Solpadeine Addiction

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

hi there my husband was addicted to dihydrocodeine, aslthough stronger than solpadeine ( ?30mg of codeine in solpadiene, correct me if I am wrong)
I asked everyone, includng doctors and nurses if dihydrocodeine was addictive, there answer at the time: NO.
I knew he was addcited deep down, but what can one do.
That was 10years ago, now he is on a methadone programme and he doesnt live with me.
i am a registered Nurse and have studied pharamcology, he was started on dihydrocodeine for a minor back injury, he became addicted. He should never have been started on Dihydrocodeine and strong codeien based products should be availbale only on prescription for short periods, except for terminal ill patients:WHy?
because codiene/morphine/dihydrocodeine are all converted to heroin within the body by a chromosome ( that you either have or dont) this drug is not naturally occuring, it does not reduce inflammation or pain, it stops you caring about the pain. Unfortunately the receptors for this drug increases, so there is no ceiling and the person requires more and more, the person becomes addicted quickly and the sensationf the drug becomes the primary concern, thus we have a problem with drug addiction in this country.
I will be very interestd in your story
tc d x

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

hi toot,

my husband was addicticted to solphadine, he couldnt get thro the day without having some.[&o]

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Just for the record. My ex used to take a box of soluble Solpadeine a day together with a box of Night Nurse capsules. He was also on Heminevrin and Prothiadin.

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

I have been plagued with headaches since I was a teenager because I have to take ventolin inhaler.
I am fast approaching 40 now.

So I have been taking prescription 8/500 co cocodamol at some point every day ever since, .

I have read about co cocodamol induced headaches and this has made me sit up and listen, I am going to be mortified if I allowed myself to get into a vicious circle.
I need a codeine free alternative.

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hi toots im a 20 years plus addict of solpadiene and have actually just opened a forum spacific to solpadiene it would we good to have you visit us. jaxxxxxxxxxxx;)

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hi all! Found the discussion forum and thought I'd post my story and some other info for you all....if you can be bothered reading it. I do go on a bit!

Firstly, I'm a medical profesional. I don't want to elaborate as I'll probably stick my foot right in it, but needless to say, I have worked closely with medicines since leaving school eight years ago. As hard as it is to admit it, I am addicted to Tylex (Or cocodamol 30/500 - Codeine 30 mg / Paracetamol 500mg).....Just shows that it can even happen to those that know best!

It all started for me about 5 years ago. I was prescribed Tylex by my Doctor for a specific illness and I dont think I really needed something quite so extreme. Nevertheless, I used the capsules as prescribed and the first time I took two, I entered a new world! I spent 3 hours monged out on my bed and thought wow, they are great! Ever since then I have used every excuse to obtain the stuff through my doctor (Bare in mind that my doctor is also MY BOSS!!!).....and admittedly, when he says no, I have goneto the shelf and taken them anyway!

I have never exceeded the daily dose of eight capsules, I know the risks and if nothing else, I would advise anyone who is addicted to these things to seriously stay within the limits. In saying that though, I would say I have taken eight a day, every day, since the initial prescription. I have them in my pocket when I go out in case of a delay; take supplies on holiday; to work; everywhere. To me it's like carrying a pack of fags.

As a result of my addiction, I have left my job..... And I have chosen of my own accord and not been found out and sacked! I now work in an area of medicine where I am not in day-to-day contact with that kind of medication. I tried to go cold Turkey (something to be carefull of if you have regularly exceeded the limits - just ask me if you want to know why and I'll explain) but my main complaint, along with all the other symptoms was restless legs at night. Just the constant urge to move around, then the sweats, then move around again used to drive me to tears. As a result of this, I have now started to purchase Solpadeine Max (12.8mg Codeine / 500 Paracetamol). I take two in the morning to allieviate the initial headache and two at night before bed to stop the restless legs. During the day I just keep myself busy or take a couple of plain Paracetamol if I suffer rebound headache.It may seem silly that I want to stop taking them and yet here I am, purchasing and taking them.... but this equates to a quarter of the dose of Codeine as I was on when using (prescribed and stealing) Tylex.

The advice that I have read says that for every year you have been regularly taking an opiate containing product, you should allow one month to withdraw. ie. for a 3 year user, a 3 month withdrawl period should be used. It does take time, there is no quick fix.....Other than cold turkey if you can hack it! It takes a lot of will power. Plan ahead and look at your dosages. Aim to half the dosage at first. Ok, you don't get 'the buzz' from taking them, but it's just enough to stop the withdrawl symptoms and remember, you don't want 'the buzz' anymore - you want to be free! After a couple of weeks, half again.....and so on and so on. Do not let yourself take a few extra 'just one last time' or you will end up at square one. Remember, it takes will power to have them in front of you and still take a set lowered dose!

