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Worried about mum taking codeine

Posted , 4 users are following.

Gareth51625
Gareth51625

Hi guys I'm a carer for my mum, I live with her and so go shopping, help her with other issues but I think she has developed a bit of a problem with codeine. She gets them over the counter so not the super strength but even so. Also her personality changes when she takes them, they help her pain but she becomes moody & combative when on them. When I tell her she just gets more angry & hides the pill packet. I don't know what to do as her mood on these pills is really effecting our relationship. Thanks.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • stephen14478
    stephen14478 Gareth51625

    Posted

    HI MATE

    Sorry to read about your situation. I have been through codeine addiction so know that no amount of reasoning is going to work.

    If your Mom is addicted , which is very easily done, I think you should talk to her Dr as if youre purchasing over the counter in UK there will be more paracetamol than codeine in the medication.

    Her Dr may be able to offer a short course of a drug called gabapentine which will help her to withdraw.

    If she is addicted, she wont be enjoying it as its pretty grim.

    Feel free to message me back or email me to talk more.

    Stephen

  • melissa91009
    melissa91009 Gareth51625

    Posted

    Hi. Sorry about your situation. As there is a difference between dependence (physical), and addiction (physical and psychological), you should talk to her and her dr about this. Withdrawal can be hell. know, I was taken off oxycontin as it was poisoning me but I was allowed to have 2.5mgs ordine/4 hours for pain. I was dependent, not addicted and I stopped all opioids within 2 months, including patches. The withdrawals were absolute hell so first thing is getting a dr and pain dr to review her case and see what she needs and what she doesn't. They will devise a tampering plan etc and dicuss pain management that isn'tas addictive forming. Admission to hospital for detox is also a good option if you, as her career can't cope.

    Best Wishes

    Melissa

  • melissa91009
    melissa91009 Gareth51625

    Posted

    Please be aware that going off codeine cold turkey can cause many serious issues such a seizures, severe mood changes, coma, vomiting, sweating etc. As I collapsed at home while taking pain management prescribed medication, a paramedic gave my 800mcgs of nalaxone (huge dose) and I suffered seizures on and off for over an hours. Then suffered terribly with sweating, vomiting, nightmares, cloudy head, slurred speech, diarrhea, stomach pain etc for about 10 days. I only took the ordine a few times and tampered it off myself because It made me feel worse.

    Hope your mum gets better soon!

  • Gareth51625
    Gareth51625

    Posted

    Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to make an appointment at the doctor's to discuss everything.

  • joshuapryce1987
    joshuapryce1987 Gareth51625

    Posted

    Always ask her hours after taking the medication if she is alright. Keep checking on her and always do what is right health wise.

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