Codeine addiction

christine46

I am extremely worried. I have been taking codeine for my arthritis for about 6 months and i find i am having to take more for them to be effective, and i start to feel very ill(dizzy, nauseus, headache)throughout the day and taking codeine makes the symptoms go away.
I dont know what to do as i need strong pain relief but dont want to feel this way.
Thankyou for any advice

vonski

Hi Christine

That's the trouble with the codeine and opium related meds you do need to keep increasing the dose for them to work. I think you should see your Dr. about the nausea, dizziness and headaches as it can be a side effect. Better to get it checked.

Love
Vonski

elnafinn

Hi christine

I have read in numerous places that codeine is a highly addictive prescription drug.

Perhaps you should see your gp. It is obviously worrying you to ask the question, straight out on here and that is a pointer in the right direction, that you are aware this could well be a possibility with you.

I wish you well,

Look after yourself,
Elna x

colinone

Hi Christine sorry to hear your having a bad time and feeling the way you do, as vonski says its one of the problems with codeine and they can have quite an effect on your bowel and tummy to. My advise is to talk to your GP as soon as you can and tell him whats happening to you. Take care and keep your chin up
Colin

eckstardeluxe

Hi, Vonski is right, unfortunately taking those meds does mean you have to increase them or become dependent on them. Have you tried Tramadol? I know there are lots of people who feel funny when taking it so don't like it, but I've never had any symptoms on it other than the initial spaced feeling when first prescribed them (I like that feeling though :oops: ) Diclofenac is also good, no side effects at all with that, except they can irritate the stomach, but your Dr usually gives you Omeprazole to take once a day to counter that. Good luck x

joanlawson

Hi Christine
I was told to take codeine, but refused as I had heard that they can be addictive. I take Diclofenac, with Omeprazole, and find it very effective, but any drug has side effects, so you need to be aware of them. You must see your GP quite urgently I think as your symptoms could be dangerous. Sorry if that sounds alarmist, but drugs are powerful things.
Joan

woodbon

Hi,
As with all drugs in this family, codine can be addictive, but don't worry, its very unlikely you'll become addicted and find it hard to give up the drug. It sounds to me, I'm not a medic, but I have had some medication training, is that the body adapts to the pain killer and the the pain 'breaks through', so, in order to stop the pain, you need more of the drug to get the same effect. Although that sounds like addiction, and, I suppose is in a way, but, if you had to give up the tablets now, or ran out of them, I expect all you would have is a horrible pain. An addict would panic and have to have the drug, if not they would feel ill, sick, trembly and panic. Of course you might have a very mild a physcological addiction, which would make you feel uncomfortable, but I guess this would partly be the effects of the pain and the anticipation of the return of the pain that would cause it. Its like getting used to taking ibroprophine and finding a paracetamol tablet doese you more good sometimes.

I fully agree with the others, though, you should talk to your doctor, as it may be you need a different painkiller now. Your body may find a change as good as a rest! . As I say, I am not an expert, but I hope this is of some use to you. Love Sue