Codeine addiction (Nurofen Plus)

Hiya. I'm sorry to hear what's happened. I have found the same. I do have CP but it makes me feel very lethargic. I wake up in the morning feeling horrible so I have to take the NP to function normally. I have been given a programme to cut down but it is very hard. I am beginning to think that I need to be somewhere else for two weeks. Somewhere where it doesn't matter if I don't function. Somewhere where I don't have to answer the phone or deal with anyone. The is nowhere where people like us can go. I am sure it would work if we had space from our normal lives, maybe around others with the same problem. I have even considered checking in to a country hotel somewhere away from any pressure. I think I could then cut down gradually. From what I read, we all keep taking the stuff so we can function. We have to break that cycle in a safe environment. If I won the lottery, I would build a place for us all xx

Hi Anna, how you going is the weening coming good?

You need to get a referral from your doctor to see an addiction specialist.

The specialist will have many different options for you. I struggled with 5 doctors about my codeine addiction until seeing a specialist which got me off codeine after my first appointment.

Sure, I'm taking suboxone now but at least I'm not killing myself with excess ibuprofen or paracetamol.

What is suboxone and would a GP prescribe it? What effects does it have? Kind regards. D x

Hi Sue. I was so worried about my stomach so I managed to get hold of CP instead of using NP. They don't have the same effect for me. CP makes me drowsy and feel awful whereas NP gives me the lift. I still don't understand why that is because how can ibuprofen give you a lift?

It would certainly be better if I could switch to CP for a while but I can't seem to. Do you know why? Love D x

Hi Drew, I think it's a mind over matter thing, maybe because CP is so much smaller in size we think it's not doing the same, but it has 30mg's the codeine where as the NP only has 12mg's. 

I have never heard of suboxone either WilRo.

Hi Drew,

I used to be addicted to Nurofen plus.1st time I weaned myself off them, this time I accidentally discovered that by switching from N plus to Panadeine Extra that I could stop taking them with no side effects. Try going a day without N plus, you sweat, shake, have diarrhea, stomach cramps, restless legs etc, I can go days without panadeine extra without a drama. Even being sick last year the doctor had me on Codeine cough suppressant and flare ups with my back injury,he gives me panadeine extra which is 30mg and I can stop taking without an issue.There has to be a reason for it.

Hi Didi,

Panadeine Extra in Australia can be bought straight over the counter, (often Pharmacists ask now for ID now which they enter into a computer) however it only has 15mg's of codeine and 500mg's of paracetamol. There is Panaeine Forte which only comes by prescription which has the 30mg's of codeine and 500mg's of Paracetamol.

I read an article yesterday about the amount of people now addicted to pain medication, mainly over the counter meds, this is probably why Pharmacies here are now asking for ID. I used to do the rounds before I ended up in hospital, kind of glad they now ask for ID. The specialist said the Ibuprofen affects the stomach and kidneys where as Paracetamol affects the liver and stomach, not a good choice is it. The Nurofen also used to give me fliud retention, my ankles, feet and up to my knees would be full of fluid, so for days I would lesson the amount I took until it went away, then start up again, what a viscious cycle.

Hi Sue

yes I am an Aussie so am aware of the regulations. There are still flaws in the system though. Not all chemists have the program and if you buy online they take your medicare number instead of your licence number. I tried to tell my doctor years ago about my problem and he looked at me and told me that there way no way to be addicted to Nurofen plus. They need to be better educated if not already. Doctors also over prescribe other pain meds and people still doctor shop. Some pharmacists tell you to get a prescription for Nurofen plus but if you are paying for a visit wouldn't you want something better?

In the UK, there is no problem getting codeine based products over the counter. In fact, only one pharmacist has ever queried it with me. I do now think it should only be made available on prescription. The amount of people (including me) who get hooked on this stuff is horrifying. I wish it were harder to get. Then again, until I can kick this, I know I would be in a desperate situation if I couldn't get it. I am so sad and sorry about it. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever be an opiate addicts. I used to feel so sorry for those who were. The only way I will kick this is to be left completely alone for a while... no phone calls, no interruptions, no responsibilities. The problem is finding that space. My mother is very selfish and would not leave me alone. I have thought about booking a two week retreat where I can go cold turkey but I have virtually spent my savings on the drug. Right now, my stomach aches terribly. I just want my life back. My daughter has a just had a beautiful new baby boy. I so want to enjoy being a grandparent. I hope I'm not boring anyone. Lots of love to you all. Drew x

Hi Didi,

It is the codeine that when stopped gives you the withdrawals. Ibuprofen is not addictive, harmful, but not addictive. Codeine suppresses your central nervous system which is why when you stop taking it your nervous system goes into overdrive and you get symptoms such as restless legs and arms, shaking, sweating and just generally feeling like you've been hit by a train.

It is a lovely thought, but switching from ibuprofen to paracetamol won't change or stop withdrawals. If this is the case with you it could be a placebo effect where your brain thinks the drug is working a particular way so your body responds to coincide with this.

Nikki

Hi Didi, 

I've only been to 2 chemists to get anything with Codeine (besides the scripts the Dr writes out) since getting out of hospital, previous to that I had only come across one pharmacy that asked for ID but the 2 I have been to, did ask, made me feel bad. There used to be a system that anyone caught Doctor shopping would be seen on a computer, they stopped that which is really stupid, it saved a lot of lives.

Hi Drew,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this, it really is awful, I was addicted for years and ignored all the stomach pain, we think nothing will happen to us, well in my case it did and the specialist said it was very common but having the ulcer grow over the stomach outlet, was not so common, but it certainly can happen, there was no way for my food to get through except straight back out of my mouth.

Are you able to see a drug and alcohol councellor? We have them here in hospitals and there are many private ones plus rehab places run by charities like Salvation Army. Ask your doctor.

My family and friends still don't know what caused the ulcer, they think it just happened for no reason, or it was stress or food, I can't tell them the real reason. I also ended up pushing a lot of people away, not wanting to go anywhere, my sister on several occasions said I sounded slurred whilst talking on the phone, no way was I going to let her see me, my pupils were pinned.

I should have learnt my lesson after getting addicted in the 90's and having to go on methodone, then staying clean for all those years only to find they sold codeine over the counter! And look what happened, stomach pain for years then having to have half my stomach removed. I'm not trying to frighten you, just trying to let you know what can happen, look up the symptoms of gastric ulcer.

If you do decide to go to a retreat and sweat it out so to speak, just keep telling yourself that it won't last, been there and done that myself, I was in my 20's at the time and lived in a unit (flat) by myself, it was a Saturday night and then the Sunday that I had the restless legs and then the body couldn't stay still, I ran a bath and soaked in that which seemed to help. Never did get the stomach aches people talk about from withdrawals until the last few years when the ulcer formed which I knew nothing about at the time, my doctor kept writing out scripts for gastric reflux, had all tests done except the one test that picked up the outlet obstruction and the ulcer, by then it was too late, they showed me a photo of the ulcer, it was so imflamed and the opened was less that 1 millimetre.

If you haven't gathered by now, I have been addicted twice to pain killers and now this is the third time AFTER the stomach operation, how stupid am I?! I've even done a drug and alcohol councelor course (late 90's to early 2000), that was when I wasn't addicted but had enough experience to understand addiction.

I think with you taking the CP is it's having the placebo effect as Nikki mentioned on you because they are so much smaller than NP, remember they are all CP, 30mg's which is more than double of the NP.

I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow, it's only been 5 days between visits, I'm waiting for him to really give me a lecture and have actually thought of just sticking to over the counter meds than put myself through the embarrassment again of asking for another script. I can't do that though, if I did, I may end up with full removal of the stomach, quite possibly actually! I am going to suggest to him that he writes a letter to the pharmacy which will allow them to only hand out so many per day. I wish while in hospital they had got me off all 3 instead of sending me home with 2 different scripts for morphine, then again, had I listened to my doctor and taken as prescibed, I wouldn't be addicted today.

When you do come off them, life will be so much nicer. Find a doctor who is understanding, some can be rather blunt.

