well done for recognising the problem and making a good decision to stop. The receptors in your brain will return to normal slowly and it sounds like things are improving if you managed to get some sleep.

I'm impressed you managed to go swimming! Exercise helps though as it encourages your body to start making its own endorphins again rather than relying on artificial ones.

GoodStuffAnnie · 07/08/2019 18:19

Well done!! You are so impressive. You should be vvv proud.

I use twinings I can make you sleep tea bags. For not sleeping.

Keep going!!!

Original poster
FrisbeeParty · 07/08/2019 20:09

I shouldn't have ever let it get to this but I feel so proud of myself today. I took the train to the cinema with the children and we had such a lovely day out. I've felt completely in control of my emotions.

My rescue spray came and I sprayed it on my tongue without realising it contains some sort of alcohol? Oh my gosh did it sting my ulcers I had to dip my tongue into a glass of water. I've now got some alcohol free rescue remedy sleep spray from tesco which tastes so good Grin
@GoodStuffAnnie I will try and get some sleep tea bags tomorrow.
To anyone who wants to do this, honestly you are stronger than you think.

OP posts:
Dapplegrey · 08/08/2019 16:44

Well done op

GoodStuffAnnie · 08/08/2019 19:01

Well done Frisbee. Onwards and upwards.

Original poster
FrisbeeParty · 09/08/2019 16:49

It's been a week! I can't believe it, this time last week I was in some state of complete despair. Now I'm not craving them at all. Thank you everyone Smile

OP posts: