Co codamol

[Glasgow1967]

I take Co codamol for back and ankle pain but am finding it doesn't work as well..I've been on them for 3 years..any thoughts?

[BobD Volunteer]

Do you have atrial fibrillation?

[Glasgow1967 in reply to BobD]

Yes

[Threecats]

Hi Glasgow

This is a forum for folk who have heart rhythm disorders. I think if you do a search on HealthUnlocked for Pain Concern, that will take you to the forum dedicated to problems with pain killers etc. and hopefully you will get more help there.

I hope you find some answers soon. TC

[BenHall1]

Just wondering what grade ... I'm on 30/500, prescription grade only. Has worked v well for me with partial knee replacement pain and torn rotator cuff tendon pain.

[opal11uk]

A friend of mine took these for back pain and became addicted to them im sorry to say so please take care.

[Ppiman]

There are now three strengths of co-codamol, I believe. There used to be two, 8mg and 30mg codeine, with the latter available on prescription only. I think there’s now 20mg. All contain the same dose of 500mg paracetamol, I believe.

I understand that codeine’s analgesic effect is only because it is metabolised into morphine in the body. I gather that people vary in how well they do this, with some not metabolising it at all and so receiving no analgesic effect except from that offered by the paracetamol. It might be that this reduces over time?

If you need the extra strength, I would ask your GP. There is a reluctance to prescribe codeine, I gather, because of its dependency risk.

One of the real problems for us all on anticoagulants is our inability to take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for arthritic pain because they can all cause internal bleeding. My wife relies on occasional use of naproxen, for example, which really does help her back pain. I have less troublesome neck disk troubles and am stuck with rather useless (for me) paracetamol or the occasional diazepam for the muscle spasm.

Steve

[Billblue in reply to Ppiman]

I have on prescription 10% ibuprofen gel Fenabid works really well on back pain and joint pain

[Ppiman in reply to Billblue]

My wife has tried it some years ago without much success. I’ll mention your comment and get her to give it another go. It’s a devil of a thing. Thanks for the tip.

Steve