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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, just wondered how you were getting on? Good I hope. 
    • Louise2428
      Louise2428 Neil2701

      Posted

      Hi Neil

      I have been going well thank you. I have managed to go days without taking anything. It took a week for restless legs to kick in but my dr gave me a prescription and that really helped.

      i've had a couple of pretty bad headaches and will admit I have taken the odd 2 (a day) but as I said I can go without them even with them sitting in my kitchen cupboard .

      I have felt amazing to date - have this new found energy and just feel really good.

      How are you?

  • Louise2428
    Louise2428

    Posted

    28 days ago I posted this and stupidly gave let myself down. Not majorly but enough for me to really hate myself!!!! 

    Within days I was off the Codeine. Took 12 in the Friday, 8 the next day, I think 3 the following day, non on the Monday but two on the Tuesday. Then I was free and felt amazing. I even had a drs appointment and didn’t get a script. Two weeks later i had a skin check up and got some panadeiene forte. It last 10 days. I took one in the morning and one in the afternoon!!!! I took last 1 yesterday morning. I’m so so angry with myself. I was in such a good headspace and tackled getting off them like a champion. Well so I though. I had the symptoms but did everything in my power to not get caught up in my body and how it was feeling and I honestly felt AMAZING!!!! I’ve had an upset tummy since last night. I don’t know if it’s because I’m anxious (because I’m so annoyed with myself) or whether I’m in withdrawal again....although I wasn’t taking much. I’m angry and irritable. I’m so mad at myself!!!! 

  • Neil2701
    Neil2701 Louise2428

    Posted

    Don’t let it get you down, pick yourself up and start again. You know how good it is to stop and that’s the motivation now so look to that and do what you did before. Don’t feel bad as we have all struggled to stop and it is hard, you’ve seen that you can do it though. Don’t feel angry or bad, try and put those feelings to one side or they’ll take over and you’ll end up getting more to feel better. You’ve done well and now you can push on and do even better, you can definitely pick yourself up and do what needs to be done now. 
  • Louise2428
    Louise2428

    Posted

    Thanks Neil. 

    I did a good tidy up of the medicine cabinet. I found 2 nurofen plus. I took them to get rid of them. I probably should have just flushed them down the toilet. I hadn’t had any in 48 hours!!! Anyhow that’s it again now!!!! I’m not putting myself through it again. I was terribly anxious yesterday and I ended up just laying in bed staring at the ceiling. I hate that feeling!!!! How are you going? Thanks for you kind words! You’re right! I can get in control. Determination is that key! 

  • Neil2701
    Neil2701 Louise2428

    Posted

    At least there is none in the house now, you’ve gone 48 hours too so you obviously don’t want to take them anymore. You just had a moment, it happens. You know how good it is without them now though so you can get back to that in no time now. It’s difficult at the beginning but it’s worth pushing on and getting through it. I’m fine thanks, same old for me. Nothing really changes round here, very quiet area. 😀 Stay focussed and determined and you’ll get through it, you’ll be there in no time. 

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