Codeine withdrawal symptoms

Hey Spark, hope you’re feeling ok this morning. 

I have found the 2 ‘night’ capsules you get in Lemsip Day & Night can help sleep, along with twinnings sleep tea and neuro rest, I don’t use them every night, maybe every second. 

I didn’t use Imodium, my stomach was bad for about 36-48 hours and then manageable after that, but I know everyone is different. 

I’m on Day13 now, it’s not a straight line recovery, some days I feel great but can have a dip occasionally, I have to ensure I don’t use the dips as an excuse to get back on codeine. 

Be kind to yourself and take it easy. 

So glad I found this thread. Been on 30/500 for over three years. I only take them at night but it's four at once and then another four during the night. I just can't cope with the constant headaches, constipation and my mood swings are unreal. I have now admitted to my hubby about my addiction and tbh I think he knew something was wrong especially with my mood swings. I'm not going CT my hubby going to help me come off gradually. Fingers crossed I should be codeine free in a couple of weeks. Starting tonight so wish me luck

How are you going Janette??

Hi Louise, down to half a tab last night. It's been one of the worst weeks of my life.Constantly feeling sick can't sleep and restless legs. I'm not having any tonight. I'm finished. I don't have any as I gave them to my hubby and he definitely won't give me any. He's been amazing, keeps telling me how well I'm doing and this spurs me on. I'm phoning to cancel my repeat prescriptions and next time I see doc I'm going to ask him to put the n my notes that I CANNOT be prescribed anything with codeine in it. I know this sounds a bit extreme but I definitely do not want to go down this road again. Just want my life bac

Hi James, I totally understand where you are coming from. I have posted on here on and off over the past couple of months and I’m currently still taking codeine. I’ve done cold turkey a few times and it is 4 - 5 days of feeling really bad but then I just go back to it. I try to cut down but I can’t because if the pills are there I will take them. I have had my addiction for 10 plus years I would say and I have finally totally my partner ((although he has no idea had high my level of consumption) and my adult daughter.  I have started seeing a psychologist to help with the psychological withdrawal. I am currently going through a very stressful time as the business I work for has gone bust and I have been given 2 weeks notice. I’ve decided that I am going to quit codeine come hell or high water after I finish this job so I can move into a new job addiction free. I don’t want to bring this with me. I’m only hoping the honestly of telling people and having psychological support will be the difference this time. That and knowing that I can’t keep living this way. I wish you luck James, please feel free to post and I will answer in support 

Hi James

I am currently on the same journey...it totally sucks. 

I think the psychological side of it is much much worse than the physical withdrawal symptoms.....

After I took my 12 on Friday at lunch time, I had 8 on Saturday, 3 yesterday at 10am and 2 just now (in which I am kicking myself for as I really really don't feel that bad to take them)....just a bit achey and flushed etc. That means I had 31 hours without any! Go me! I spent majority of the morning on the loo but that has stopped at the moment. I have 4 tablets left. I too have an appointment tomorrow. My dr will give me panadeine forte if I ask for it. I hurt my back 2 years ago so I often get a strip of valium to have on hand - so at this stage I think I am going to be really strong and NOT ask for the panadeine but I will get the valium as hopefully it will help me switch off and sleep in the next week. He will only give me a strip - always does - only 1mg and funnily I never crave those. 

You can do this. I know it. There are so many incredible journeys to read about on here. People taking much higher doses getting through it. That is what is keeping me going.

Do you really need the script tomorrow? If you get it, can you come up with a strict plan and taper off them for good? 

You need to gentle with yourself though...this is what I just told myself when I swallowed 2 tablets and kicked myself....this isn't easy - you have to do what is right for you and your headspace. If you get the script then thats ok as I said maybe come up with a taper plan and take charge....good luck! 

Hi James, well done for getting this far - most people don’t get to the point where they admit their problem and decide to do something about it. 

I’ve been on/off codeine for over 10 years, currently 3 weeks off them and coming out of the worst of the withdrawals. 

For me it has been important to plan my detox and really take care of myself whilst I’m coming off, but also do enough to keep

Busy so that I’m not left with my own thoughts and the temptation returns. 

Plenty of tea/coffee, hot baths, lemsip. Someone to talk to is really helpful, that understands what we are going through. I occasionally take weed at bedtime to help me sleep, but appreciate this isn’t for everyone. 

I know exactly what you mean about codeine helping you feel that you can do anything, but the reality is after a couple of weeks clean I’ve realised how much codeine holds me back and stops me from enjoying life - music, chatting with friends and family, watching films, reading a book - when I’m on codeine I don’t have time for any of those. 

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it - I’m not planning where I’m getting my next prescription from, I’m not counting tablets, not avoiding certain foods/drinks that make me feel bad when I’m on codeine, not hiding taking them, not planning when I can/can’t drive etc etc etc 

Who knows if I’ll stay off forever - I do know I’m not taking any today and probably not tomorrow. 

Thanks for sharing your story Steve. 

Whilst coming off this drug is horrid it’s nice to know it can be beaten!!! 