All the best Drew, please stay away from the Nurofen, they will rot your stomach out, stick to the CP.

Hi Sue. Thank you so much for your message. It's really helpful. Can I ask... how long did it take when you went cold turkey in your 20s? I am trying to work out how much time I need to clear. Nikki has kindly given me some ideas. I just wondered how long it took for you. I have to start soon. I am preparing well. Food, fluids, vitamins etc. Any ideas on time and helping thinhgs along would be really helpful. Love D x

Hi Drew,

I can't remember how long but knowing other people it can go on for days, each day getting easier. I would reduce them first, for about a month, depending on how many you take then if you stop suddenly, will depend how severe the withdrawals are. I ended up on methodone, I was too frightened to go through withdrawals again so was on methodone for about 12 months then very slowly reduced that, for weeks after I stopped taking that I had little energy but it was worth it in the long run, a lot of the "no energy" I think was all in my mind.

I just googled your question, it says weeks or months but again tat would depsend on how bad your addiction is, that's why I suggest reducing your intake each day or each time. It can be done, I did it when I went overseas, before leaving for about 3 months I reduced the amount each time, by the time we left I wasn't taking any at all and no withdrawals. Good thing I did too as I found even though they could be bought in the UK, it wasn't the case in France or Italy. I took a packet od CP with me just in case but didn't need them. Once I got back here I went straight to the chemist!!

So, just start reducing your intake, it will make the withdrawals less severe.

Take care.

Sorry for the typing mistakes, I was typing fast, got to go see my doctor and in a hurry. All the best.

Hi Sue. I used to take 2 codeine phosphate at a time with two Solpadeine Max and two Nurofen plus. I came clean and the Dr prescribed me BuTans patches 5mg to start and he's gradually increased the dose to 20mg. I still take codeine phosphate 30mg x2 but only 4 times a day so my dr is happy. BuTrans is the same drug as subutex. I don't know how and why I used to take so much and for so long as I suffer with chronic low back pain due to 5 slipped discs and nerve root compression at the base of my spine. So glad to be off all the rubbish. I ran out of codeine about a month ago and ended up taking more and more Solpadeine Max and Nurofen plus. One night I had to call an ambulance as I had chest pain and felt like I was going to collapse and die. I was in hospital 5 days cold turkey and it was awful. They did give me Librium and diazepam to help with the withdrawals but those didn't help. I had blood tests and I was surprised to find out only my vitamin b, c and potassium were low, they gave me an IV drip as well as the antidote for paracetamol. I never want to go back there feeling like that again.

Best wishes

Latchy

No problems Sue. Take care . D x

Thanks for your post Lachy. Like you, I did try diazepam because I thought it would help but it didn't. I like your advice about vitamins and potassium x D

Hi Sue

Are you still currently taking NP? And are you all from England of Australia. I am 18 and currently addicted to NP I took co codamol for bad toothache when I was 15 and after a few weeks (too scared to go to the dentist I'm over that now) later I realised if I took them before bed they would help me to sleep after I ran out I was fine and wasn't addicted as I was just taking 2 at a time a year later I found them in the draw and took them for bed and then stopped again when they ran out then one day a year or two ago I realised you couldn't get NP over the counter so I bought some and took 6 at a time to make myself drowsy and progressed from there I now can take 32 in one night and sometimes in the day too if I feel like I want a chilled day staying in I have to have some or I go crazy my wage gets spent on taxi's and the tablets as I don't drive it costs me £20 a day sometimes because there is a chemist 10 minutes away that is open until 11PM every night and they do not ask any question there is 3 other chemists by me and I told them they are for my mum and she asks me to get them for her I told them that because I sort of said she was on co codamol 30/500 and some others for her back because she use to be and they believe me one has said he will not be able to sell me them again for a while because it seems my mum is getting addicted but it's me. I really need some help any would be appreciated I really am not me anymore at all I don't even know who i am now these tablets have taken over my life they are the thing I think of as soon as I wake up and the last thing I honk of before I go to sleep.. Please someone help me if you can i just can't do this on my own anymore

