Tramadol & codeine addiction withdrawal advice

Treatment and medication
1

Hi.

I have been taking prescribed codeine for 2 years, i suffer from Crohns disease and Fibromyalgia, 9 months ago my gp gave me tramadol to take along side the codeine, she said its a common misconception that the 2 cant be taken together. I took 2 codeineam then. 2 hrs later 2 tramadol ETC.

I am fully aware of how addictive these tablets can and am under no illusions, i know i am dependant on the pills, i dont abuse them i take 8 a day as prescribed and have taken an extra dose maybe twice, i am a single mum of 3 young children and without the pain medication i wouldnt be able too function properly or care for them like they need me 2!

I would much rather be dependant n relatively pain free than too be in constant pain! My problem is that my gp has left the practise so i now have a new one , i had too make an appointment too see her yesterday and when she was on the computer prescribing me some antibiotics she must have noticed what pain meds im on , she asked me why i was taking the tramadol and codeine so i told her and told her what my previous gp said about taking the 2 together and she said that yes the 2 can nbe taken together but she would never prescribe both together so she took the tramadol of my repeat prescription (which i was due to pick up today!!) i explained that i needed my pain meds and that i had 3 children etc n her reply... 'codeines a good painkiller it will do the trick' and that was it. Now i dont know what too do ? Im scared of the pain i no im going too be in and im worried because i dont have any one else too look after my kids whilst i go cold turkey there 2,4&6 so cant look after them selfs! I take them responsibly and for a genuine reason and never had any horrible side effects, so i really dont understand why she took them off me. My mum says i should ring up and basically demand she sorts my prescription out but im not that sort of person and i really dont think it will get me anywhere with her doing that anyway, has any one has this happen? If i get a 2nd opinion will another dr be able too put me bk on them even though that go took me.off ???

Sorry for the long post!

B

2

** supposed too say will another dr be able to put me back on them even though my new gp took them off me**

3

Hey Beth,

You're right. Demanding your prescription will do nothing but red flag you as an addict/drug seeker.

The good news is Tramadol isn't as effective as codeine. Tramadols ability to bind to the receptors in your brain is 10 times less effective than codeine and 6000 times less effective than morphine.

Have you ever been prescribed Lyrica or Gabbapentin for the fibromialga? They are both anti convulsants used for epilepsy and nerve pain associated with diabetes and fibromialga. It also controls some withdrawal symptoms if you choose to quit. It did wonders for my restless legs.

If it all becomes too much you can request a different GP for your next visit. My advice would be to be honest. If they won't prescribe you the Tramadol ask them what other options are available (and not all are pain killers).

Have a look into the lyrica. There's also a drug called "colofac". It's used for various inflammatory bowel conditions. I used it when I had IBS. It worked really well.

Good luck to you hun and keep in touch smile

Nikki

4

Hi Beth52036,

Is the doctor at the same medical centre. This sort of thing really irritates me. Too many doctors are quick to make their own personal changes to medicine schedules for patients even though people are on a particular course of medicines which have been working for them.

I would make an appointment with another doctor to explain your medication requirements and let the other doctor you'll be doing so for a second opinion. It's difficult to build a new doctor patient relationship with someone new.

I'd also speak to your local pharmacy about mixing the medications. They will be much better at explaining any contra indications of different drugs than your doctor is. On top of that I'd make a few more appointments with other doctors to explain your requirements and past treatments. One of them should be able to keep prescribing your current meds based solely on your history.

Hope this helps

Wilro