I'm a long time codeine addict, and due to real time recording of codeine have been refused sale of codeine. I understand the reason that the Pharmacy Guild have put it in place, but is that where it ends? Just refuse selling it to people? I feel like they have not thought things through in bringing in these new regulations. They obviously know there are addicts, but have they thought past the notion of just cutting them off? Are there any safeguards in place for those of us who are heavily addicted and have been so for many years now. I read stories of people who then approach their GP, and are told the only option is go cold turkey. I'm really struggling and would like to hear how others are coping with these new changes.
We don't have real time recording in the UK as such but obviously a GP would know when you are prescribed it and how many. However there are a lot of over the counter products that contain codeine that we can buy without much restrictions. People use different pharmacies to prevent any suspicion. Obviously I can't speak for Australia but in the UK help would be given to most people to help them reduce the codeine
I agree that it's a badly thought out policy. The reason the pharmacy guild have implemented it is because the Australian government were going to make all codeine products prescription only and this was the pharmacy guilds response to try and keep over the counter codeine available for people (unlike us) who use it properly.
Short of visiting chemist after chemist to find one who hasn't implemented the new rules we unfortunately are out of luck. I've been in hospital a few times now with codeine withdrawal problems. I don't think the government understands how many people will end up in the ED as a result of this decision.
Doctors in Australia will not prescribe pure codeine phosphate for people who are addicted. I've had major arguments with 3 doctors over the past month and they just refuse to assist and tell me to go to the ED. As if everyone can do that and spend 11 hours waiting just to be sent home because there are no beds available.
I feel your pain, I'm 4 days without codeine now and it sucks. Feel free to PM me, I'm in Aus too and fairly up to date with laws, options and things to help cope.
You're not alone there are quite a few people here who are willing to help. Not all in the same time zone though. By tomorrow you'll have a few more replies.
Keep in touch, we all like to help each other. In the meantime get some Immodium (loperamide) if you start going into withdrawals. It'll be a really crap 7-10 days but after about 5 days you'll be over the worst of it. Personally for me the endless diarrhoea (sorry to be gross) is the worst of it. You need to take at least 15 Immodium pills per day for it to have an effect.
Loperamide also binds to the same receptors in the brain as opiates (codeine) does so it helps a little bit with the withdrawal symptoms. Take panadol for stomach and body cramps but stick to the recommended dosage, you don't want to destroy your liver with it.
There are other things I would recommend but I won't say it here, I'll pm you though.
Stay strong, you may not know us but we are here to help. Some of the posters here are not in Australia and don't know the rules here but have a lot of experience in codeine addiction.
I hadn't realised just how strict Australia were regarding codeine. You're right though the new rules will not help but what really concerned me was the lack of support by GP's where as here in the UK they are on the whole very supportive.
Hi, thanks for your reply. I've decided to just suffer through the withdrawals. I was on 30 tabs of Nurofen + (and sometimes more) a day. I'm in a living hell right now and I appreciate your suggestions on getting through it. I figure there's probably some other way to get it, or even change codeine to something else, but I have children and don't want to go downhill further than I already have. I read some other posts you had written and it sounds like you're going through an awful time. I can't believe how clueless GP's can be. What have they been able to do for you in the ED? I'm just getting through minute by minute at the moment. None of my family know so I'm trying to keep it hidden. My husband thinks I've caught some bug and that I'm really unwell. I'll keep you posted and please let me know how you are getting on. I'm sure we can be a support to each other.
Hi WilRo, well after not having anything from Monday though Friday, I had some last night, so basically I feel like I'm back to square one. I just needed a break fom the constant headaches and the extreme irritability. All it did really was make me feel sick, and nothing else really. I'm feeling shocking this morning, so back to the panadol for me today, and just hoping I can make another go of it, because to be honest I don't feel like I have much a choice. I don't know what I would do if I found a chemist that wasn't real time recording. At the moment, I've tried four different chemist chains and they're all doing the recording, I haven't bothered with trying any others. I'm feeling very low and depressed with the whole situation at the moment, I can't really foresee this getting any better. I have taken codeine in some form for about 20 years, so it's going to be hell learning to live without them. Keep me posted on how you are going, it's nice to know I'm not going through this alone.
Hey Just read this post. My name is Joel, and I am happy to report that As of 24 hours ago I am now codiene free.
I went to two docs, a drug and alchol centre, and a refereal to a hospital, and non of themhelped. I finally found a doc who would help.