I just wanted to go over something that the poster 'Dallas' mentioned before I go to. Most of the info is correct but some is a little wrong. Sorry to be picky Dallas!!

Solpadeine / Tylex / Kapake are all trade names(selling names)for a mix of Codeine and Paracetamol in varying quantities. Codeine is the part that people are addicted to as it is an opiate. It takes about 40 minutes to get the full effects of Codeine when taken orally in tablet form but for paracetamol, the optimum pain relief is achieved after about 20. Hence the two are mixed and wo

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hi Bloke wow what an insight of helpfull information, would you mind if i copied the last paragraph to add to my site? heres something that might help shed light on addiction.

This is not my work.

Ok, get comfortable, this is going to be long. Please be patient as
this may be hard to explain via this medium but I will do my best.
First and formost, most people, addicts included, either don't know
or don't believe that addiction is a very real, very physcial
disease. We are not addicts because we are weak and we don't have
trouble quitting for that reason either. I'm going to attempt to
explain what addiction truly is and why it is so hard to overcome so
put your feet up and bear with me for a bit, k?
There is a natural chemical that our brain produces that is called
Dopamine. This chemical is what stimulates our pleasure center and
also what lets our brain inturperate what measures it needs to take
for survival. So, picture if you will, the following. On one side of
your brain you have a "sac" that contains the Dopamine, on the other
side of your brain you have a receptor (For the rest of this post I'm
going to refer to this receptor as a gate for easier explaination).
Now, in a normal, non addicted brain, Dopamine is released naturally
after say a good meal or sex. In the normal course of things for
instance, if we eat a steak dinner, the sac will release the normal
amount of Dopamine, let's say one squirt. The gate opens, receives
the Dopamine, we feel good and everything is as it should be. Now,
drugs also release Dopamine only at a much higher level, so while a
candy bar might release one "squirt" of Dopamine, drugs release up to
100 times the normal amount of Dopamine. So, when we first begin to
use, we swallow a pill or shoot some Heroin, 100 squirts of Dopamine
gets released causing the Euphoric feeling that leads us to use
again. The problem now though is that after a while, that one gate
cannot open fast enough to accept the unusually high amount of
Dopamine that is being supplied, so being the amazing organ that the
human brain is, it simply grows another gate to help it accomodate.
So, now we have 2 gates that are open and want to be fed. So instead
of needing to only take 1 or 2 pills a day, suddenly we find that we
need 3 or 4. Now 200 times the normal amount of Dopamine is being
released and the process continues, these 2 gates need help so the
brain grows another, and another and another........Now we find
ourselves needing 6 or 7 pills a day. While this is happening our
brain is led to believe that it now HAS to have this chemical to
survive, just as it knows that it needs food and sex to live and to
reproduce. It know thinks that without drugs it will die, for you see
the brain doesn't know what we are giving it, just that it MUST have
it or die. So, with continued use, our tolerance grows due to the
extra gates that we have open, that need to be fed and fed on a
consistant basis. So, as opposed to the normal brain that has it's
one normal gate, an addict may have 20 or 30 gates now. This is why
we can take drugs in a high enough dosage that it would kill a normal
person but for us it is the amount that we need just to feed all
those gates and keep ourselves normal.
So now, we deciede to quit. Easy enough, right?, I mean, just stop
swallowing the pills and all will be well (ever been told that?).
Well, as you know, it's not tht easy and the reason why is when we
suddenly take that drug away,stop feeding those gates, our brain goes
into panic mode, it thinks it is dying. So, what follows? 7 to 10
days of extreme sickness (WD). Our brain is sending out distress
signals just like it would if we quit eating (think for a minute what
a human will do if they get hungry enough and then you can see why
addicts will do things they never thought themselves capable of to
get what they need.) Now, after the first few days, the brain begi

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hey Wacky Jacky! No problem at all. Feel free to use any of the bits in my post that you like.

I said I would keep you all updated with my experiences.....so here goes!

Had a bit of a shock day before yesterday. Went to the pharmacy to buy my ususal 12.8 / 500's and they now have a policy in place where they will not issue it over the counter! Although it is perfectly legal to do so, they have decided to only supply it on prescription. I was offered the 8/500's which i declined....its like throwing tennis balls at a tank - useless!

