Co-codamol

[NaturalBlues]

This is really hard for me to write and I haven’t told a soul in real life.

On my other threads people have been rude to me so I beg for kindness only please.

I can’t remember when exactly I started taking Co-codamol but it was likely around 5 years ago since the pandemic. It started with nurofen plus but I thought I would change it to co-codamol as I didn’t want to cause stomach issues with the ibuprofen.

The reason I started was because I’m in constant pain, and the codeine took the pain away. Paracetamol and ibuprofen didnt. It has never made me feel high or anything.

Within those 5 years I’ve been on various dosages from hospitals following some serious surgeries etc. this included slow release morphine and oramorph as well as the higher dosages of codeine. I’ve had no issue coming off them. I’ve always stayed within the daily limit and never overdosed.

My usual schedule is 2 Co-codamol in the morning and then I try and wait as long as possible and take another 2 in the evening. Some days when I’m in more pain I’ll take 6 in the 24hr period.

Ive purposely not went abroad because I know certain countries don’t allow codeine-containing products, or you need a prescription. I have a list on my phone, of all the online pharmacies I buy them from with the dates. So I can keep track and make sure I don’t get declined. It all feels very sneaky. I hate it.

As I said before, I’ve never felt high from Co-codamol, it’s for pain-relief. So two days ago I decided I needed to stop for good. I’ve made attempts previously by halving the dosage etc. but failed miserably. I’m on day 3 of cold turkey and I’m feeling okay. I’m in pain but I’ve been trying to distract myself.

I would love for anyone who knows what I’m experiencing to comment below so I don’t feel so alone.

Hi, OP I'm also on co-codomol the higher dose for pain from surgery. (I have adhesions and partial bowel obstructions). I'm also on gabapentin but not sure if does much.

I get big boxes on repeat prescription. I sometimes get comments from some relatives about it but it does help with the pain.

Is there something which is worrying you about the meds?

Thanks for replying. Sorry you’ve not been well. Mine aren’t prescribed. I buy them from online pharmacies. So I really don’t feel like I should be taking them and going to this extent to make sure I have enough and hide it from everyone.

I would say it’s an addiction.

Im fully recovered from all my health issues but day-to-day my pain is headache, jaw pain, throat pain, back pain. It’s debilitating enough to stop me living my life the way I want. Nothing the GP has prescribed me has ever helped. I think I originally started taking them because of the severe hayfever symptoms I had (terrible sore throat and headache) and nothing the GP prescribed helped so I took it upon myself to get Co-codamol.

I don’t think the medication in itself is worrying me, it’s the fact I’m relying on it daily and have done for years, without ever getting medical advice, and how I stockpile it and make sure I always have enough. Hope that makes sense

If the GP prescribed it for you do you think you'd feel better about it, if it does help with the pain?

Or would you rather just stop? Might be worth speaking to the GP, saying it is helping with pain and seeing what they say or if they have some ideas for you.

I've been on mine daily for years as well and they keep prescribing it. I never take more than 2 as on the directions, I had a med review last year

I think it would make me feel less sneaky. They’ve been extremely cautious when prescribing opiates previously saying they would only prescribe short term. It was a real battle getting oramorph after complications from gallbladder surgery. But I do wonder about how those in worse health than me who really need it to just even get up each day, get prescribed opiates long-term. I guess I’m not convinced they would listen to me.

Is it something you’ll be on long term? I’ve purposely not read about side effects of using it long-term.

Thanks this makes me feel better

I was slightly worried about the liver, but they do these yearly liver function tests and they have always been ok.

I have been on it several years, yes

I think it's different if you are taking it for pain and it helps, you are not exceeding the dosage, that is different for just taking it for a buzz and taking more and more of it, for example.

Yeah that’s true

I was put on straight codine for long term pain a few years ago. GP started by prescribing a month's worth at a time, after 6 months of me not showing any addictive tendancy towards them or any side effects I now can get a 6 month supply at a time when ever I need it. As it turns out codine eases all sorts of pains for me.
I don't take them every day, or even every week. But if I have a flare up I can take them regularly for months without any issues.

If you are still in pain, and don't feel addicted to them then I'd definitely just ask your GP to prescribe them for you.

My GP said I could change to codeine if I wanted to but I wasn't sure if it would work as well without the paracetamol. I guess I could ask for them to prescribe them separately

Thank you. What would the signs of addiction be? I feel like me taking them for 5 years daily and using willpower to “wait” for next dose isn't ideal. It’s been approx 72 hours since I last took any and the withdrawals have been bearable, but I’ve had constant diarrhoea, vomiting and sweating, and a headache but that’s nothing new. I would say I’m probably physically addicted, and maybe mentally as I find it a crutch to help get me through each day. I don’t know. Thanks for responding

The hardest part of codeine withdrawal is the inability to sleep. Codeine is a sedative as well as a cough suppressant.