Could get it over the counter I meant

Think not honk either I deffo don't honk before I go to sleep! Haha

I understand totally Marnie. The trips to different pharmacies. The late night taxis. The lies. I do the same. It costs a fortune and it's such a waste of time. Do you feel you could be honest with your GP? You need to address it. You have made a good start by admitting your problems. You now need a plan and maybe your GP can help. What do you think? Drew xx

Hey, well done for wanting torrid yourself of this horrible addiction, help from an understanding GP, backed up with help from family , friends is the best option, if for whatever reason you can't, won't go to the  GP, then you can still do it, your willpower will determine which approach to take to come off these pills, read all the posts on here to get some idea as to what's involved, there will be many people willing to help with any questions or concerns you will have,so have a good read, then come on and ask your questions.

Hi Latchy,

Sorry I haven't been on for over a week, feel like a bit of a hypocrite giving advise when I can't even take my own.

So glad to hear to got off the tablets. I'm not sure what Bu Tans are? Are they opiate based or are they the type that stops the effects of opiates? Meaning if you put a patch on, no matter how many pain killers you take, it will make no difference to the pain? (if you're in some). 

I did get off them twice, the first time for years, wouldn't even touch a paracetamol, the last time was only for a few weeks when I went overseas, but as soon as I got back I went straight to the chemist.

I think addiction to pain killers throws a perons inot depression. It has done with me anyway.

You have probably found that life is so much better not having an addiction, keep it up, you should be proud of yourself, they are not easy to quit.

Best regards

Sue.

 

Hi Marnie,

No, I stopped taking NP the second time I ended up in hospital after the specialist told me the removal of half my stomach was due to the NP, there is a box full here from months ago but I don't dare touch them. 

I'm in Australia and  have been on Morphine tablets since getting out of hospital, When the Morphine tablets run out, I'm now going to chemists to get Panadeine Extra! 2 chemists so far have asked for ID so I stay clear of those chemists now. The reason taking Panaeine extra in between visits to the doctor is  I thought he understood when I told him he was now treating an addiction but the last time I went to him he seemed a bit angry and said, "you've gone through 20 in 4 days!" I do understand him though as he wants me off them but I don't think he fully understands addiction. 

I started off like you with NP, 4 at a time and would get a buzz, then I was buying 1 or 2 packs a day. They are dangerous Marnie, I never ever thought I would end up in hospital and having to have half the stomach removed.

Something someone said on here a few weeks ago hit me, they can't function without them, same thing with me, when I have them in my system I am full of energy, housework done, gardening, even cleaning walls and inside cupboards, but when you don't take them consistently meaning at least daily , I feel like my body is dragging, can't sleep, fall into depression etc. 

The only advise I can give you is the same as Drews advise, talk to your doctor, maybe your family and friends, I couldn't tell family and friends as they would be shocked. Definately talk to your doctor, he should understand as there are more and more people getting addicted to over the counter pain killers. I was going to ask my doctor to write a letter to the chemist to only hand out so many a day but still haven't asked him. I need to change my lifestyle, not working at the moment and the days are long and boring and the lift I get from these morphine tablets takes the boredom away for a while. I ran out of them 2 days ago and have been taking the Panadeine extra which is making my stomach sting, right where the ulcer was, could have gone back to the doctor yesterday but was afraid he would say something again so have an appointment tomorrow, that way it will be 6 days since last visit and not 4 but I'm going to tell him about the Panadeine Extra

Please see a doctor, I would hate anyone to go through what I did and come here, there is always someone who understands and will give moral support.

Sue.

 

Hi Sue. You really summed it up. This is the problem. When I have NP, I can function and actually feel energetic. I want to stop but I'm fearful that I won't be able to function. I take heart from people here who say that life without the drugs is so much better. I really hope it is. I need to aim for something. The NP is ruining my stomach. I am in a lot of apin but still I take the blasted drug. Love Drew xxx

Hi Drew, 

I got off them twice, I really don't count the second time though as it was only for a few months to prepare before going overseas, that was when I gradually reduced the intake every day or every second day but as soon as I returned from holiday, straight to the chemist.