Instead I purchaed 'Paramol'. This is a mix of Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol in the quantity 7.4 / 500. Dihydrocodeine is stronger than Codeine and probably, in pain killing terms at least, equates to about what I was looking for in Codeine.

Although my body craves codeine, not diydrocodeine, I have actually found it very uefull for withdrawl. It means that my body is completely free of Codeine now and the tollerence / hunger for it will be dying slowly each day. I have found that it works very well for withdrawl symptoms, even in such a low dose! I woke up this morning at 4am with restless legs, headache, aching legs and sweating. I took two tablets and within 20 minutes I was back off to sleep again.

If nothing else, I have now proved to myself that I an live in relative comfort without the Codeine in my body. The symptoms, although there will always be the odd one that you can't control, are pretty much all manageable. I'm very hopeful.....

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hi there Bloke and thankyou so much fo ryour assistance in allowing me to copy some of your posts i will of course let people know that it came form some BLOKE lol.
You sound very up-beat. Can i ask a question of you please do you know of any corrilation between O.C.D a addiction? Ive had a look in this siteDual Diagnosis Resource.
but O.C.D is not something ive come in contact with. I ve been trying to explain to someone taht thier addiction is adding to there probs with O.C.D but without factual documentation im lost. many thx in advance. have a good day. jaxxxxxxxxx

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

I can't really say that OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a 'specialist' subject of mine! I do recall reading some literature somewhere though which did look at percentages of people with OCD that are also addicted to some sort of substance.

I am unsure of the in's and out's of how each would affect each other, although I can see that for someone with OCD, it could be even harder to come off something that they are addicted to. People with OCD tend to get into strict routines. These can be really simple things. Before we go out of the house, it is normal for most people to check that the doors are locked, the oven is off, cigarettes are extingished etc. Someone with OCD may check them twice 'just to be sure' or 'because thats just what they have to do'. I remember one case of OCD that I saw where someone was obsessive about cleanliness. They would boil the kettle at least twice before using it to ensure there were no germs and this was just one little part of the 'making a cuppa' routine. Because ofthis, it would take nearly an hour to make a brew!

These little things then become habbit, a routine or a list of events that cannot be broken. Changing that routine is like forgetting to breathe. It doesn't feel right and the more the mind dwells on them, the more it is compelled to do them.

As a result of this (and I'm guessing here - with a little science thrown in!) that if someone with an addiction to lets say Solpadeine, also has OCD, taking those tablets would form part of that routine. It wouldn't just be a case of breaking a mental and physical addiction to the drug, but breaking a routine that is associated with an underlying disorder.... If you see what I mean.....Phew!

How you would go about doing that though, I have no idea!

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

:)Wow thx so much for taking the time to post that, Its very hard trying to convince someone that their OCD and addiction feed off each other although two separate isues, i think im getting there. If you do come across any good information i would appreciate the web addy. many thx again and thx for being so helpfull. jaxxxxxxxxxx[8D]

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Oh my god! I just found this article:

[link= http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34187.asp ]http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34187.asp[/link]

If nothing else, at least it proves I'm not talking rubbish lolol. Even the behavioural examples are almost the same!

Tell you what, I've got them bloody horrible restless legs again! Thing is, to put all the withdrawl symptoms into perpective, how bad are they really? How much have I relied on the symptoms in the past just as an excuse to go take a few Sopadeine? It's day 3 now and other than waking up early this morning, craving and with a headache, I think it's mostly just me wanting the 'buzz' of a few pills. After all, thats been the norm for 5 years. I want, so I will have.

Guess I best go do some shopping or something to keep me busy! I've taken 2 weeks off work to go through all this so that the sleepless nights don't affect the work too much. Most people go to somewhere sunny, somewhere nice....I take my 2 weeks off and use them to fight this! Just proves how much you miss out on as a result of these little freely available pills!

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

So sorry you suffering restless legs again, snap lol. im a 20 yer plus solp addictict hun so ive been around the block a few times. im on my 3rd week free of solps and doing good so far. Thankyou for the site info brillient il pass it on although i dont hold out any hopes as yet i cant even get them to see a GP but at least the lines of comunication are open and they know someone at least listens. Day 3 your doing well keep up the good work. jaxxxxxxxxxxxx:)

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hiya Bloke and how are things today hun? jaxxxxxxxxx

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hiya! Yeah Im good thanks. How about you?

