addicted to nurofen plus

[mamadoo2]

hi all,does anyone have experience with being addicted to over the counter meds containing codeine? i started taking nurofen plus about 5 years ago for toothache but at the same time,i am also a sufferer of depression.i started taking 3 at once for the pain but then also realised i got a slight buzz from the codeine. gradually if i was feeling low,i'd take some tablets, and because i was 'functioning' better,thats when my addiction started and escalated over a year to the point where i was taking 32 a day. Irealised 2 years ago it was a major problem when i developed paranoia,became lethargic with no interest in anything.In fact the only 'buzz' i was now getting was managing to find a chemist i hadnt used for a while and geting my tablets. it turned into a day out as i dont drive and was having to get buses to the other end of town to get my daily fix. i weaned off them once, and october 09 i went cold turkey as it was ruining my marriage. cold turkey was horrendous and i finally had to tell my doctor as i experienced such bad anxiety i had to ask for beta blockers to calm the adrenaline as my body had gone into shock. it was embarrassing ,humiliating,and degrading admitting it to my husband,mum,and doctor but they were so proud of me. the doctor however just left me to get on with it and so predictively,i'm ashamed to say i relapsed in january so i am now a fraud,have let myself down, my looks are going, ive put weight on and im lethargic and depressed again but i just cant get past the psycological addiction.im trying to wean myself off now but its now such a big part of my life,i feel "lost" when i dont take these tablets.i feel abnormal.how do i get past this and does anyone else find it hard getting past the psychological bit?? its a lonely secret problem which is why ive joined

[pattifan]

Hmmm... I'm not going nuts then!  I was sure there had been a few posts from US users in some states, that had been buying OTC codeine products.

[onthefence]

I always thought you could not get any codeine in U.S.A. (cough syrup N+ etc.)w/out a presription, like you can in some other countries, but then i ran across this wikipedia,

It is in Schedule V of the Controlled Substances Act in the US. In some states (for example, North Carolina), you can purchase it on-the-counter, but you have to sign a list and show state ID in order for the pharmacist to give it to you. That way, the Pharmacist and DEA can monitor who might be purchasing more than is necessary.

i dont always beleive wikipedia,  but after some research i guess its true.

[pattifan]

Oops, sorry,

Codeine containing compounds apparently do require a prescription in the US.

Very few other countries require this though. I believe it is OTC in Canada for example

Having said that, it's still freely available from internet pharmacies.

[pattifan]

Hi,

These things are very much available in the US, although availability varies from state to state.
They are all codeine containing analgesics, some with muscle relaxants and sedatives added.

The brand Nurofen plus is mainly found in the UK, but they will be where you are, just under a different name.

There is a specific site in the UK solely devoted to OTC pain pills. It is a huge problem. Because codeine is weaker than oxy or hydro, people simply take more to get the same effect, which is dangerous in itself, as it means taking massive doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen too.

It's hard to get away from opiates...

Take care

[ilvmakindolls]

I keep reading posts about people being addicted to this medicine and that you can buy it over the counter????  May I ask what country you are all from?  I have never heard of this kind of medicine being available to us here in the US....maybe I should really start reading the labels on stuff here.  The Lord knows that I am having a tough enough time getting off these ones that are prescribed so I have been buying and using more over the counter medicines like Aleve trying to stay away from Asprin containing products.  I hope these medicines are not here in the US.
Good Luck everyone and God Bless

[narla]

I was abusing over the counter codeine on and off for 20 years,and I am an alcoholic also,so I was using both at the same time,for me I knew tapering wouldn't work so with my doctors help and support from my family I quit both C/T,
You really do need a doctors input and care and you will also need aftercare to deal with the psychological problems associated with giving up your DOC.We have all suffered these problems and it is harder to stay clean than it is to get clean.

Good Luck  Denise

[LeaAnn807]

Laurel ROCKS!  Do what she said, and this will be over soon.  It's very good advice! : )

Keep posting and get some therapy or support of some kind so you don't have to do this again, ok?!

[pattifan]

Hi,

I'd just like to back up what Laurel said. Everyone has their own way of course, but in my opinion, trying to taper will only prolong the misery. Something to think about.

Whatever you decide, you know you'll get all the help advice and support that you need right here on the forum.

Wishing you the very best of luck

[laurel453]

Hi welcome to the forum!

yes, we all have experience of what you are feeling and going through...it seems you have reached the point of being sick of being sick ...and asking for help. You have experienced the wds so you also know that it is doable, the phycological addiction is also doable but as you know now you will need aftercare to help you with it, you have talked that you started using as a way of self medicating for your depression, maybe you will need help with it also after detoxing. The important thing is that you know that getting clean is easier than staying clean so we have to work hard on our recovery but it is worth it....you are saving your life now so don't be shy to ask for therapy, some addiction counselling, na meetings...be proactive and posiitive with your life after pills, you can do it :)  

stay here posting because this is a very good place to find support from other addicts...read as much posts as you can to learn from others who are going through the same.

i think you could  go cold turkey, mamadoo ... there are some natural supplements that can help you during wds ..

some magnessium+calcium, potassium supplements ( muscles aches, RLS)

immodium ( diarrhea)  

advil

Hylands restful legs ( RLS ,..... or some tranquiliser tea )

drink a lot of fluids to keep you hydrated, this is very important ( gatorade, green tea, apple juice, tonic water has quinine on it and can help you with rls)

take a lot of hot baths to relax your muscles and calm your soul ( with epsom salts if you have them)

some valerian root and melatonin to help you with anxiety and sleep

eat as healthy as you can.... vegs, protein food

and good luck, be positive that you can do it, ok :)  the mental part is hard and we need to feel positive with the outcome not matter what we go through :)