Quit codeine nearly 12 hrs ago... YIKES...HELP

[mariam600]

Hi guys,

My name is Mariam, 26 yrs old and work as psychiatric nurse. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy as a teenager and suffered extreme miagraines for yrs. At the age of 19, my doctor adviced me to use Neurofen plus (has 12.8 mg of codeine and 200mg Ibroprufen) to control my headaches. It was when I started working as a nurse---- with the hectic environment of being on my feet all day which caused my headaches to get worse---- that I started to abuse codeine. I didn't know I was addicted for over 6 months, cause whenever I would stop using it, my headaches would come back and I just assumed it was related to me epilepsy. So its been 4 yrs now, and now I take up to 30 tablets a day on a bad day... I hate the constipation and all the horrific things its doing to my organs. I attempted to quit one time 2 months ago, but I wasn't really serious and gave up after a day. Pls give me some encouraging words so I can quit. I also have another goal that I would like to be pregnant (my first) by the end of the yr. I've decided to go cold turkey... Pls give me advice on those who have gone cold turkey. Thanks guys!!

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I assume that you are in the UK? I mention that because Codeine is not something that is readily available here in the US and you may not find too many members that are familiar with it.

I too was on it many years ago for a back injury and one thing I can say about it is that it is one medication that should be tapered from and under your doctor's care. Especially, as it was mentioned, because of your extensive medical history.

There is no way for any member here to know if your headaches are a result of rebound pain or from the epilepsy and I don't think that is something you want to fool around with.

I DO understand you wanting to get off of the pills and I commend you for that but please be careful and see your doctor so you can do this properly.

I am glad you found your way here and I hope you stick around. There is a lot of great support here. Once the doctor sets a plan for you we can give you some suggestions to help ease the process. GL.

[Bad_Obsession]

Hello and welcome to MH!  I agree with Emily....I would consult your doc about going CT.

You can do this and congratulations on deciding to get clean.  Post here as often as you like with your questions.  There are very helpful and supportive people here.  Good luck and God bless!

[Emily_MHManager]

Hi there -

We'd like to add that given your medical history, consulting with a doctor about going CT would be a really good idea.  

Best wishes,
Emily

[AloneAndAddicted]

Welcome!  YOU CAN DO THIS!  You have the perfect reason...to live your life to the fullest and to bring a life safely into this world.  I'm getting ready to CT of Perc's & Morphine for the second time so I know what your feeling....it ***** but I've come to realize that 5 days is insignificant in the grand sceam (sp) of things but hard as he'll none the less.  Keep posting...follow OTC/Thomas recipe....pray.... Keep hydrated & as busy as your body will allow!  Thinking of & joining you soon!  

[Reign30]

I hope you are off work the next few days if you decided to stop today.  It's gonna be 3-4 days of physcal WD hell, but it will clear up.  

If you can..go for long walk, take plenty of immodium AD.  Read about the thomas recipe..those help with easing some of the WD symptoms. Hot bath with epson salt..you can get a pound of that CVS for a couple bucks. If you have any anti-anxiety meds..take them for a few days also.

Be strong, bring a healthy baby into this world!