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Help coming off approx 120-140gms a day of codeine

Posted , 4 users are following.

Louise2428
Louise2428

My story is that I have been a long timer user of codeine products. 

Started 11 years ago when I started taking 2 when getting headaches. Fast forward 4 years ago, I hurt my back and ended up on fairly strong meds....endone, oxy...good thing is I didn't get hooked on the endone or oxy but I did start taking codeine in what I thought was high doses.

These days I take either 12 x panadeine 10/500 or 12 x 12.8mg nurofen plus a day (or a mixture of both but I always have 6 in the morning and 6 around lunchtime).

This time yesterday I would have had already swallowed my 12 tablets. I found out about the change in Aus law and whilst I know it is only 2pm but today I have only taken 4 x nurofen plus. I need to give this up.

I don't know whether to taper down quickly or just go cold turkey. I don't have to work now until Wednesday. I only have 12 nurofen plus tablets left in my pack.

I know I can say get 1 more over packet over the counter before 1 Feb (if I want to taper down a bit slower).

I am also seeing my dr on Monday. I see him every 2 months and usually get a strip valium for my back spasms (2mg) and if I ask for panadeine forte, he will give it to me. I would like to avoid telling him if I can (ashamed is the only reason) but know it might be in my best interest to mention it. 

I've read many discussion posts in here and know my dose isn't that high but it is enough I know to go through withdrawals as I did a two years ago when we were in America as I run out and had to suck it up. If only I had stuck with it. Grrrrr.

Anyhow - any advice would be much appreciated. Do I spread my last 12 tablets out and taper down quickly or do I go the slow approach. 

In one way I want to just get it over and done with but on there other hand I am scared of going through the side effects (even though I know I deserve it) and that it is unavoidable,

Thanks in advance. 

0 likes, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • Neil2701
    Neil2701 Louise2428

    Posted

    Hi, I was struggling with co-codamol addiction for going on 10 years. It took me a long time to stop but I can tell you how I finally did it and hopefully it’ll help you. You would be best to taper then stop, set it out how it’s best for you and stick to it so on the day you stop it happens and you don’t get anymore. You will possibly have cold and flu symptoms for a few days after you stop completely and you’ll burn up every now and again, this will go away. It’s just your body adjusting to the change.  Also, you may have trouble sleeping due to restless legs. If you buy some good quality magnesium and have a couple half hour before bed you will not get the restless legs and you’ll sleep. Drink plenty of water too, 2 litre bottle is ideal.  If you can stay off them for 3+ days the cravings will ease, not completely but it’ll seem so much easier. After a week you’ll start feeling like a new person, the temptation is there but it’s manageable and eventually (in my experience) you’ll hate the sight of them. I hope this helps you, it took me a long time but I’m so much happier to be away from them. Just get past the first 3 days, they’re key. By the end of the week you’ll feel so much better. 
    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Neil2701

      Posted

      Hi Neil2701

      Thank you so much for responding. 

      I think tapering will be better. I work partime and have to be able to focus properly plus I have 2 kids. Whilst they’re old enough to take care of themselves I don’t like the idea of snapping and not being in control of my moods.

      The laws change here on 1 Feb so I won’t be able to get it just over the counter. I see my dr on Tuesday so I think I’ll come clean and hopefully get the proper help I need.  Fingers crossed. 

      I’ve had RLS before....when I was pregnant. Hated it. It was horrid. I think I’ll go to the vitamin shop and get some decent magnesium as I only have one here you can get from the supermarket. 

      My daily dose is 12 tablets (I think I mentioned that in my original post).....I’ve had 8 today. I took 4 this morning and then left it until 6pm to have the other 4. I usually have had my 12 by 1pm. 

      How long have you been Codeine free??

      Thanks again for your response and your honest advice. It’s very much appreciated. 

  • Neil2701
    Neil2701 Louise2428

    Posted

    It’s been over a year now, it took me ages to do it but the way I described is what did it. Took me failing a few times first to get it right. I promise by the end of the first week things will be different, it’s just getting there. The magnesium were what did it for me, not sleeping made me buy co-codamol again just so I could get some rest but the magnesium stopped the restless legs. Don’t know the reasons why they work but they changed it for me and that’s what finally turned it in my favour when I stopped. Get past the 3rd day and you’ll be much happier and confident, get past the first week and you’ll feel great. 
    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Neil2701

      Posted

      Thanks again for responding.

      Can I please ask how long you took to taper and fast did you do it i.e. did you drop a tablet a day or did you drop a tablet a week?!? 

      Thanks Neil smile

    • Neil2701
      Neil2701 Louise2428

      Posted

      If I’m honest I was taking 32+ a day (32 soluble co-codamol in a box and got 1 or maybe 2 boxes a day). I cut to half a box, then half of that  and so on till I had none to take. It took about a month and half but the amount I was on made it take so long. I still got all the symptoms I mentioned though, controlling those were the key in the end. I got off them when I never thought I would and I can’t stand them now, the thought of them makes me feel sick. It took me years of trying but I got there and I’ll never go back to it now knowing how much damage I was doing because it’s a lot. If you can cut down to half for a week, cut that down again for a week and so on I think you could be done in 3 week. If the legs are changing there though, maybe do it in 4-5 day steps instead of a week. Be done sooner then, hopefully before the law change. 
    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Neil2701

      Posted

      Thanks again Neil. 

      Your honesty and advice is greatly appreciated. 

