I'm scared,embarrassed and addicted to over the counter codeine pills(paramol and neurofen+). I need help. This is where I start. Anybody with any info regarding stopping this life ruining drug,please forward. Many thanks. (i never thought I'd even get around to doing this... here goes..)
Responses (7)
LaurieShay5 May 2011
Hey drumbull,
Do not be embarrassed, you have come to the right place to get help with this problem. There are many supportive people here, who have or are going through what you have been through. If you want to taper off the pills, you can avoid most of the withdrawals. I can help you with a taper schedule. otherwise you have the option of cold turkey and will have to deal with the withdrawals for around a week. You can google the Thomas recipe for some over the counter remedies to help the withdrawals. It recommends getting a benzodiazepine, but while that maybe helpful, it isn't a must.
Remember you are not alone and you can do this. I have helped a quite a few and am very willing to help you so keep on posting.
Best wishes,
Laurie
fallenang...5 May 2011
well u have taught me something i did not think you could get any kind of codeine otc? but you are in the right place.. I just came off oxycodone and its been a hard 3 weeks.. i had to quit cold turkey and it makes u so sick.. i could not afford the thomas remedy or suboxone.. however if u are able speak with a physician it helps to have a taper schedule and a plan.. keep posting chin up it gets easier..once your done being sick you will feel much better..again i urge you to speak with a doctor..drink lots of fluids and buy some imodium ..best wishes
5 May 2011
Thanks,that helps. If u could assist with a taper plan,that would be great. Iv tried cold turkey but iv got myself into a situation where I'm hiding this from everyone,my wife,kids... everyone! I can do this but the withdrawals need to be less obvious..the one thing I will need help with is the leg restlessness! Would u have any tips please? Thanks for listening.
Nik.Nikita
7 May 2011
Drum bull, it is illegal to sell codeine of any form over the counter in the US. Where did you purchase these pills? I hope that you get the help you need, if you have this problem, however, I do not believe the sell of codeine is being practiced anywhere in the United States in a legitimate pharmacy. On the streets yes, in a store, no. sorry . it is sold legally off the shelf in Japan. but it is illegal to bring it onto any military installation of US government. NIK
drumbull
7 May 2011
I'm in the UK. Codeine is widely available over the counter here unfortunately.
5 May 2011
Hey drumbull,
I will gladly give you a taper schedule but I first need to know what strength and how many pills a day you are use to taking. If you could post that info, I'll send you a taper schedule. As far as the restless leg, the only home remedies are hot baths and massage. I know that is not the answer you might have wanted but it is the best answer I can give. Please post or private message me with the information and I'll send you a taper schedule.
Laurie
drumbull
7 May 2011
Today I started the taper plan u recommended Laurie,thanks for that. Hope your well urself.
LaurieShay
7 May 2011
Congratulations on the beginning of a new life and keep in touch. We are here for you.
Laurie
joebud51577 May 2011
I no this may sound a little crazy or wierd... but for ur restless leg sydrome u may have trouble with... the best things i found, was this olf fasjhion home remady... simply buy urself a bar of Ivry soap, open it up, put that under ur fitted sheets in ur bed down by your feet... and u mite just be suprized that it would help. I have suggested this to a few other friends and family members, they were shicked and happy as well bc of agood nights rest they had for the first time in a long time... Hope at the least, this helps a little. Its atleast a tiny suggestion. Hope u get ur taper plan started, and get urself that thomas recipe for self detox... im shure u will get a lot of response and comments of concerns. there are so many nice, loveing and careing people on here always willing to help in every way possible. Your doing the right thing, by starting to realize u may need help, again, you are def in the right website as well... Please keep us all posted as much as u can... take care, be well and stay safe... Peace...
drumbull
7 May 2011
Thanks Joe,i will try the soap cure,nothing anyone says to me on here sounds weird,I'm open to any help. Today I started my taper plan and I know iv got a long road ahead but I'm ready! Keep safe urself bud and thanks for getting in touch.
8 May 2011
Feeling a bit sorry for myself today, I keep thinking about the harm I'm causing to my family,friends and myself. I know iv noone to blame for this but myself and I'm on a road to a better life but still,there's nothing positive about being an addict! Just wanted to ramble on for a small while. Together we stand proud tho.
LaurieShay
8 May 2011
Hang in there Drumbull. It is actually good that you are feeling these feelings. Write them down then when you are tempted to use again in the future you can refer back to these words and remember just how bad it was. You are on the road to a better life and these difficult times will make you a better person. In just a few weeks from now you will be able to look back and feel a sense of accomplishment. You are on the right path, so stick to it and fight the good fight. You will succeed.
Laurie
Nik.Nikita
8 May 2011
Drum bull, feeling sorry for yourself is all part of being an addict. Don't beat yourself up over it. You have made a wise choice to get clean and it won't be an easy task, but you can do it!! I hope that you have a good and loving family who will support you on your journey. it's very important to have a good support system in place. you are not a bad person, you just got caught up in a vicious cycle like the rest of us. Nobody wants this. At least you were only taking one of the lowest narcotics on the scale A's far as strength goes. Codeine is a schedule III not a schedule II like vicodin. It shouldn't have quite the bad side effects as the other drugs do. I'm not saying you won't have withdrawals from it because you will. but trust me, it will not be as bad as if you were addicted to Oxycontin for example.
17 Jul 2011
I had a codeine addiction for 6 years. It was horrible. I tried cold turkey a couple times which resulted in the worst withdrawals. Flu like symptoms, diarhoea, shaking, sweats, buzzing tingling sensation, restless legs, nausea (the nausea was the wrost for me)
But there is hope you can get through this.
I havnt been off codeine for long yet. Almost a month now. But that is the longest I have gone without it for 6 years.
I cut down my doses by tapering for 6 weeks. I did this really slowly. I was taking about 300-500mg a day so I did it really really slowy but once I got rid of my panadeine forte 30mg per tab I cut down eventually to four 12.8mg tablets a day and went c/t from there. Try cutting half a tablet every four days.
OK so here are some things that helped me when I went cold turkey.
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Thanks for your response.looks like iv arrived at a place where I can look up to folks who are tackling their issues.hopefully one day,I'll be helping others too. Thanks again. This time its personal!
FallenAngel, I haven't been able to ask you a private question lately for some reason. sometimes this site acts up and locks me out! How are you? FYI-you can't buy codeine OTC in the US. My job is going well for now, very exhausting because I haven't been doing this for the past six years. I'm going to hang in there though , so I can save up enough to build my dream home!! Talk to ya later, NIK