It’s also nice to hear that Codeine was actually holding you back. I’m scared not being on it will hold me back!!! 

I didn’t think of lemsip that’s a great idea. Did you take anything for restless legs or just have hot baths?!? 

Hey Louise - thanks for the reply

Can’t say I’ve beaten it forever - but I’m pretty sure I’ve beaten it today and tomorrow will be another day.

I went to rehab for alcohol on 2005 and haven’t drank again, so I appreciate the power and comfort of taking it an hour/day/week at a time - I don’t have to be perfect forever, just not use today. 

The thought of never using ever again is scary, the thought of not using until lunchtime is much easier and then not using until bedtime - then I know I’m not gonna use while I’m asleep

Magnesium was recommended for restless legs, also NeuroRest herbal supplement (Amazon). Tbh the best for restless legs was weed, still got it but was more manageable - The only comfort is that also will pass and isn’t forever. 

It’s not easy - but you’re worth it !! 

Thanks for replying Steve!!! 

Sounds like you’ve had one hell of a journey. Go you!!!!

You haven’t drank for 12 years....that’s AWESOME!! You can do anything!!! 

I’m seeing my dr tomorrow so I might get something for sleep....I love my sleep ha!! 

The end result is what keeps me going.....I came off a particular anti depressant about 7 years ago. It was cold turkey BUT I had no idea of the side effects (dr didn’t tell me anything) and it truly was the worst week of my life!!! I feel if I got through that hell then I can do anything 😊

Hi Jeanette. I weaned myself off codeine last summer, well I got down to 3x 30mls per day after taking between 16-24 30mls per day. I couldn't do without those 3 per day. I stupidly went back up to my usual high dose again until 2wks ago where I've now cut down to 3x12mls, I've been addicted for over a decade but I now feel I have the strength mentally to come off them. Luckily my mind doesn't crave them now but my body is screaming for them. Thing is when I cut right down 2wks ago I felt great, but since Monday I've felt horrendous. Aches, all over pain, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, insomnia etc....The rls is the worst, it's in both legs and both my arms. I really want to stop totally taking them and I thought coming off just 3×12mls would be easier but it's not. I've took my last pill tonight, I have no more....I'm just hoping by fully stopping now I haven't just prolonged my withdrawal symptoms because I can't do many more days of this! I've told my family I have the flu, because that's how I actually feel. No one knows about my addiction so I'm so pleased to have found this group. Can I also ask if anyone has suffered breathing difficulties or chest pain because I also have those symptoms really bad too? Would also like to wish everyone good luck on your recovery! 

I too was diagnosed with all these vitamin deficiencies. My old dr had me on magnesium , vitamin d , iron and vitamin b injections . He put it down to my lupus but now after reading all this I feel it probably was codeine related more then lupus . This dr knew of my codeine addiction too so makes me wonder why he didn’t pick up on it . 

Hi donna24825,

Unfortunately once you completely come of codeine your withdrawals will get worse than better. I really think weaning is more painful than cold turkey as cold turkey u start ur withdrawals straight away as with weaning u slowly feel a bit uncomfortable here and there until u finally stop and the withdrawal hits u. I tried to wean last year it didn’t work for me.  That difficulty in breathing and tightness in ur chest is anxiety and very common withdrawal. I hate it, to me it’s as bad as the RLS. Take baths and soak in magnesium. Take deep breaths in and out. The worst for that difficulty breathing is day 4 and 5. I’m on day 9 and I’m still getting that difficulty in breathing but it’s not as severe. 

Well done for getting this far 👍

Thanks for the reply. It's been 24hrs since my last pill. I'm feeling proud because it's the longest I've ever gone  without. My symptoms seem to be easing but I hope it's not the calm before the storm . Thanks for reassuring me about the chest pain,  I had a feeling it was anxiety but wanted to make sure. If what I've been suffering this past week was only symptoms of weaning  then I'm dreading the full force of withdrawal,  but I won't give up. I hate codeine with a passion!  I must say it's a huge relief to chat to other sufferers and have support.  Again thank you. 

Hi Kay. I weaned last year with the help of my nurse, she had no idea about codeine addiction,  at first she told me that ppl can't get addicted to it. I had to educate her on my symptoms etc....she told me I just had vitamin deficiencies and told me to take vitaminD,  of course it didn't help at all and I couldn't drop my last 3 codeine a day so never fully came off them. I had no support at all and didn't know what to expect. I did  my research this time around and had determination which I didn't have last time. I sometimes think doctors etc don't have much sympathy for painkiller addicts, it doesn't seem to be taken seriously.  How you doing right now?

Hi donna24825

Everyone is different with symptoms so hopefully it won’t be as bad as mine was. Once you get through the physical withdrawals then the mental addiction is what’s a killer (for me anyways). I’ve fooled myself for so many years that I need it, I deserved it as I work very hard. It’s a cycle you have to talk yourself out of. My psychologist was explaining how our emotions dictate our actions so we must control our emotions. But again everyone is different. 

Let me know how your going. 

