Real time recording of codeine in Australia
Posted , 31 users are following.
Hi,
I'm a long time codeine addict, and due to real time recording of codeine have been refused sale of codeine. I understand the reason that the Pharmacy Guild have put it in place, but is that where it ends? Just refuse selling it to people? I feel like they have not thought things through in bringing in these new regulations. They obviously know there are addicts, but have they thought past the notion of just cutting them off? Are there any safeguards in place for those of us who are heavily addicted and have been so for many years now. I read stories of people who then approach their GP, and are told the only option is go cold turkey. I'm really struggling and would like to hear how others are coping with these new changes.
1 like, 268 replies
ellenbe
Posted
I've had to learn to live again without the codeine, and that is a constant struggle. For so long I've had that crutch to lean on, now I feel like I'm in free fall. Although I haven't been 100% clean, I've managed pretty well, and I'm proud of that.
I hope I can continue to fight and to improve. Generally I'm still having trouble sleeping, feel headachey, but overall ok. Haven't had any since last Saturday.
How is everyone else doing?
WilRo ellenbe
Posted
You're totally right, not being able to take my kids on a quick trick to the chemist to get my Suboxone (or me feeling uncomfortable about going) is a small price to pay if it means my kids don't have to visit me in hospital. I remember very clearly the look of concern on her face when my daughter came in and I had tubes going in everywhere. Although she giggled her head off when she discovered she could see me wee through the catheter tube. Kids bring light and laughter to any situation.
You are really strong ellenbe, even if you don't believe it yet.
In a way, I've chosen the easy way out. At some point I'm going to gave to deal with the withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone but getting generally healthy is my main focus at the moment.
I'm hoping that when I have my next endoscopy they will reduce the amount of PPI medication I'm currently taking. It is known to cause stomach cancer with long term use and I currently take a really high dose that the pharmacist always questions.
This is my third day on suboxone now without taking any codeine. I feel fine, no withdrawal symptoms and to be honest it gives me a slight buzz after taking it. That will wear off though so I still expect there to be some difficulties in the near future but nothing like going cold turkey on Codeine.
Yes I will be seeing the Physc, I think you should too. Although I can talk to my wife about my issues, talking to someone independent helps a lot. Simply talking about what bothers us is always beneficial. A good Physc will be non-judgemental, listen well to what we say and will try and offer alternative ways of thinking or doing things. CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) has helped me a lot in the past which is something Physc's like to push.
I'm having major internet issues at the moment so I'm not sure if this post will be successful but if I go quite for a few days that's why
WilRo
Posted
Hi Everyone,
A small update. So I'm on day 4 now of Suboxone and no codeine. Still feeling good without any withdrawal symptoms. I must say that I've thought a lot about buying some Nurofen Plus in the last 2 days and even drove to the chemist but once there I convinced myself otherwise.
Even if I were to take some I wouldn't feel the effects due to the Buprenorphine in Suboxone. It binds much more strongly to the opiate receptors in the brain and codeine is not strong enough to overpower it.
On my next appointment with the addiction specialist on Monday I will ask to increase my dose in the hope that it helps eliminate the small cravings I still have.
Overall things are going really well. I just need to remain focused on the task. The Suboxone has made this so much easier as there are no withdrawal symptoms at all. I know that I'm replacing one addiction with another but at this point in my life I'm happy to trade a physically damaging addiction with one that is not.
How is everyone else doing at the moment?
Wilro
ellenbe WilRo
Posted
Hi Wilro,
It's a tough road, and it shows how insidious addiction is, when you're still thinking about N+ while on Suboxone. It's easy to understand though, given the Suboxone may help the physical symptoms, but there are the mental symptoms as well. That daily inner dialogue you have with yourself to take our not to take. That's a big thing that you drove to the chemist and choose not to take any. That's really tough, so that's great that you were able to say no that time.
I've had a bit of a bump in the road. As you know, I haven't had any for a while. For a few days I've had a nasty headache that panadol wasn't really helping with. Went in to a new chemist to buy codeine (was ready to hand over my license) and no recording, no questions asked?
So, here I am. Now this option has been opened up to me I feel very conflicted. At the end of the day, I am an addict, and that has just opened up another avenue of temptation. I took 4 codeine tabs last night and that helped with the headache. I'm hoping that I can just travel along clean for a while.
I feel incredibly weak at the moment. I don't have a lot of willpower, so I'm hoping I can get through this without backtracking too much.
Will keep trying the best that I can.
WilRo ellenbe
Posted
Hi ellenbe,
Even though we both admit we have an addiction problem I don't believe we should be too hard on ourselves for slipping up.
Especially when pain or headaches are involved. It's just unfortunate for us that our addiction is to something commonly used for headaches.
You've still put yourself in a much better position over the last month then you were in prior to that.
I hope that finding a chemist who is not recording isn't going to be too much of a temptation for you. It surely was for me.
All we can do is keep taking small steps in the right direction and eventually we'll get there.
Just keep reminding yourself why beating this is important to you, for your health, your family and especially your kids. I don't want my kids to start noticing bad behaviours in me and having memories of their fathers problems.
I certainly have faith in you and that you'll be successful in the end.
Wilro
ellenbe WilRo
Posted
Thanks for your kind words. I know I'm definitely in a better position than I was. I'm trying to be strong, but as you know, easier said than done
WilRo ellenbe
Posted
Hi everyone,
So last night I caved and took 30 Nurofen Plus tablets. I knew it wasn't going to work and it didn't. The Buprenorphine in Suboxone has a much higher binding affinity that Codeine Phosphate.