Your stomach is painful because of the Ibuprofen, that pain will get worse and become more frequent, are you able to ask your doctor for a CT scan? (the one where they inject the dye) that was what picked up my ulcer and the gastric outlet obstruction.

I did the same as you, had stomach pain and would take NP which got rid of the pain (for a few hours) but made the stomach worse as months and years went by.

Life is better without them, you will need to cut them down gradually daily or at first every second, third day depending on how many you take daily. For example, if you're on 30 day, the following day take 25, do that for a couple/several days then drop again to 20-22 and so on, that way you won't have any withdrawals,  that's what worked for me and you have to want to give them away. I wanted to, plus really had no choice because of going overseas.

It's a nice feeling of having extra energy and functioning so much better but in the long run, it's not good. At the moment I don't feel I can come off these tablets and didn't tell my doctor yesterday about taking the  Panadeine Extra when I run out of the presciption tablets. 

Take care Drew, xx

 

Hello Sue. Thanks so much for your message. You achieved so much. I feel for you when you say that you felt that you couldn't come off them ultimately. You say life IS better without them and you had more energy, I hope you will be able to stop for good. What is it you miss when you're not on the tablets? That's what worries me. I think about all the health benefits of stopping. I long never to have to travel to different pharmacies. At the same time, if I'm honest, I've suffered now and again in my life with anxiety. When I first discovered NP, I did like the effect but it has to stop because I am killing myself with this awful drug. I just hope the benefits of stopping far outweigh the calming effect I get from NP. Mind you, even that is rare thesedays. To get any kind of lift, I would have to take 32 in one go. I take them because I feel so lethargic without them. Thank you again Sue. Take care of yourself and I hope you can find the way to kick it for good. I am excited about the prospect of being free of it. xxx Drew

Hi Drew, 

I can relate to everything you're saying, feeling lethargic, going to so many different pharmacies, getting that lift from the codeine, the more you take and the longer you're on them, the more you need to get that lift. It's not worth it and once you stop taking the NP, not only will you save a heap of money, the stomach pain will go, (unless you've already done the damage like I did)  with you having stomach pain now, you may end up in hospital like I did. I put up with pain for years on and off until that night a year ago when it got so severe and my stomach bloated right up, stomach never went back to normal until after the operation. (for those who are first reading this, I had an ulcer (due to taking NP) that grew over the stomach outlet, food eventually had no way of getting through except straight back out of my mouth, my digestive system was breaking down, even my bowels were no longer functioning properly) 

I would never touch another NP, not after what happened, it's the morphine tablets I still take that they gave me in hospital that I can't get off and that's due to my lifestyle at the moment, long days, boredom, so I am looking forward to Summer and doing a lot more to keep busy.

You asked what it is I miss when not taking them? The first time I ended up with such a bad addiction the doctor put me on the methadone program, once off that, I didn't miss anything, was so glad just to get off the program and also was working and kept busy on weekends. The second time was not for that long,  I only went off them because of going overseas and I didn't miss them as once again, I was kept busy except for one afternoon while in Europe and we decided to do nothing that afternoon and I spotted a Pharmacy so walked in and they didn't have NP, only the Nurofen as they were not permitted to sell NP over the counter without a prescription. They never entered my mind after that.

I think a lot of people have taken 32 or more at once, 32 of them is 16,000mg's of Ibruprofen, imagine what that is doing to the stomach lining and I knew this but still kept taking them, not worth it.

I saw the Doctor again yesterday after going through 20 of the Morphine tablets in 2 days and asked him to write a prescription for slow release ones, that way I can't get the buzz, there is no way to get that lift so I'll gradually reduce them. I was going to take the Panadeine extra again for a few days but they play havoc with the stomach.

I promise you when you kick the habit, it is well worth it, your energy level will be normal again but you need to come off them slowly. Also I  think that by taking NP or any Morphine or Codeine tablets brings depression on as we feel guilty by taking them, we want to get off them, it's a viscious cycle, take them to feel better about ourselves, take them to feel more energetic but those feelings don't last long until you take them again. I sincerely promise you that when you do get off them, you will feel so much better, in mind and body.