I was on 80 nurophen plus a day.... and in 15 days I am done to none with the help of my doc.... I still feel like crap... vomitting, and diarreaha.... But in 24 hours that should be gone.
Just a couple of commments. I tried to do it alone, and it doesnt work. I ended up telling my spouse who i thought would leave me, but to be honest they have helped nurse me back to health.
You need real people support.
Really hoping you are doing well! You can do this!
Hi Joel, great to hear from you and thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you've done amazingly well cutting down from that amount, and it's great you've got the support of a good GP and your spouse. I totally agree about not going through it alone. It's just killing me and I wish I could be honest. The shame stops me every time. I haven't told anyone except a doctor a while back and they were very dismissive. I just think it's strange that those in power thought addiction was rampant enough to restrict sales, but not bad enough to have hospitals and GPs give it the attention it deserves. I'm still feeling so bad, I just can't see how I will feel any better. I've been quite low over the last few days, I hope I can battle through.
Hey, been up for most of the night. Just yapping away my thoughts in the dark here. Things have been tough, I hope I turn a corner soon. The strangest thing about the withdrawals is the constant blocked sinus feeling and sneezing. So weird! I don't even know how long it's been, it's been a bit of a blur. I think about a week. No sleep, constant headaches quick I'm taking paracetamol for, irritability through the roof, and low mood. I know I just need to keep trudging, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. Just fake it until I make it. I've been so used to being in a codeine haze, or looking forward to being in one that it's going to take me quite some time to get used to being back in the real world fully present. I hope everyone coming off codeine is hanging in there.
How is everyone doing at the moment? Wilro, Joel, how about you guys? I'm not doing so great. The only reason that keeps me from taking any codeine is because I know even if I do get some, it will be hard to continue to get it, so what's the use. Plus, I never want to go through how I'm feeling again. I'm a basket case at the moment. But I guess you can't take something for 20 years and be cured overnight. You just have to dig your heels in I and accept recovery is going to be VERY long term. It's hard to start, continue, and finish the day right now.
You are showing a lot more strength than I am at the moment. I just bought some more. I seem to have a knack at getting around the rules at the moment but I know it won't last, it's getting harder.
I've gone through detox so many times now so I really should be able to do it but my mind just isn't in it at the moment.
Eventually you'll start to feel better but it will be difficult until then. Wow 20 years, that's a lifetime. Can I ask how old you are? I'm late 30's.
Keep it up, in the long run we'll all be better for it.
Hey, just turned 40, and was prescribed panadeine forte when I was 20, so quite the slippery slope from there.
I was able to stop completely when pregnant, but seemed to just slip back in to it. I've had it over the years in all forms, mersyndol, panadeine, panadeine extra, nurofen plus. Nurofen plus being the most recent, going through a packet or more a day. I'm always so concerned about the damage I've done to myself and I would hate to have a check done on my liver, kidneys, and stomach because I'm sure things aren't good.
I'm just going through the motions of the day and feel like I'm losing my mind most of the time. The tablets have made up so much of who I am, there's a big void which I'm not sure how to fill. I had a pretty traumatic childhood, so I'm sure I used the tablets to cope and as a way of escape. I have a husband and two kids. I'm trying hard not to make their lives a misery, but this whole thing has just been awful.
Are you getting codeine through chemists that aren't recording your details, or they are? Trust me, I would have relapsed a thousand times over had the tablets been easier for me to get. Thanks for chatting, nice talking to someone who gets it.
If I were you I'd get a full blood test done. It may actually give you some peace of mind. My liver has been up and down over the years (I drank for a while too) but it's ok now. Paracetamol is far worse for your liver than ibuprofen. I take daily N-acetyl Cysteine supplements which is what hospitals use to reverse liver damage for people who overdose on paracetamol. It's fantastic for liver and cell membrane health.
I know of a couple of chemists who haven't implemented it yet and the ones that have I switch Id's until they catch on. Not proud of it but I guess that's addiction.
Have just ordered something from India which I've used before to quit without feeling like crap, should be here in about 10 days so I'll give it a go then.
Have you ever had the original sudafed, the one containing pseudoephedrine? Most chemists still sell it but it's just as difficult to get as they have been monitoring it for year. It would definitely make you feel better. You need to ask specifically for the sudafed with pseudoephedrine and explain to them about you sinuses saying the new sudafed PE doesn't work or gives you headaches. You would only be able to get a couple of boxes a year.