I was put on 30/500 tablets by my doctor 5 years ago for a very bad back. Took 9 months for it to improve but when I tried to taper off the cocodamol, I couldn’t sleep. Restless legs being the worst, fidgeting, not able to relax and lie still. As a result although I no longer take cocodamol for pain regularly unless I have a flare up with my back I take one tablet every night before bed, otherwise I cannot sleep. I think that will always be the case for me now. I wish I’d known that he hire taking them as I wouldn’t have started. It’s been awful.

Hi! Previous codeine addict (since you posted in addiction topic). If you are clock watching for your next dose that’s not really a great sign.

also, the symptoms you mention are very much similar to what I had when I stopped- withdrawal. You may get these anyway if not addicted, just dependent.

if you think it’s a problem and are shopping around different places (been there!), it’s maybe time to think about going to your GP for support.

also, I found I was in so much pain- broken nail? Agony, need some codeine. Headache? Same thing. My pain tolerance was non existent; every single thing was much worse, not sure if was due to the addiction or an excuse I told myself!

not sure if this helps, but if you are taking OTC stuff long term, I don’t think it’s healthy. They always say short term use as you’ll know

P.s I haven’t taken any since I stopped, and I was taking on average 50 nurofen plus a day (I know I know) - went cold turkey, had enough of it and have accepted I will never be able to take them again! Had a very bad back and just got on with it with paracetamol.

had tests with GP due to the levels I was taking and luckily all was fine.

its freeing not being consumed by it, never mind the cost!!!!

My dad gets migraines and this is the only thing that helps him. He takes them every day and has done for 30 plus years. If they relieve your pain then why stop taking them. It's not ideal, but neither is being in pain.

For me the GP said the signs of addiction would be taking ever increasing doses at shorter intervals. If it's something you are worried about I would ask your GP for more in-depth markers. I don't generally have an addictive personality so I wasn't too worried about it.

Generally if I have a flare up I'll take an initial dose of 30mg every 4hrs for a day or two. Then if that is controlling the pain for 4hrs I'll stay there, reducing afternoon and/or bedtime meds to a lower dose. If it doesn't I'll increase to 45 or 60mg dose for the two during the day doses and keep 30mg morning and night. I'll do that for a few days then reassess to reduce back down to 30mg.
This can go on a cycle for 5-10 weeks sometimes. Eventually I'll be only taking 15mg once or twice a day for a week then I'll just stop.

My GP was very happy with this for my needs. They can see from my prescriptions that I'm not taking too much over the time period so they are fine with it.

@scaredofchange123 wow thanks so much for your response, I can relate. I’ve just checked my list of online pharmacies and have a total of 31 on my list currently. I know the laws around them selling it etc. and I can’t even imagine how much I’ve spent so far. The reason I started this thread is because that alone makes me think that I have an addiction, even if I’m “sensible” and don’t overdose by taking 4 a day. Like you say, not a great sign that I’m clock watching. I’ve genuinely not been abroad in 5 years because I knew that I couldn’t go a week without Co-codamol.

You are right about the low pain threshold. I’ve had quite a bit of surgery over the past few years and have responded extremely badly when I come round, IV morphine didnt even touch the sides.

I agree with you about OTC meds long-term, as they’re not prescribed or monitored by a doctor. Hence why I’m on here seeking advice from those that have been through this.

With 50 a day I can only imagine the pain you’ve pain through going cold turkey.

Freeing, exactly that, I feel trapped. I have done for years. These past few days I’ve felt a sense of relief. I can really resonate with what you’ve said so I’m really grateful you reached out ❤️

It might be cheaper to get meds on prescription. I have a pre-payment certificate as I have several prescriptions and it's only about ten pounds a month.

Addiction nurse here...I've worked with people exactly in your situation. It is so easy to find yourself in this situation, absolutely no judgment! I've worked with people from all walks of life. It sounds like you need some help and support and a structured and kind way to manage this situation. Please reach out to your local drug service who will be able to help you.

Thank you. Can you attend one out of borough? It’s just I know the addiction service in my area because of the job I do

@NaturalBlues because of the way services are commissioned you usually need to attend one in your district, however in my own service we have made discreet arrangements with nearby services in some situations. They will have a call centre. I'd ring and explain and see what can be done

Honestly...don't wait. I know it's scary but this will feel like a weight of your shoulders. I've had patients doing the rounds of different pharmacies and I know how that alone is so anxiety inducing. There will be no judgment. Just a plan to help!

Thank you. I really needed this today. I need to hear it and I know deep down I have a problem. I feel better already just writing it down. I guess that’s the first step.

I will seek help, I’ll look into it tonight. I guess I just feel ashamed of myself. I have a husband who is none the wiser and a young child and they are my motivation. I don’t want to be trapped anymore.

Thanks everyone for your kind words ❤️ it’s rare that I receive such thoughtful responses on here and I was very worried about that so I do appreciate you all.

My usual schedule is 2 Co-codamol in the morning and then I try and wait as long as possible and take another 2 in the evening.

Co-codamol has paracetamol in it, and daily use of paracetamol can cause headaches, including rebound ones. I'm also wondering if your jaw pain is caused by teeth clenching in the night due to the headache pain. Have you seen a dentist for a check and possible gum shield?

I've noticed codeine sometimes makes my GERD worse (throat pain).

Good luck OP