Hi Jeanette, This afternoon has been easier symptom wise. It's 11pm here now in England so I'm getting ready for bed which I'm dreading because this is when I get restless more. I'm not thinking about taking any codeine which is good because they were all I thought about for years.....you'll understand that. The thing I'm struggling with apart from sleep is anxiety, I suffered with it years ago and I pray it doesn't get bad again. I have coping strategies to help when I feel panicky so I'm using them....positive mental attitude is also helping me. I'm starting to sweat on a night too, which is new to me, I'm always cold normally. I also feel strange which is something no one else has mentioned, again that could be anxiety. I'm not seeing or talking to any health professional so I'm not sure if what I'm feeling is normal. That's why I'm glad I have you guys to talk too....I couldn't do this without your support! 

How are you today?

Hi Donna24825,

Believe it or not I’m a registered nurse. There are many health professionals with addictions. It’s very common. I worked at a detox centre for 4 weeks so I know the symptoms and how to cope.  Today my anxiety is pretty bad. I’m on an anxiety tablet now. I suggest you see your doctor and treat your anxiety if it gets out of control. Sweating is very normal also cold flashes. You’ll be getting hot and cold flashes for a while. The time frame is different for everyone. Try and live each day and not look into the future so much. Deal with each day as it comes. Each day gets easier, believe me. 

Let me know how you go 

Hi Jeanette, thanks again for checking up on me. The aches are easing up but the anxiety is getting worse. I had a little wobble today and didn't want to go out but I forced myself, I'm glad I did. I'm definitely going to see my doctor for some beta blockers. I was on them about 7yrs ago for anxiety and they helped loads. If I started my withdrawl symptoms last Monday I suppose I must be on day 7 now. Even though my last pill was 3 days ago. I think dropping from a very high dose to a very low dose kicked my symptoms in early. I'm not sure really but I'm through the worst physically I know that. It makes sense that you say you're a nurse, I assumed you were just talking from experience! That must be so hard for you, treating others but needing treatment yourself. I was a full time carer for my aunt until 2wks ago when she passed away. That's what made me quit. I realised I wasn't living, just existing. I wasn't taking care of myself and my whole day every day was codeine! Where to get it, how many I had, how many should I take? What if I run out? Which city should I bus to today to get my fix.......Anyway that's in the past. It's today that matters and today I did good. I must remind myself I'm achieving what I thought was impossible. 

How are you today, good I hope? I also hope you have some support, you've supported me probably more than you realise. It's funny how strangers can be your saving grace! Please let me know how you're getting on. 

Hi donna24825

Oh yes I did the same, where am I gonna get the next pack, where do I have to drive too. It was a horrible existence, it really was. It’s my 12th day and physically my symptoms have all gone. Just my blood pressure and heart rate are a little too high due to the anxiety. This is common though for withdrawals. 

Night times for me are very hard as I have to keep myself from thinking about those pills. It’s a cycle you have to break. I’m still not sleeping. I sometimes need to take a sleeping tablet but even then I wake up at 3am and can’t get back to sleep. 

While working in detox I felt extremely guilty that I was helping others except I had the same problem. How can i help others in this situation when I have the same problem?! It was mentally just so exhausting. I vowed to try and quit then by cutting down, it didn’t work. 

In Australia the laws have changed with Codeine, you can no longer buy over the counter as of this year in February so I said this was the time to stop.  I’m not doctor shopping I said to myself that will just consume my life. 

To be honest I haven’t felt more alive than these past 12 days. Codeine literally fills ur emotions and your senses. I mean I was really angry for the first 6 days but that’s normal, now I’m interacting more with friends and colleagues and not avoiding people. It’s strange honestly how I felt while on Codeine, just like you said, existing not living. 

I meant Codeine kills your emotions and senses. 

I agree Jeanette31826 - after a few days of feeling a bit low about the fact I was giving up this drug, I feel great. Feel so positive, have a bounce in my step and just feel so much more focussed at home and especially at work!!!!!

I wish something would be done about selling codeine in this country, I could go to any chemist and buy it, I ventured out of the area and visited many shops just so the staff didn't get suspicious because I dreaded the thought of been turned away and going home empty handed. My local chemist was the only place I couldn't go because I got my prescription for codeine there. I'm not really thinking about taking any and I don't want any....I hope it stays that way. I'm hoping in a few more days the RLS will have subsided as too the anxiety, that's 24/7 there's literally no let up. Maybe the fact you've been addicted will help your patients more, you'll have a better understanding of their symptoms etc. I'd rather be treated by someone who has gone through the same thing. I'm going to say goodnight now and pray I get a few hours undisturbed sleep, wishful thinking I know. Take care and please keep in touch.

Hi donna24825

I thought it was prescription only everywhere in the world? Oh yes this will make it a lot harder, I know. It’s so easy to just go to any chemist. Yes I was the same I would sometimes drive hours just so I could get my fix and not be recognised. Make sure you take magnesium sulfate for your RLS.  Take each day as it comes. Take showers, honestly that really helped me with relaxing, sometimes I didn’t come out for ages. 

Good night 

Donna24825

Also eat bananas, they have potassium which your body is probably lacking because of the Codeine.