Codeine

[Memmy]

I will eventually finish my tramadol, which I dread. I have some over the counter Boots codeine and paracetamol. How much should I take when the dreaded leg starts

[ziggypiggy]

I assume you are unable to abtain anymore through your physician?

[Memmy in reply to ziggypiggy]

Yes, she won't prescribe it. I live in Greece and it strictly controlled. I buy Boots codeine and paracetamol when I'm in the uk and smuggle it in. I could be arrested. Yet Kratom is sold in shops here.

[Elffindoe in reply to Memmy]

DANGER

You must not tale paracetamol more than once in any six hours.

You must not take more than 2 at a time and no more than 8 in 24 hours.

It's not the codeine that't the problem, it's the paracetamol. It's more dangerous than you think and can cause liver failure.

[ziggypiggy in reply to Memmy]

Sorry to hear that. Turning to alternative sources to obtain medication has its risks. But you will hear no shame or judgement from me. Just be careful.

[Elffindoe in reply to Memmy]

Are you sure it's illegal?

[Butterflysun1]

Am sorry for you. But the strength of Codeine in the over the counter version in the UK is tiny. 8mg I think. The max you can take is 2 tabs due to the Paracetanol in each & that is highly unlikely to be any help at all so I don’t think it is worth doing something illegal for. I don’t know what the answer is for you though.

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Butterflysun1]

Is the paracetamol combined with the codeine so as to prevent the consumer from just stacking up the dose until the desired relief is obtained?

[Butterflysun1 in reply to TheDoDahMan]

I’m not sure but probably. I think also the Paracetamol enhances the effect of the Codeine as it also is contained in the higher strength tablets only available on prescription. Also Codeine on its own is a really tiny tablet which is very hard to handle

[Memmy in reply to Butterflysun1]

Thanks for replying. It all helps

[Memmy in reply to TheDoDahMan]

Yes probably

[Elffindoe in reply to TheDoDahMan]

NO that's not the case paracetamol and codeine is purely a painkiller not used for anything else.

It is a combination of a low dose of two painkillers which add to each other. The combination is more effective than either on its own. Just to confuse you, but where tow drugs are combind like this it is called "augmentation". The codeine augments the paracetamol.

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Elffindoe]

Thank you for your answer - I do understand that they are acting as catalysts. But as I understand it, the UK will allow OTC sales of codeine as long as it is combined with paracetamol, but not as a stand-alone drug. That makes me think that the authorities fear that consumers would abuse codeine if sold alone, but will not, if sold combined with paracetamol, which is understood by users to bring liver/stomach problems if overused.

Am I not understanding this correctly?

[Elffindoe in reply to TheDoDahMan]

Your correct in thinking codeine can be sold otc in combination with paracetamol but not on its own.

It may be to help prevent abuse. It would take a higher dose of codeine on its own to get as much benefit.

The authorities are thinking, I believe of making what's currently otc, prescribable only.

I don't think that there is general awareness of just how toxic paracetamol can be, so I'm not sure of it acts as a deterrant.

[Felicity21]

Hi Memmi. I am on 2 Co-dydramol (10/500, meaning 10mg Codeine/500 mg paracetamol). I take it with 1 high strength Senokot (to help with constipation). I am also on 0.26 mg of Prolonged Release Mirapex plus 0.5 mg of Clonazepam. I take the whole lot after supper. I still get a bit restless in the evening but I sleep like a log at night 8-9 hours. This routine has helped me for the last 18 months. I make sure not to increase it. I get this on prescription in UK. Good luck.

[Memmy in reply to Felicity21]

Thanks for the info

[Anninvest in reply to Memmy]

Hi Memmy,Felicity 21 is right. My wife has suffered from RLS since she was 18. She has severe RLS and she takes 2 mg Pramipexol, 3 x 30/300 Codeine/Paracetamol (Acetaminophen in the US) and 3 mg Clonazepam. This cocktail has totally removed the RLS suffering. It was prescribed by a Neuro surgent from Los Angeles. Lately another neurologist refused to prescribe her Clonazepam, so she is dropping 0.5 gr per week and we do not know how it will be in the end.

Good lock.

[LotteM]

If you run out of options, maybe consider kratom. I used it for a while and still occasionally and found it very effective. However short-lived, meaning that I had to redose several times during the day. Also, slowly you tend to need higher doses. Rotating strains helps and being adamant at keeping the dose as low as possible for as long as you can too. See the several older posts about kratom on this forum with lots of experiences and good advice.

[Memmy in reply to LotteM]

Yes I do use it and it helps but not always. Thanks

[Jumpey]

I'm so sorry your doctor won't prescribe any more tramadol.Can you change doctors? Or print articles about opiods and RLS by experts? Good luck.x

[Memmy in reply to Jumpey]

No I'm in Greece and they just won't. Thanks

[murano]

Hi what does your Doctor think you are going to take she obviously doesnt realise how bad restless legs is ?.Will she prescribe lorazepan or sleeping pills for you .The only way is to knock your self out at night its really hard to control RLS. I brought a book about RLS its full of really interesting information to try and learn about what else can be done . i am from New Zealand where we could by all codiene from the chemist not now too many gangs making drugs from it .Oh magnesium helps as well .Good luck

[Memmy in reply to murano]

Thanks. Also codeine was easy to buy in UK. Not any more though