Addiction is just awful, people who have never had addictions need to stop judging and calling those that do, junkies, by labeling people it stops them from seeking professional help. It's a fact that many people who hold down good jobs, top jobs, go to work each day, some are even CEO's, some are well known people, are addicted too, not all addicts are sitting in a dark street with a needle hanging out of their arm. Every one of them need help, whether it's from over the counter medications, prescriptions or illegal drugs. So many people want help but are too ashamed to seek it.

If  you come off them slowly you won't feel any withdrawals, even if it takes many months, you will eventually kick the habit. It took me a few months before going overseas and it's a nice feeling being able to walk into a pharmacy for anything other than NP or any prescription for codeine. 

Take care Drew, you can do it, think no more stomach pain, saving a small fortune, no more driving to pharmacies, keep thinking of all the health benefits and the peace of mind. If you need help see your doctor or come here where others can relate and I will try to help as much as I can, been there done that and doing it again, hoping to be completely off them by December.

By the way, Nikki? if you're reading this, many thanks for starting this discussion, a lot of people would be so thankful in knowing they could discuss their addiction and know they weren't alone.

Love Sue.  xx

Hello again Sue. Thanks for taking the trouble to write back. Nikki and you have done a great job in keeping this discussion going. I know it is helping many, including me. I have made a list of all the benefits that everyone has said and I'm pinning it on my wall. I will keep looking at them when I am goign through the worst. I will now get prepared... decide on the dates, see the doctor, get food in etc. I just want my family to leave me alone. That sounds strange but it's responsibilities that make me go back. I can't function at the moment without NP so as soon as a demand is placed on me, I need to take it to do anything. I may have to pretend to be away. Anyway, take care of yourself Sue. Love Drew x

Hi Drew, 

Good to hear you have a plan, are you reducing them gradually or going off them suddenly? I understand about what you say about family, mine know nothing of my addiction and would be mortified if they did know. Same with demands, need codiene/morphine to do things, they get so far into our system we find it hard to do anything without them.

I had to see my doctor today for something unrelated to the tablets and he asked about the mophine tablets and he had a medical student and nurse with him, he gave me a good talking to, I felt really humiliated, he has never had anyone in his room before, maybe he had dutch courage with others there, so I suggested a psychologist who specialises in addictions, he then gave me a list of ones, now to make an appointment with one of them. Feeling really down now because of how he spoke, even threatened to stop writing out prescriptions, he's never ever spoken like that before, said "we are now treating addiction" which I HAD TOLD him that weeks ago. Hate to think what the other 2 in the room thought of me.

Keep that list handy of health benefits and take care Drew, love Sue xx

Hi Sue. Sorry that your doctor made you feel small. I'm sure you're right. He had an audience and used it. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. What matters is what you're trying to do. You're trying to address your issues and you should be proud of that. At the same time, you are posting here, which I and others are finding invaluable. Anyone can do what your doctor has done... it's easy to pour scorn on things. It takes a brave person to do what you're doing. You take care Sue... you are a superstar. We need you xxx Drew xxx

Hi Drew, 

Thanks for your kind words and support, it means a lot to me. The things is, I didn't even mention the tablets, he asked how I was going with them and I said OK, then he started lecturing and made out as if he didn't remember me saying weeks ago that it was now an addiction. As I said to him yesterday, "I've been upfront with you".  I don't want to go back to see him now but have no choice. 

People with addictions who want to stop are hard enough on themselves as it is without a doctor giving a lecture with an audience, or should say, for an audience.

I phoned a couple of the Psychologists that specialise in addictions and made an appointment in 2 weeks time, left a message on one of their answering services and he phoned back and was understanding and the good thing too is he bulk bills which means just hand over the Medicare card, not many specialists do that, they usually require some sort of gap fee.

Thanks again for your support Drew, I need you all on here too, this is one place where there is understanding. I hope you're going well. Take care, Sue xx