Codeine addiction (Nurofen Plus)

Hi Anna. Thanks for writing. That is really helpful. I am so ashamed that I won't even share it with my family. How did you feel taking it 8 times a day? Was that a total of 8 tablets or a higher dosage? Did it help?

Best wishes. Drew x

Hi Drew, I had prescribed 8 30mg tablets but I was silly and took the lot. I'm now on only 8 and I really do feel it's helping, I get occasional days of feeling crappy. I was using it too as I have severe anxiety and been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

It's so hard and it controls our lives, I'm only in the early stages but I'm sure I'll be OK, I'll probably get times I go off course.

I understand feeling ashamed I do still feel that way.

Could you feel comfortable talking to your doctor?

I'm not sure if I can post my email as I'm happy to send you it if you wanted my support.

It will be ok xx

My email Xx

Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.

http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

I tried to post my email, don't think i can. I would like to help you xx

Hi Anna. Thank you. I'm not sure if I can give you my email address here. What is yours? x

I don't think you can x

I'll figure something out, until then I'm here to talk to xx

Hi Drew, I'm in exactly the same situation as you. Nobody knows, not even my family. The only ones who know are my GP'S and you good people. I've done them all. The pharmacy runs, the 'lost' prescriptions, the online pharmacies. All of it, and I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself. The stomach pain is getting worse and worse and I've started to realise that Everytime I promise myself it will be the last time, it never will be. Unless I seek help.. It's just awful. I can't even decorate my house because I have to set aside enough money for my pills every month. It's no way to live. But so many of us do live this way. It's hard to bear.

Hi. Thank you so much for sharing that. Like you, I am so ashamed. I travel miles to different pharmacies. I am at my wits end and my stomach aches all the time. I have lost so much weight. I am desperate to kick it and live a normal life. I have been addicted for about two years now and I must stop before it's too late. Have you ever gone 'cold turkey' or what methods have you tried to stop? x

I am not sure Anna whther email addresses can be posted here x

I dropped one tablet a week in around 2010 and did a fast detox but I didn't come off them, I got down to the 'acceptable' limit of eight a day, I then swapped doctors and my consumption increased, at my worst it was 40 30mg tablets a day. I'm now on eight 30mg codeine phosphate a day which I SHOULD be able to stick to. But I don't, why? I don't know. Everytime I get a script I tell myself this is it, that I'll stick to it this time. I don't. I finished 112 tablets in around four days and I'm now stuffing myself with 32 nf a day, just to keep withdrawal at bay. I even had a termination this year, something I'd never normally consider but I knew I would end up killing my baby. Cold turkey I would never recommend, it's agony. The worst flu in the world and it's so tempting that one (or eight!!) little pills would take that flu away immediately! I'm a horrible human being. I the US they have this thing where they sedate you completely (like a coma for a couple of days) and they withdraw you from everything meaning you wake up clean!) if this was offered here I'd be first in the queue!

But I understand EXACTLY what you're going through Drew. I'm going through it too x

If you don't mind me asking. What is your DC? (daily consumption)?

It sounds like you're experiencing what I am. I have got to try and keep my codeine intake to a sensible level. That US treatment sounds good. I long to be able to go for two weeks without anything so I can get back to normal x Drew

My daily consumption of Nurofen PLus can rage between 32 - 40 tablets x Drew

Hi hun, you are not a horrible person. Lots of people get addicted through no fault of their own.

These are powerful drugs. When someone stops smoking or at least tries, everyone pats them on the back, you are no different from a smoker, only it's a different drug.

I'm only recently receiving help. I'm going to be put on methadone, do you have a drug clinic near you.

I went two weeks ago and they were brilliant although it was really hard to admit I had a problem.

Xx

Hi Anna. I will try and find a local service. Thanks so much and good luck with your programme of treatment x Drew

You are welcome, I sent you a private message with my email xx