Codeine and Appetite

chookgate

Forgive me if this has been asked before, I am new to the forum.

I have had both knees replaced due to OA (one 5 months ago and one 7 weeks ago) and am taking co-codamol (8/500) for the pain - trying to cut down, so currently only a couple of doses per day. However I have been taking co-codamol for over a year (prior to TKR's the 30/500 strength).

I've noticed over the last month or so, that about half an hour after taking it, I get food cravings - I either want crisps/chips/chicken sandwich or cake/chocolate/ice cream. Is this a side effect of the codeine? I'm trying to lose weight, and this is really not helping!

Has anyone else had this effect, and how did you cope with it?

ShulaArcher

Hello and welcome

This is really interesting. I've had to stop taking codeine because it put me off food and made me feel nauseous! I had a look at the information leaflet which says common side effects are drowsiness, feeling sick or being sick, constipation and sweating. There is a very long list of other, less common, side effects but having food cravings isn't on it. That's not to say that it isn't a side effect, though. The side effect which I would like to have had is "feeling extremely happy for no particular reason" - could cope with that one.

Best wishes
Shula

barbara12

I find that I have no appetite and have always put this down to the cocos, maybe it could be something else you take, sorry Im not much help.
And just to say a warm welcome from me x

dreamdaisy

I go through phases of 'cravings' and I think it's my body telling me I need a top-up to maintain some sort of inner balance. (One that comes and goes is the sudden need for summat salty at about 5pm, preferably a sliver of strong cheddar.) I've never linked it to my intake of co-cos (which is a steady four per day at 30/500) and it seems odd that this has only happened to you in the past month. I'm not sure if it is meds-related as such but are you using co-cos from a different manufacturer? Although the 'label' may be the same the manufacturers do vary in their constituents. DD

stickywicket

I've not heard of this and I tend to find the dullers are more likely to suppress my appetite than increase it. Maybe it's more to do with your reducing them?

kentishlady

Hi everyone. Think this is an interesting topic. I have found that my appetite has reduced a lot since taking codeine even though I don't take the maximum daily dosage and it's interesting to note that some of you also have the same happening. I get 'sudden bursts' when I want food (not usually at regular mealtimes, apart from breakfast). However, as I live on my own can really please myself as to when I eat and do tend to do so as and when I feel like it.

Think these meds we take have a lot to answer for?!!

Beryl

charrisse

I have never noticed anything different with my appetite..(unfortunately!!) The only thing I have is very bad constipation which is very tiring and annoying...no matter how much fruit, fibre and drinks I have.. :roll:

chookgate

mmmm, just me then! I googled "does codeine make you hungry", and found a drugs forum (think it was mainly people that are taking too much/many drugs) where people had described the very symptoms I've been getting.

I may have got the symptoms before, but since I have always had a large appetite didn't particularly notice! Maybe I just need more willpower (easy to say when I've just had a cheese and biscuit snack!)

Charisse, constipation was a real problem for me (particularly in the first 10 days or so post surgery), very painful and stressful, but since I took a well known brand of laxative (take one at night and empty your handbag in the morning one) for a few days, and have reduced from 30/500 to 8/500 co-codamol it has sorted itself out (fingers crossed), though I do try to make sure I eat plenty of fruit and restrict eggs (which have a tendency to bind me up).

I did have a couple of months last year where the doctor gave me tramadol instead of 30/500 coco's because the coco's weren't helping the pain. The tramadol seemed effective, but after a couple of months on them I completely lost my appetite and started to feel constantly sick - I actually lost about a stone in weight (not a bad thing). Fortunately now post surgery the coco's are effective again - I just can't stop eating!

dreamdaisy

Co-cos are well known for 'blocking drains'. My GP prescribes docusate capsules for when this happens - that's cheaper on prescription than the over-the-counter brands and very effective for me. My mum's GP prescribes Movicol. DD

kat

Codeine also makes me very hungry after taking it even when I've had something to eat.

X

RitaW

I take Codeine every day and have noticed that I will get cravings for something savoury some evenings but not sure if it's connected.