      Now to decide whether to get one more box of Nurofen Plus and then work out my plan. I have 9 left in my current box or whether I just chat with my dr. To be honest I just want it over with and I think if I’ve cut down by 1/3 of my daily dose already then I’ve started the process so should just keep going. I don’t work until Wednesday so may just smash it out! 

  • Neil2701
    Neil2701 Louise2428

    Posted

    That’s not a bad idea, if you feel like just going for it then do it, the determination will push you through it. I’m sure you’ll do it, if you ever need anything or any other advice just ask, I know how bad they are and if I can help in any way I will do. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll be ok though if I’m honest. You sound determined and that’s the best way to be. 
    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Neil2701

      Posted

      Thanks Neil. It’s nice talking to someone who can relate. 

      I already feel achey and have had some rather hot flushes. If I’m feeling that now then I’d rather just get it over with I think. 

      Tomorrow I’ll try and only take 4 (2 in am then 2 in pm). Then the following day maybe 3... (1 in am and 2 in pm) that will then take me to Tuesday and I’ll have only 2 left.....

      Thanks again for your honesty and support. Cheers 

  • Neil2701
    Neil2701 Louise2428

    Posted

    No problem, like I said I’m here if you need anything. Don’t forget to drink plenty and get some magnesium ready as the restless legs will come along soon. You’ll do it though, I’m sure you will. Let me know how you are doing when you’re cut down, if you need anything just get in touch. 
  • BHB68
    BHB68 Louise2428

    Posted

    Hi Louise,

    I've been doing a taper for 3 weeks now, i waited til i was close enough to Feb 1st to do it safely ( although i'm frustratingly hating this crap).

    I also want it over & done with but realise if i stopped completely, i'll probably hunt down a Chemist that still has them & cheat.

    Withdrawals will always happen when we cut down, & be more severe if we stop suddenly. It really is up to you & you are lucky you get Valium, that should help.

    I am down from 30to40 a day to 9 a day. ( day 16 today i think it is, Rapid taper), Still feeling like s**t & cannot function totally easy but am hoping it goes away &^%$#$%* 

    Small country town here, so wont tell my gp either.

    Personally, i think.. Tapering is better - not just for withdrawals physically, but to re-program our brains, slowly taking less until Jan 31st when we just can't get anymore over the counter.

    I wish you well mate smile

    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 BHB68

      Posted

      Hi BHB68

      Thanks for replying. 

      Well done on getting down to 9 a day. That’s huge!!!! You’re body and mind will be thanking you come 1 Feb. 

      I think knowing the side effects that come with this process is what scares us most because they are so unpleasant. It’s then a realisation of what the hell have we been putting in our bodies. 

      I’ll drop a bit more today and then tomorrow and see how I go. I haven’t had any since approx 6pm last night. 

      I don’t see my dr until Tuesday afternoon so will see how I go. 

      Good luck with everything and thanks for the response! 

  • Monsoon28
    Monsoon28 Louise2428

    Posted

    Hi. I was taking between 32 and 60 nutofen plus a day for over 10 years. Knew I needed help. Had tried tapering myself many times but that lasted about 3 days each time. Asked a dr for help last year and she laughed at me, telling me if I was taking as much as I claimed that I would dead. What a b***h!

    I went cold turkey off my normal dose over Christmas started On Boxing Day. I admit it was hell. I was so sick. 

    In 4 days it will be a month. Still suffering from sneezing, RLS and insomnia. Some days I have so much energy I don’t know what to do with myself and others I’m really low. But all in all I’m feeling good!

    Cold turkey was the only way for me. I thought I was dying. But I’m still here and better for it. I think I needed to suffer to never do back. 

    Good luck. Honestly if I can do it anyone can. 

     Take care x

    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Monsoon28

      Posted

      Hi Monsoon28

      Well done you - especially given you were taking quite a high amount. That is fantastic. I think it is such a mental thing as well as we are so used to getting that high that makes us happy etc....the buzz is what I was dreading missing. 

      On Saturday I took 8 and yesterday I took 3 at 10am. I have not taken any today as yet (I have 6 left in the packet).

      The withdrawals are starting to kick in now as I have been on and off the loo all day. Eeekkkkk and its only the beginning. 

      Thanks for sharing your story and for your advice re going cold turkey :-)

    • Monsoon28
      Monsoon28 Louise2428

      Posted

      Well done to you for lowering your dose! You are right in that it’s more mental than anything else. Personally I didn’t think I could function without it.  It was my daily helper! How pathetic is that?!

      I think whaat really helped me was how p****d off I got with myself for letting it happen in the first place.  Get angry and stay angry. Especially in the first couple of weeks. It does help.

      You got this!!!!!

    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Monsoon28

      Posted

      OMG no it isn't pathetic - I feel EXACTLY the same way. Feel like I am mourning them if that makes sense. I loved how they made me feel - I really did.

      The fact they are going to script only makes me really realise how bad these are for you. 

      Once in a blue moon I took more than 12 a day and I am glad I didn't make this a regular habit but I can see how easy it would be to increase the amount....so so easy - I am just so lucky I didn't as this would be much much harder. 

      I am also annoyed with myself. I say to myself 'you are an addict....you're actually an addict' and that just leaves me feeling sad. No different to being an alcoholic....

      I will try not to get too angry but I am already pretty short tempered so now doubt will lose my $HIT many a times. I am going to really try and keep busy and stay positive and be around positive people as much possible.

      'Thank you for writing to me :-) I hope you're going well!!!

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