Sciatica pt 3: Dr prescribed Diazepam and Codeine... - PMRGCAuk

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Sciatica pt 3

Marcy47 profile image
11 Replies

Dr prescribed Diazepam and Codeine for the pain. Unfortunately I had a bad reaction to the Codeine, bad pain in upper stomach, sweating and nausea. We phoned 111 and they were worried it might be a heart attack and sent an ambulance. After they did ECG and other checks (my blood pressure was way up), thought it might be gastric upset and phoned a Dr to get advice. He didn't think it was the pills as it came on 4 hours after taking them. So I took the next one at 8.30pm, at 9.30 I could feel it starting again, not quite so bad, but felt nauseous again. Decided to take no more. Phoned the surgery this morning and am waiting for a Dr to call back to recommend a different painkiller. Pain is terrible, only heat brings some relief.

I have an appointment with a Bowen therapist tomorrow in the next village, hoping for a good result. Happy days!

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Marcy47
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11 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Oh dear - not a nice experience. Hope BT helps tomorrow!

So sorry you Havent been a "lucky" one with codeine. As I have said before it's a drug that some can't tolerate at all. Hope you get it sorted. There are other pain killers and helpers they can prescribe. Just checking that you had with food?

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47 in reply to

Yes had it after lunch with a Paracetamol. Just had a call from another Dr, she has prescribed Amitriptyline 10mg, she said it is for nerve pain. Got home and read the insert, it's an anti-depressant!!!!! Don't know whether to take it or not. Confused.

in reply to Marcy47

again. sorry it didn't work. I use a tens machine too but like codeine it's not for everyone. And I would let it settle a bit anyway. Let that diazepam work it's magic. 🌻

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Marcy47

Amitryptiline at a different dose is also used for pain relief. It works for some people - but why they want to use it for PMR beats me! PMR isn't nerve pain...

It doesn't occur to your doctor that you can't have a reaction to a drug until your body has absorbed it? Delayed reactions are not uncommon.

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47 in reply to PMRpro

Hi PMRpro, it was prescribed for Sciatica pain not PMR. Tried one last night and slept like a log, but woke with pain in leg again. Still taking Paracetamol and Diazepam. Appt with Bowen therapist at 4pm, fingers crossed it helps.

in reply to Marcy47

It is widely used for nerve pain relief at very low doses. it's is 100mg plus I think for its original use as anti depressant but they found at low dose it works effectively for sciatic pain and chronic back pain.

I have been on it for at least 12 years. Started at 10mg and ni w on 40mg. It is only thing apart from sleeping pill that helps me sleep. I have had no side effects that I know of at all.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Marcy47

Hi Marcimay, Sorry to hear of your scary episode with the codeine. I had a similar experience and it turned out to be an Osophageal (sp) spasm. I am sure brought on by meds I take.

Don't feel dismissed by your Amitriptylin prescription. It is a failed anti depressant that was found to have pain relieving properties. It is a good little drug. If taken at bedtime it helps you to sleep.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Reading the above, I clearly came late to the party. Hope you get relief soon Marcimay. When I had it, it felt like piano wires from my buttock down my leg. Caused by being an over eager Maternity Nurse when my first grandson was born in Australia.

in reply to SheffieldJane

piano wires with les dawson playing it 😲

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Too true!

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