Woke up early this morning tossing and turning afteronly 5 hours sleep and have the usual headache today but could be worse. Still plodding along!

Did you find it really difficult to even get out of bed for the first few days? Even though I'm just restlessly lying there I can't get my ass out of bed!

The one thing i have noticed though is the sudden change in hunger. I am constantly hungry! I used to take the tablets when I was hungry and leave it an hour so that I got the best 'buzz' on an empty stomach and they would often stop my appetite and I'd just not bother to eat. Now, once Im atually out of bed, I just eat eat eat!!

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hiya hun im fine thanks. The eating could be just replacing and refulling the receptors, i think it is common. Im givin git 3 months then diet (yet again ). Getting out of bed is a terrible struggle the first few days (dependant on dosage and length of time). I am suffering with osteo whichis no fun right now, but il get through it. oncewe move im changing GP and getting some pain management. Im pleased your ok.Take care of you and remember im here if you need support. jaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

RE: Solpadeine Addiction

Hi Bloke how are you feeling today hun jaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi, I'm a drug worker and have worked with OTC 'addicts' many times over the years.

if you are taking an opiate based medication (codine) you can get prescribed and a gentle reduction programme with counselling support from your local prescribing drug project.

one of the problems with many OTc meds is they are highly toxic both to the liver and stomach and sometimes people do not approach services untill they have serious problems, if you are having problems please seek support NOW.

always eat before taking any thing like nurofenplus etc as this can protect the stomach a bit.

it is possible to come off of opiates gently with support and your local drug project can offer this in STRICTEST CONFIDENCE no one need ever know you attended (unless you are someone who prescribes medication then there are ethical issues)

pain managment is a field that has developed considerably of late so once again seek help.

solpadeine discontinued in chemists

hi there everyone not sure if anyone else has noticed but where i live in n.e lincolnshire you cant buy solpadeine dissolvable anymore in our local chemist,ive been taking solpadol on and off for 10yrs now due to womens probs now my gp wont give me the dissolvable ones she says the computer wont let her perscribe them so i got normal tablets,so off i went to my chemist to buy some co-codomol and they taken them off the shelfs along with solpadeine whats happening i cant find anything on the internet or solpadeines website about this first my gp cant issue dissolvables now 3 chemist i know dont sell them either anyone help?

Hi Ladylee

replying to your enquiry - as a prescriber, and hubby of a solpadeine user.
Firstly, the computer 'excuse' - clinical systems in the surgery ( eg EMIS, Vision ) are only following what they are programmed to do; there is no ban on prescribing cocodamol soluble, and we all have old fashioned prescription pads :023: to actually write on if we so choose.

In the pharmacies, it is company policy which you are meeting. In my area of London, Lloyd's pharmacy will only sell a maximum of 32 solpadeine plus - and may baulk if they think you look shifty! What must be remembered is although this thread has been mainly about codeine addiction, there has been a big crackdown on obtaining paracetamol owing to the risk in overdose. In susceptible individuals, as few as 20 x 500mg paracetamol may have serious effects on the liver ( see for more details ). coproxamol has been withdrawn completely, even though for many elderly arthritics it was the only medication which gave relief, and the reason was overdose risk again.

the earlier advice to get professional help from local drug misuse team with supported withdrawal and counselling would be a better route than desperately seeking solpadeine 🙂 - you know you're worth it!

love & light - Doq xx

solpadeine discontinued in chemists

hi there,getting back to the discontinued solubles (dissolvables) im not the only one in lincs who have been stopped from having them an elderly friend of mine has recently been stopped from having the fizzy ones but has been given solpadol tablets insted like me and shes at a different gp to me,and as for chemist in my area they have stopped the solubles altogether as of last week no 100 co-codamols nor 60/34/16 solpadeines in fizzy type,the reason im so annoyed at this is because i cant take anti-inflammortries of any kind due to anaphalaxtic shock and taking normal tablets make me gag,and quite frankly id rather take 8mg solubles from a chemist than 30mg solpadol tablets from the gp,im not going to deny ive been using them for a good 10yrs now on and off and maybe i am addicted in some way but would still rather take lower dose fizzy than higher dose tablets that must go for something,i even begged my gyne for an operation to rid me of all pain so i dont have to reley on painkillers all the time but no go,so where do i go from here i even tried suppositories for the pain but had an allergic reaction to them,the chemist in question are lloyds,broadburn,asda neither sell fizzy of any size box only capluts and tablets thanx ladylee

Hi Ladylee,

Look, you need to see your GP and explain your addiction problem as well as your pain needs. There is a good reason or these tablets being made less available - Paracetamol is dangerous to your health when taken day in, day out....especially if you are taking multiple doses.It can affect your Liver function and have serious consequences or your health.

