Medication

[Africanmonkey]

Does anyone know if there is a different medication rather than codeine as I am on a high level now and I am really very tired. Unable to do anything.

[Dizzytwo]

Hi there, according to the NHS here in the UK the main treatment for pain and better sleep is an antidepressant.

These don't work for everyone just like all medications. They may help some but not others. But this type of medication is usually the first thing many GPs will try first.

You really need to make an appointment to see your doctor and discuss your options with them.

All antidepressants and strong pain medications need to be prescribed by a qualified doctor.

[Purplebluebell in reply to Dizzytwo]

Hi, I've been on Amitriptyline x nearly 30 years with good effect. However it does not mix well with alchohol so I have to be careful not to drink much and nothing if driving. It is very drying to the mouth but I work round that.

Now there are other antidepressant medications that can be used instead but I've never wanted to switch. I can manage to keep my weight stable but not sure I'd be able to with the other types.

[Dizzytwo in reply to Purplebluebell]

Hi there, was your reply meant for me or the OP xx

[Princess61 in reply to Purplebluebell]

Hi purple bluebell, can you tell me how many mgs of amitriptyline do you take a day for your pain control? I've just started them and I have been prescribed up to 50mg a day. Not sure what to take for maximum benefit.

[Purplebluebell in reply to Princess61]

Hi, I'm on 10mgs 2 hours before bed Princess61.

[Alice2004]

pain killers

I have been on medication for pain for 22 months, Pregabalin and Sertraline ( antidepressants) in the beginning of my treatment was ok but few months on my treatment and I started to gain weight and the “ nightmare “ started, I gained 3.5 stones ( I am 15.5 stones now) in 1 year and I had more pains with the Fibromyalgia then ever because of the weight gain and I developed apnea and breathing issues… had appointments with the doctors to help me loose weight but no one was interested to help me much with this problem is so frustrating and is killing me. I cannot do much now physical because of all my health problems. One day I decided to stop my medication “cold turkey “ ( not recommended to anyone, I was iresponsabil) and when I told to my doctor it was shocked and somehow angry with me and he tried to persuade me to get back on the medication and I told him off., but now I am better and I am trying to find holistic ways which can help me with all the pain and everything else, not easy at all and still working on me,,

I will never ever take those medications again, preferably to endure the pain than those killer treatments.

My opinion

[Al10 in reply to Alice2004]

You are not the only person to have this nightmare journey. Doctors seem either unaware or accept the pay-off gaining weight is a fair price to get pain relief. Sadly, for many people, the pain relief bit remains elusive.

Shame they don't warn about the 3,5 stones and counting a person might have to endure, making their daily lives harder to manage. Some people if they knew might not be so keen? I remember a friend was shamed for how they felt mentally having gained weight. Surely he wanted to 'get better?' Once again, he was both not better and hating his new chubby appearance. And not everyone can afford to by a whole new wardrobe!!

I'm convinced the meds we are given, all come at a price. they are all poisons, hence they have to be prescribed by a Doctor. For some, they seem to give some relief and the person is happy, but for many, the damage done, isn't worth any small increments of relief.

I prefer to do my own wholistic thing. But the decision is very much an individual one. I had to learn the hard way, the damage drugs can do.

[Badbessie]

Pain control medications can be very individual and what works for some does not work for others. If you are having problems first discuss with your GP. I found a referral to the pain clinic a great help.

[Keepthefaith3]

i wish I could get prescribed codeine! I am in so much pain everyday I can't even get tramadol but the which is the best opiode for fibromyalgia aside from lyrica, gabepetine, and duloxetine . Excuse my spelling

[veggiefan70]

I take 3 Amitriptyline 10mg which I take at intervals throughout the evening. I get less 'groggy' symptoms that way. A friend of mine takes all her meds in one go just before bed. I cant cope with that. I discussed it with my GP and he sugg taking them before 7pm. But my way seems to work best for me. I do also take one Codeine 15mgs just before bed.

Its difficult to get the right balance but worth the hassle.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

A good reply from Dizzytwo, I would differently see your GP , I do have the use of Codiene but my doctor has said not too take it all the time, it would help if your GP could trial you with something else, (sometimes trial and error we say here till we get something that helps with pain)I am on Duloxtene a part from a morning headache sometimes it works quite well and helped with .anxiety I had caused by Fibromyalgia /Cfs Feeling tired a lot is something I can relate too.Take care.

[Africanmonkey in reply to Yassytina]

Thanks, I have tried to talk to my Dr but it's 1 of those things that's not important enough to get to see them.I will have to keep pushing

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer in reply to Africanmonkey]

Indeed they have a duty of care so sometimes yes we do push ,I have sometimes seen a practioner nurse as they can do most things a doctor can do and prescribe meds , our surgery is going down hill and I’ve had experiences lately ☹️so near and handy for me by car but I am tempted too move now.