use of co codamol pain relief

Minty
Minty Member Posts: 13
edited 6. Sep 2025, 19:27 in Living with arthritis

I have arthritis in both knees, feet and shoulders. I take Naproxen one daily but it seems to have lost effect. Pain. levels have worsened significantly over the last year. My GP has given me ongojng Co codamol 30/500 now and Im using them very sparingly (only ever 2 a day and don't take unless I need to be out and about). I've been worried about addiction but in so much pain now just with everyday activities. Im wondering if I'm just being over cautious. Anybody else either experience of taking these meds?

Comments

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 253

    Hi @minty

    I used to take cocodomol 30/500mg for pain and they made me feel very drowsy which affected my quality of life as I was always too tired to do much. I would speak to your rheumatologist about starting a different drug which might be better for long term use.

    Claudia x

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 936

    Hi @Minty

    You might be better taking them as prescribed.

    I was told off for not taking my painkillers properly. If you use them only when you need them, you have to wait for them to take effect. That effect slowly wears off and it's better to keep the pain relief topped up to work better.

    Yes there are side effects, if you work, try and start taking them on a Friday so that by Monday your body is more used to them. Yes, they can made you constipated, proper chocolate sometimes helps with that. Yes they can make you drowsy and if they do, don't drive.

    Over a period of time you will find your body gets used to them and the side effects lessen but the pain relief continues.

    I don't like taking meds but when you're faced with pain in one hand and no pain in the other, which would you choose?

    If after taking them fir a month or two you really can't get on with the side effects, speak to your GP, there are other painkillers available to you.

    Trish

  • FrankieC
    FrankieC Member Posts: 4

    Hello @Minty I was first prescribed codeine which didn't work then Naproxen which helped briefly but made me feel queasy 🤢 Currently on Dihydrocodeine 60mg 3-4 times a day!! I try to start any new pills on a Friday, so I can gauge any side effects etc before next working week starts. Persevere, you'll find something that works for you. Understand your worries re addiction, but it's Catch22 🤷‍♀️

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