Co-codamol painkillers

[jelly-baby]

I was in a car accident and prescribed these painkillers for whiplash. I only get mild symptoms now but can't stop taking the tablets. Do I need professional help? I don't really want it going down on my medical record.

[kazza12345]

when you say you cant stop taking them, what do you mean? What happens to you when you try? are your symptoms mild just because you are taking them regularly? which strength are they 10/500 or 30/500?

i would imagine that if they are being prescribed for you, the prescriber may wonder why you are still having them. If you are buying them over the counter, then have you thought about weaning yourself off, like only having 1 at a time instead of 2? or just having plain paracetamol instead of cocodamol.

[sithlord]

Was it real whiplash or ''Claims Direct'' style whiplash!!!

[jelly-baby]

It was real whiplash and I also damaged my coccyx which was really painful.

I just feel a bit addicted to them. They make me feel relaxed and I find myself panicking if I don't have them with me. I only have two twice a day normally so don't take more than is recommended. They are 30/500. My doctor did say this would be the last lot that they would prescribe as they don't like people on them long term. I don't think paracetamol would help as it is the codeine in them that is the addictive bit.

[PhilBy]

Sounds like you are becoming addicted, I believe the best way for your system to cope is not to stop taking them at all, but to slowly bring yourself off them by reducing the amount you take.... snap them into half and see how you go with one and half tablets for a week or so and then reduce by a further quarter etc.

[Lonnie]

I work as a Train Driver, and we are not allowed to take any medicine that begins with Co, Co-Codamol, Codeine etc, reason being, that on drug tests, they show up as positive, we are told its a 'false' positive, you would have to conduct your own investigation on that, but there must be a good reason for the reading,

[tigerthecat]

I have a number of friends who too are addicted to these tablets, they have been on them for far too long and there addictions are apparent. Really you need to speak to your doctor and have support. I do understand your feelings about your medical records but be reassured from someone with the most awful records I have never been prevented from doing anything in my long life. The records have been made available numerous times to employers. Good luck and seek help :-) - or alternativly devise a programme to wean yourself off very gradually, you will be able to do it.

[jelly-baby]

Thanks for everyones replies. will start today.

[gessoo]

Definitely addictive. I had to take them for two months following at accident at Christmas. They only contain a very small amount of Codeine, but nevertheless Codeine is an opiate. They actually give me mild halucinations and bad dreams. I did find it dificult to cut them out completely, but now have managed it.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003573.html

[kazza12345]

why dont you cut down to the 10/500 ones first? (i have a feeling you can buy those over the counter)

[druiaghtagh]

I have been on 30/500 for 5 years and know im addicted, just cant stop