Painkillers?

Hi, I take paracetamol which barely touches the pain - tried Co-codamol and had bad reaction to them - need something for flares ups - what is the next step up for pain reduction. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hello you need to see you GP

Cymbalta is an anti depressant but it is used a lot for diabetics

Who tend to have similar pain to us, it helps a little.

Tramadol is not bad i don't think anything takes it away completely

it just helps.

As far as I know there are not any medication that you can buy over

The counter that helps although paracetamol is good with tramadol.

There is a lot of medication, but everyone is different, so you just

Have to try different things

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh I didn't realize diabetics tend to have similar pain.

Something to take the edge of would be fine.

That's the think isn't it - everyone is so different and there is so much medication - like finding a needle in a haystack. Thanks

[Hidden]

Unfortunately like you I have tried everything co codomal co dydramol morphine tramadol.......and paracetamol is the only thing I can tolerate and as you say is next to useless... A the moment my GP has me anti inflammatory steroids to see if they help he doesn't want me on them for long though... Then if that doesn't work he says he has one more option but he really doesn't want to try that... As he hasn't told me what it is am wondering what on earth it could be... I have a horrible feeling it will be something medieval and painful

VG x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It will be interesting to find out what the 'one more option is'!

[Hidden]

Everyone is different and we all react to medications in a different way. What works for one won't for another and sometimes what works for a while stops when our bodies get used to it.

I always ask my GP's advice on medications and let him know how I'm doing on them, at the moment for me it's trial and error...I would suggest a chat with your GP. Best of luck x

[enigmacl]

I agree, everyone is different and unfortunately it is try it and see, I have gone from the paracetomol to morphine and back again and nothing kills the pain completely, am on zappain at the moment, takes the edge off for a while. Steroids worked for a while, trouble is I was buzzing. So was only on them short term. Good luck. x x x

[Hidden in reply to enigmacl]

Side effects seem to be a problem - it seems hit and miss. Thanks

[chrissy57]

I take slow release morphine 10mg in the morning and 20mg at night I also have oromorph for breakthrough pain. I am also on amitryptiline, gabapentin, trazodone and baclofen. It is a right old cocktail which would probably be no good if you work but if not working like me it is a pretty good mix. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to chrissy57]

It is good that you have gound the right combination this seems to be half the battle. My system cannot tolerate (even 5mg Amitriptyline).

[Hidden]

I use magnesium soaks. Epson salts in a hot bath. Works for me.....although with cfs it does give me malaise after.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for all your replies - this is a whole new world - I do find a hot bath helps and epsom salts - I understand it the the exhaustion afterwards with the CFS. Hot water bottles and paracetamol, but I need something the next step up for the flares. Everyday pain I can just about bear.

[Hidden]

Hi Reflections

Sorry you are struggling to get your pain under control, it is a very common problem with us and may take quite a while to sort out the best way forward for you especially if you are sensitive to most drugs.

Have you been formally diagnosed with fibro? Your rheumatologist maybe able to help or it might be an idea to get an appointment with you doctor and have a chat about the next step. You could ask to be referred to a pain clinic. They will be able to sort you out with the best meds for you.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Big hugs Karen xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Karen,

This has been going on for 3 years now and rheumatologist prescribed amytrip. 10 mg and I could not take even 5mg. Can you tell me what the pain clinic does? Thanks

[lilmontanagrl]

Try flexeril (15mg. 3x daily, it's non-addicting and is a muscle relaxant. I add 800 mg of ibruprophin every 4 - 6 hours. Good luck, God bless you!

[lilmontanagrl in reply to lilmontanagrl]

Flexeril is 10 mg., sorry.