Really tired is it the co-codamol

maud48
maud48 Member Posts: 170
edited 14. Sep 2009, 10:48 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello everyone
I'm not having a good day today really tired, my eyes feel so heavy, my ears are ringing (still waiting to gt that investigated) and feel nauseous.
Saw my GP earlier in the week and he told me I needed stronger meds for pain as I wasn't able to sleep. He wanted to give me 30mg cocodamol which I wasn't happy about taking, so he gave me that and also some 15mg.
I've been trying not to take many of them but last night the pain was bad so took 2 x 30mg at 8pm and then 2 x 15mg at 3pm (GP told me I could take up to 8 a day).
Wondering if that is why I'm feeling so bad today.
Also back to feeling guilty as my husband is getting impatient with me and I'm sitting here on the sofa trying to keep my eyes open and counting the hours until bedtime.
Will go back to GP, am wondering what other meds I could ask for as he didn't mention anything else,
Maud

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Dear Maud

    I am sorry today has not turned out to be one of your better days. It could be the coco but also if you are not sleeping that will make you tired and your lifestyle is not exactly a relaxing one at the best of times, is it?

    It is a good idea to go back to your gp because if you do not he thinks you are doing ok. If we feel unwell or whatever we have to keep on going back so they are aware. Never, again think like you were, that you are wasting anyone's time. You are not and that is their job.

    I wish you well. Perhaps a cup of strong coffee is in order if you like that to give you a bit of a "lift".

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • evabuk
    evabuk Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hello maud,

    unfortunately, all strong painkillers have the side effects of making you drowsy and generally sluggish (not to mention constipated) - but you often find that after the first few days that effect can wear off or reduce, so don't give up hope too quickly.

    Give it a few days and see if you feel any better :)
  • mash65
    mash65 Bots Posts: 834
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi,if the pain is affecting your sleep then you could ask gp for something to help.most of us use amptripyline(sleeping tabs)they also help to relax your muscles at night,so maybe worth a try.
    you can take ibuprofen in between cocodomols if you have swelling,inflammation.
    im sure the tiredness will wear of in a few days,it is just 1 of the side affects so is nausea but again gp can prescribe antisickness tabs for that too.oh the joys of arthr eh!!! :wink:
    just a few suggestions,hope that helps.
    luv debsx
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI,

    just thought I would share this in case anyone else had similar problems and could enlighten me ... :? :? :?

    Took my repeat prescr. in last week, and as I have been taking more co-codamol than for a while, needed to ask for both strengths on the same prescription.

    When I went to pick it up I got really grilled by the pharmacist about the co-codamol and they were thinking of calling my GP to check it, but couldn't because it was a saturday!

    I am prescribed both the 8/500 which I take when I need to during the day, and 30/500 which I only usually use at night, or on very very bad days. Some days I don't take any co-co at all, just paracetamol.

    I NEVER take more than 8 in total of either paracetamol and/or co-codamol in a day altogether, often less than that.

    When I looked at the boxes, I realise that one of them says 'take 2 4 times daily when needed' whilst the other says 'take 2 4 times daily'

    do you think this is the problem?

    just wondered if I should mention it to my GP, even though I have been taking both lots for over a year now - may not have got both strengths at the same time before - can't remember!!!

    he seemed more worried by the paracetamol I was taiking not the codeine, and I am not sure he was convinced that I knew what I was doing - but I thought I did - but wondering now!!

    off to take some more now!


    ooops - sorry to hijack post here - thought I was putting a new thread - will do that now!
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Maud

    Sorry to hear that you're feeling so low. I get days like that and when I do I try and make my life a bit easier and relax. Meals are quick and easy. I always find a nice hot shower or bath helps - keep your joints warm and rest if you're feeling that low.

    I think the meds do that to you from time to time...I get that ringing in my ears too - most annoying. Always go back to your GP if meds not 100% working for you.

    Take care.
    Sharmaine
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,032
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Maud
    Almost certainly the co-cos.
    They are very new for you at such a high dose aren't they?
    As someone aleady said though you might well get used to them over time.
    I did. I used to be able to take the max dose and tramadol at max does but now they make me feel so sick!
    Take it steady you should adjust over time.
    If you find they bung you up I take some prune juice (1/2 glass) a day and that sorts it!!
    Take care
    Toni x

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