Co Codamol...what dose?

purpleunicorn

Hi all

I am due to go to the dr on wed, after the nurse practitioner finally took notice of my back and hip pain yesterday. In the meantime she has prescribed me cocodamol 30/500...I took 2 this morning after setting my alarm early in the hope this would enable me to get out of bed without quite so much pain. It still took me 2 hours to pluck up the courage to move, it was excrutiating, and the tabs only took the very edge off the pain. What dosage do you take?

Also, a few weeks ago the dr gave me diclofenac, straight after writing out a prescription for me for my citalopram. Luckily I googled it and under no circumstances should the 2 be taken together. So I can't take those which is a shame as they have helped enormously in the past. Is there an alternative that anyone knows of that can be taken with ADs?

Thanks

kellerman

Hi
I was prescibed coco's this strength 2x4 times a day.I never take this many as they knock me out.
No painkiller will get rid of the pain...only dull it if your lucky.
If this is your 1st dose they do take a while to get into your system.

I'm pleased you are seeing your doc on Wednesday.
I can't help as regards the other medication you have been given...I sugest you mention it to the doc and see what he/she says.

I'm really sorry you are in so much pain and I hope you get some help from your doc.
Kindest regards May

dreamdaisy

I am on co-cos and take two at a time, but never less than four hours apart. I usually get by on four a day and yes, they don't take the pain away but they dull the sharper edges of it sufficiently for me to get on with stuff. I have learned over the past fifteen years that pain is now part of my life and I have accepted it. It's not pleasant, at times it's far from easy but it's what I have and that's that.

As for the diclos, I was recently prescribed those to help with the pain of pulled chest muscles, not only am I on Citalopram but also injected meth and yes, the diclo leaflet said don't take if you're on those! I ignored the leaflet, took the diclos (plus my Omeprazole tummy protector) and they really helped. I did get the side effect of bruising but I've now stopped the diclos as the chest is better, the bruises have gone and my rheumatology helpline reckoned it was the diclo reacting with the sulphasalazine I take. Who knows? I am considering taking just one a day because they also helped the arthritis and bruises be damned. My blood tests will show if anything goes seriously amiss and I can stop them again if necessary.

I have taken medical drugs for 48 years out of my 52, when given a new med I dutifully read the leaflet and all the contra-indications and then ignore them. Familiarity does breed contempt but with all the monitoring that goes on I don't worry about the we-don't-want-to-be-sued warnings. If you are new to all of this however, then yes, of course you will not be so cavalier and rightly so. Don't be afraid to ask your pharmacist about possible drugs interractions, they are a valuable source of good information. Take the co-cos regularly, maybe two every six hours or so, they will have a cumulative effect and I hope they take away a little more of the pain and make life more comfortable for you. Be aware that they can cause constipation but again your GP can help, I have Docusate caplets to deal with that matter. Take care and keep warm! DD

Hi DD,
I know you have mentioned this, but felt it was good to reinforce this
Just a word of caution here
It is very important to take great care when starting any new medication, to take them as prescribed, to be aware of any interactions with other meds, as you have found, and to be aware, with things like paracetamol especially, that it can be found in a number of medications and you must not go over the limit when combining them. Always seek the advice of your gp or health team.
Also a lot of people find their pain can be removed or greatly relieved by taking regular meds, and if they don't work well enough there are many options/combinations to enable you to feel at least comfortable and very probably almost fully OK!

Moderator
YEH

frogmorton

Hi Purpleunicorn

usual does is 1 or two at that strength 4 times daily.

Ideally though used in conjunction with a NSAID like diclos it really should at least take the edge of your pain.

I was once told that you need to get 'ahead' of your pain. I was taking the co-cos (tramadol l think then) then 2 hours later the NSAID and so on up to the max daily dose and don't forget co-cos contain paracetamol so watch other stuff like lemps*ps. You are right to be cautious with the two meds having read a warning like that.

In your shoes no way would l be taking the diclos...luckily you do have an appointment soon and can get some advice form the doc. If you get reassurance there then you will at least know you are safe.

Good luck P.Unicorn

LOve

Toni xxx

scozzie

mmm ... yes I definitely agree with DD, take them regularly - they'll only dull things, but they will take the edge off!

Good luck
Laurie

valval

dd quite right first dose does not touch it for some reason the next does help but i take lower dose ones and they mess with my head totaly so try not to take them val

Starburst

I take the 30mg codeine/500mg paracetmol ones. I always take 2 in the morning to get me over the morning hump of stiffness, swelling and pain. I usually take another two about 6 hours later and sometimes another 2 if it's a bad day but usually I take 2 doses of 2 co-cos a day. They, in combo with celebrex, take the edge off.

I'm on citalopram and celebrex with no interaction problems. It's the only NSAID I've tried but I'm happy on it.

By the way, if you're worried about interaction problems (and think your GP has missed it) ask a pharmacist. This is their area and they tend to be very clued up.

x

hileena111

Hi
Toni is right when she says keep ahead of the pain......this is what I was told. Keep on top of the pain.,......never play catchup.
So take them regularly.

As for contraindications......I was a nurse and tend to be cautious about these things......especially when you are on a few different drugs.
I was prescribed amitryptiline and something at the back of my mind said I shouldnt take those with anti convulsants.
I have epilepsy but its well controlled. Nothing for 31 years which is why I wouldnt take anything that might jepordise it.

I read the instructions {which i never do } sometimes you could frighten yourself to death and yes there it was.....contraindicated.
I rang the doc.......are you sure he said....yes.
He looked it up and said yes you are right but the dose you are on SHOULD be OK......no guarantees mind.

So that was it.......much as I needed something like that at the time the thought of something happening when I was driving, {crashing, killing myself or others}....at the least losing my licence. I waasnt taking them.

Sorry for the ramble....but be careful.

Love
Hileena