Codeine simply cannot override the Buprenorphine no matter the dose. It's weak of me to do it but at least I know now that there is absolutely no point in me taking Codeine any more as I will never feel it.
I didn't need to take it. The Suboxone is very good at keeping withdrawals and cravings under control it was just the mental addiction to it that made me buy it. I go back to my doctor tomorrow and we'll probably increase my dose. After that I can't see anyway that I'll want to try codeine again
WilRo ellenbe
Posted
Hi Everyone,
So I've been on suboxone now for, 8 days. I saw my doctor again today and he has given me a two month script and changed it to the pharmacy of my choice. No more waiting in loading docks and having to line up with other people who are doing it way tougher than me. The number of angry people, swearing and banging on the counter for service really freaked me out so I'm glad to be going somewhere else from tomorrow.
The doctor also changed my script so I can take more suboxone if I feel I need to.
So far so good, I feel like there is some progress in my life
WilRo ellenbe
Posted
Hi Everyone,
So I've been on suboxone now for, 8 days. I saw my doctor again today and he has given me a two month script and changed it to the pharmacy of my choice. No more waiting in loading docks and having to line up with other people who are doing it way tougher than me. The number of angry people, swearing and banging on the counter for service really freaked me out so I'm glad to be going somewhere else from tomorrow.
The doctor also changed my script so I can take more suboxone if I feel I need to.
So far so good, I feel like there is some progress in my life
WilRo ellenbe
Posted
After two months I'll be able to start getting take home doses. I'll get 6 take homes per week and just have to take it in front of the pharmacist one day per week. At the moment I still have e to go in every day and take it in front of the pharmacist.
It costs me $30 per week. The suboxone is free (paid by the government) but the chemist charges $5 per day or $30 per week to dispense
Becky07 WilRo
Posted
Just checking in with everyone, I've been reading this thread daily. I really want to write words of support and encouragement, just struggling with it myself quite a lot at the moment and can't seem to find the words.
WilRo Becky07
Posted
Hi Becky07,
How are you? You don't need to write something all the time. Just check in like you're doing and say hi.
Is there anything I can help with? Even if it's just a PM for you to rant and get stuff off your chest?
I like to think I can be here to assist anyone (although I'm not on the site 24x7) when they may need a sympathetic ear.
Like everyone else here, I know you can overcome any problems
ellenbe WilRo
Posted
Hey Wilro, that's amazing that there was no effect from the N+. I know that's how Suboxone works, but still amazing to hear it first hand.
That's great that you can now go to a chemist of your choice, and that you control whether you need more or not. It must make you feel more in control of your own life. That's never a bad thing.
I love that the government pays for Suboxone. It gives people another avenue that potentially could save their lives.
Great to hear you are hanging in there.
ellenbe Becky07
Posted
Take care.
kate37478 ellenbe
Posted
Hi Ellenbe and everyone in this position atm,
I have been addicted to N+ for about 9 years. I came off CT about 2 years ago because I got sick and could no longer stomach the tablets, it was hell for about 3 weeks and then mental health issues following for months, but unfortunately at that time i replaced N+ with alcohol. I went through a tough patch and started taking them again about 6 months later. most days i was taking 19-25 tabs a day plus drinking a bottle of wine a night. Since Medsassist has come in I have completely changed my habits, I no longer drink (as when i do drink i have no willpower to stay away from the tablets) and say giving up drinking as the only way i could be strong enough to resist taking high doses of N+. So at the moment I am tapering down my dose, I started two weeks ago, and jumped from about 20 a day to 10 a day (5 tabs in morning, 5 at night). At this very moment i am taking 4 in morning and 4 at night and have a plan to reduce by one tablet every 4 days. Withdrawals are mild compared to last time which was cold turkey. My end date is July 29 to be completely free of them. Most chemists in my area have Medsassist however i have 7 within 30 min drive that dont yet, but im sure they will soon and thats what is motivating me, i get anxious to think that my supply will be cut before i can taper sucessfully.
I have researched many natural remedies for opiate withdrawal and I came across some info about VIT C assisting with withdrawals, google "vit c and opiate withdrawal" heaps of info online. So i decided to give it a shot, from what i have read it only works in high doses, like 10-20 grams a day. Not sure if its the placebo affect but i have been chewing about 10-20 Cenovis Mega C chewable tablets (1000 mg) per day and i can honestly say its helping heaps! the days i havent taken them i really notice it, the worse for me is leg pain, but the days i have taken them my symptoms are greatly reduced.
I hope this helps other people to
WilRo kate37478
Posted
Hi Kate37478,
Welcome to the discussion. It's great that you're taking steps to reduce your codeine use. I also ended up with major stomach issues.
It sounds like you have a pretty good understanding of your situation and I think that will really help you in the long run.
The Vitamin C theory is interesting. If you think it's working for you keep it up. It doesn't matter if it's a placebo effect.
Personally I'm not convinced about the theory yet. I've read too many things online relating to it as well as claims made that are simply not true. One claim went as far as saying Vitamin C binds to the mu opioid receptor which is highly unlikely as there would then be a potential to initiate precipitated withdrawals which just doesn't happen when taking Vitamin C.
In saying that, I believe everyone's chemical and biological make up is different and what works for some may not work for others.
I'm happy we have another person here to share experiences and give each support.
Wilro
ellenbe kate37478
Posted
Hi Kate,
Like a lot if us here, medsassist has really thrown us a curve ball, and forced us to stop even if we didn't want to.
I hope the taper is going well, it's such a tough thing to do. Just know you have support here.