1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Opiates And Opioids

How addictive is Codeine to ex Morphine users?

Posted , 3 users are following.

oly958
oly958

I've been free of pain killers and all meds for 8 months now. It takes a while for your bodies natural pain management to be effective again so I've been patient but now its really affecting my ability to concentrate - really struggling to work, getting worried. It's almot like my head has had enough of taking the strain and ignoring the pain. It hurts loads less, and continues to do so, but my tolerance to it is fading, 480 days of significant pain and counting, bored of it. My Doctor prescribed me Codeine after quitting the Morphine/Oramorph which I felt was stupid but I've never touched them. Will I become instantly dependent again as it's another Opiate? I can't handle more withdrawl but it would be nice if I could take something for those odd occasions when I just can't deal with it and need to get stuff done.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • tony15730
    tony15730 oly958

    Posted

    After being addicted to morphine I would say you are a high risk of becoming addicted to codeine. They both have very similar affects on the body and mind. Codeine has a strength roughly 1/10 of morphine.

    If you do need them for pain My advice is give them to some one you trust not to give in to you and ask them to give you the tablets at the correct times and dosage. That will stop you taking extra and abusing them.

    I hope you feel better soon.

  • fran_65475
    fran_65475 oly958

    Posted

    From what I know of patients , its very difficult to treat patients  who had previous addiction , but there are other meds available , but the risk is there .Can you see a pain specialist who may be able to do nerve  ablations etc for pain? I dont know where your primary pain is coming from , but if its nerve pain , its worth pursuing this line if its appropriate, I had got to the stage where I couldnt walk around a supermarket , but since the ablation its got better and better. i was warned it would take 3 months and it did, but Im already looking to go back to work, not nursing , but something  else completeley.The ablation doesnt last forever , but can be repeated every couple of years , hope this helps x
    • tony15730
      tony15730 fran_65475

      Posted

      Fran makes a good point. Have you looked at other options for long term pain such as amitriptyline. Consider asking your doctor to refer you to a pain clinical as they will have much better experiance and knowledge for dealing with long term pain than a GP.
    • oly958
      oly958 tony15730

      Posted

      Thanks all, I'm convinced - not a good idea. Think I need to see my Doctor and be a bit more assertive that I don't want Codeine and see if he can be a little more creative.

    • tony15730
      tony15730 oly958

      Posted

      That soubds like a good idea. If your gp is not helpful see someone else. At the end of the day you don't have to live with long term pain without a suitable treatment to help and you shouldn't.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.