Strongest Painkiller, Please

[Psybbo]

That can be bought in a chemist, to help ease sciatica. An elderly person has asked me to find out.

[Big Jenny]

Different things work for different people. I find Ibuprofen very good, but not everyone would agree.

BJ

[Mamyalynne]

I think probably Co-Codamol 8/500 will be the strongest available with no scrip.

[smurf]

you can now buy co codamol from chemist works for me

[sandyRoe]

Agree with Mamya. But even cocodomal 30/500 doesn't do much for the pain of sciatica.

[sandyRoe]

30/500 is only available on a script

[Mamyalynne]

You can also alternate the lower dose Co-Cods with Ibuprofen for the initial worst stage of pain , but check with pharmacist in case they have other meds and conditions too.

[Psybbo]

Thank you all. I'll pass that on but I think she needs to see her GP.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree.

[sivam]

Sorry to say Gp s are not the best port of call for sciatica. Bowen technique is an effective treatment at low cost. There will be a practioner in your area- to be found on line. Good luck.

[Psybbo]

Thank you, I'll add that too.

[Goodsoulette]

Depends on what is causing the sciatic pain, voltarol gel might be the best bet.

[Elina]

I agree with mamya .. co-codamol. After years of changing prescription tabs ... I was finally given these that have made a huge difference.

[stuey]

A couple of years ago, I had a bout with sciatica (fortunately it didn't last long). Anyway someone suggested "Neuragen". It's a topical application, and you just apply a few drops to the painful area. I kid you not: the extreme pain disappeared within about 20 minutes. It's not cheap at about 10GBP in your money.

[Peter Pedant]

well ifshe is ickle - as an elderly person may be
4 g of paracetamol to kick off 1g every six hours
add in ibuprofen - I notice that the adult dose is recommended 800mg a day so that would be 200mg every six hours

if she is taking ibuprofen she should also be taking something for the stomach such as ranitidine or lansop

then add in codeine - Not many people seem to realise that it is available over the counter as linctus. but what the hell - I wouldnt take more than 60mg per day 10 mg every four hours
at this dose would constipate - but that wasnt the question

well that is the strongest as asked ....

a pharmacist has a power to sell codeine but you do not have a right to buy ( ie he can refuse if he didnt like the look of you ) - not really a problem in the country I think - there used to be a codeine book that you signed but they might have stopped that

[jourdain2]

I've had more than enough sciatic pain. Any of the above are worth trying - Voltarol ointment, is, in my experience pleasant but useless.

Long term physiotherapy plus osteopathy sorted me out. It started again a couple of months ago and I am seeing a physio and an osteo. things are improving. If really dire, Ibuprofen is the best for me - top dose as recommended on box.