Paracetamol and co-codamol

[cmjoyce]

Hi all,

I have significant osteoarthritis in my hip. I have been prescribed co-codamol 2 capsules at night and to take paracetamol in the daytime. As yet I have only taken 1 tablet at night and 2 paracetamol in the day. Not really helping a lot. I am not keen on taking too many painkillers as I also take Apixan as well as 5 other medications. Also heard that co-codamol can make you feel groggy in the morning. Would love to hear from anyone as to exactly how many painkillers you take and when. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to answer

cmjoyce

[Skitterysiren]

Hi I take co codamol 30mg tablets 2 x 4 times a day in the beginning it made me a little drowsy and sometimes a little high but the effects soon wear off in a matter of days as your body gets used to it I take it for osteoarthritis in my spine along with lots of other medicines like morphine..steroids..heart meds etc its a good medicine for pain although it can cause constipation from the codeine so 1 to watch but I'd try the dose prescribed by your dr as I don't think 1 tablet is enough ..u don't say what dose u r on so it may be its a little low for u ...if taking 2 tablets doesn't help try talking to your dr about a slow release morphine (mst) that might b more beneficial..good luck x

[1961jh in reply to Skitterysiren]

Hello 2 Cocodamol 3 times a day for hip and back Osteoarthritis. Added Senna tablets x2 recently at bedtime. Brilliant pain relief for me. Increased the dosage to address pain, suggest you do same. Dosage within GP recommendation. Good luck.

[chrisj in reply to 1961jh]

Is the senna for constipation? as cocodamol has a side effect of that

[tiachibird]

I take 50mg Tramadol tablet 4 x a day + Strong Paracetamol as needed. At night I take 1 Tramadol, 1 Ampitrypalene, and 1 Paracetamol.

[Iande]

Good afternoon cmjoyce. Unfortunately attempting to measure the amount of pain relief to take in comparison to what others are/have used is a mine field. Pain management is an extremely personal choice because every one's pain is different and impossible to differentiate.I have been living with pain as a result chronic nerve damage.

There are many options out there to help you manage 'your pain', it is a matter of finding what works for U. This can be a bit of trial and error.

I have posted a few times on this site regarding my experience of using Turmeric but again this does not work for everyone.

Wishing U good luck.

[chrisj]

I'm prescribed 1 cocodamol 4 times a day for knee pain and of late gall bladder stones although the stones aren't troubling me much. I rarely take them as they have little effect, I try to manage without drugs in the day. I have tramadol as well but they tend to make me feel sick, I rarely take those these days.

I also take 300g of gabapentin at night to help with sleep and nerve pain and that is much more effective. Never taken them in the day.

[Cutoff]

I am allowed 4 x 2 co-codamol a day but if the pain is bearable I go without and take 1 or 2 tabs during the night if the pain keeps me awake.

[Hidden]

Hello,

I take turmeric and black pepper capsules every day and they take the edge off the pain. I try not to take over the counter meds.

[Elvisgal]

Hi , I take 8 co codamol 30/500 per day for psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis and I have cervical stenosis and a Chiari malformation that has a lot of symptoms, on occasion I take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation rather than some of more severe drugs I have tried an didn't agree with me. The co codamol causes constipation so I adjust diet, and makes me a bit high, I just talk a lot. apart from that they are a life saver for me. I use heat and cold therapy inbetween doses as can still be sore during bad episode.

[Jalia]

I have been prescribed a transdermal patch Buprenorphine and can take up to 8 paracetamol daily in addition. I've found this very helpful whilst awaiting surgery. I've had CoCodamol 15/500 which used to help in the past and then the higher 30/500 which did not suit me so well.I guess it's a case of trial and error as what suits one does not suit another

[Happyrosie]

I have generalised osteoarthritis which is exacerbated by the side effects of the pills I take to stop recurrence of cancer. My doctor tried several pain relieving medications and we have now settled on Butec, a morphine substitute taken as weekly patches, supplemented by co-codamol. As the co-co is so constipating i take a half dose when the pain is worst, in the middle of the night. I used to take ibuprofen but this is no longer recommended for people like me who are on hypertensive medication.

[Kaye16]

Hi cmjoyceI have been taking co-codamol for many years, I had osteoarthritis in the right hip, it got to the point that the tablets did nothing, might have well as have a tick tac as didn’t even make me drowsy and I was taking up to 12 plus in 24hr, had a hip replacement and pain went, I’m now having the same problem with left hip . Doctors took co codamol off me, and gave me them separately as they work different , I take them (2x tablets)morning, lunchtime and before bed, but to be honest the pain never really goes,and sometimes when it’s really bad take extra 2 in between lunch and evening, I’ve had an injection into the hip joint that really helped and no side affects with it, but doesn’t last that long, and could only have it once as I damages the bone, I’ve been offered a replacement but unfortunately I can’t at the moment due to family issues, i found with me the pain only subsided with hip replacement,

Hope this has helped you