And your addiction to codeine nees to be addressed sooner rather than later...see your GP and explain your situation. She will be able to prescribe something to help your pain which will not further your addiction or send you into anaphylaxis. She will be able to help you with any withdrawals you have and help you get the addiction help you need. Please do take action now to help yourself, as Doq said, "youre worth it!" : )

Blessings,

Shine

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie and a solphadine addict for 20 years.
I only take disolvable as I cannot swallow pills.

I eventually told my doctor and she was very helpful but now thinks I have cut down on them, I haven't.
Where I live I can sometimes buy two boxes of 32 at a time.

I am wary of trying cold turkey but would like to try taking only one tablet instead of the usual two at a time.

I also agree that it has links to ocd as I always sit still for ten mins after taking it - an excuse maybe to just sit and do nothing?

hey ppl
just wanting some advice as ive been a solpadeine addict from the age of about 14 (im now 18) and i really think i need to get off it now. i have cut down considerably from around 25 tablets a day to now 3 or 4 a day, with what was reasonable ease but havent yet tried to get off it completely. so i was wondering if anyone here has either gone cold turkey or knows somebody that has. i have decided im going to try and stop tonight so a quick reply would be much appreciated as i may go crazy in a few days time lol

You may find EFT useful for self-help when trying to kick a habit - you can download loads of free info on , including case studies of working with addictions and a 79 page manual.

Masha

Hi I am a new member and dependant on Solpadeine for around 6 years, initally taking them for chronic back pain and migraine headaches. I am now determined to kick this habit. I have been taking 8 to 10 soluable tabs per day, sometimes more, I took 2 at 1 o'clock yesterday, through the night I experienced stomach cramps and restless legs. I intended to take none today, but read on another website that sudden withdrawal is dangerous and could lead to Status epelipticus. So a took one tablet at 9am this morning, as I work nights and am alone in the house all day. Has anyone gone through this on their own and been successful? I am prepared to put up with normal withdrawal symptoms, but the seizures frighten me! Angie 12

Addiction Therapy

I have dealt with some addictions (I dont deal with alcohol) and frequently there is an OCD link.
After gaining referral wit the GP, when I have worked with people who have vary addictions, from Ibuprofen, Solpadeine and vary pain killers and anti depressants, as long as there are back up facilities form the GP then we have usually had good results.
The main which has come up for a lot of my clients has been that there is a feeling of being upsupported without it. Additionally, most of the people I worked with all have elements of OCD in the behaviour and when I have address the problem like an OCD problem, then it has had good results.
When you remove something, there has to be something to replace it, its like leaving a hole so if you are thinking of coming off you must make sure there is something else you can do, be involved in, take part in - instead.
I wish I could be more constructively help but please always consult your GP if you are seeking outside help and let them know what you doing and who you are going to. That practitoner should then make contact with your GP to make sure there is additional support and keep them updated at all times.
Not sure if any of this helps.
Emma James

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Hi

My story of becoming addicted to painkillers containing codeine started in 2005. I pulled a muscle in my back at work and was carted off to hospital where I was given co-codamols & anti-inflammatories.
These worked great to kill the pain in my back but after a while I was taking the co-codamols because of the euphoric feeling they gave me even when my back had healed completely.
On & off over a 3 year period I've obtained co-codamols from my Dr by saying I've had a muscle strain in my back, when I've not had co-codamols I've been taking Nurofen Plus.
I've reached the point where to get the euphoric feeling I need to take at least 17 co-codamols in one sitting, so basically I want to quit before I end up with serious internal damage - or worse.
I tried once before to stop altogether and found that the withdrawal symptoms consisted of intense diorreah, stomach cramps, insomnia and an inibility to remain still while in bed at night.
Yesterday I took a total of 12 Solpadeine Plus (8/500) tablets throughout the day & night which seemed to greatly reduce the withdrawal symptoms.
Today, after having read Blokes post regarding the Paramol pills I'm going to buy a 32 pack and see if they can remove the worst of the withdrawal symptoms - I'm particulary keen to give the Paramol a try as they don't contain the same type of codeine as found in Co-codamol & Nurofen Plus.
I'll post posts daily to let you know if the Paramol approach works.