Has anyone else been addicted to Solpadol/Solpadeine?

Question

Has anyone been prescribed Solpadol/Co-Codamol effervescent tablets from their doctor and become addicted?

I was prescribed them over a year ago and am struggling now to come off them although my doctor has told me last time I went to see him that people can become reliant on them. Through my own personal choice I asked him to take me off of repeat prescription and am withdrawing using OTC less strong co-codamol. I have managed to cut down from 8 a day to 3 a day in a matter of 3 months. I am taking it one day at a time. Thanx for your responses.

Answer 1

I have been campaigning against the use of codeine based paid killers for more than 20 years.

Co-codamol (Solpadol/solpadiene) are only 5% more potent than paracetamol alone. They contain an addictive opiate related to heroin! There side effects include severe constipation, sedation,confusion and headache. They are much more additive than the majority of doctors realise and are both prescribed and bought over the counter in frightening quantities.

Use in Scotland is much higher than in England, and higher in the West than the East. Highest levels of use and abuse are in Lanarkshire, where I practise.

Go see your GP and tell him to give you some help and advice about withdrawing. It might make him think twice about his prescribing. This is not your fault it is his so don't feel bad or embarrassed about it.

I don't suppose for one second when he first prescribed them that he said " Try these addictive opiates that will make you constipated and should not be used long term?"

Answer 2

Yes!!!! I actually am at the moment!!
Have been taking for over a year for carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain - was given after the birth of my son and have been taking them ever since!
Started off at 2 x 30mg/500mg 3 times a day and now on max dose of the above 4 times a day!!!
I feel horrible if i miss a dose and can't sleep at night unless i take them!
Was also addicted to tramadol before i had my son and had to go cold turkey when was in the hospital before i had him - think that is what i am going to have to do again once i have had my operation on my wrist!!!
Thought I would be OK with these as tramadol are slightly worse to become dependant on, but boy was I wrong!
NOT a nice feeling to be dependant on these prescription only drugs - doctors should keep a better eye on patients who are on these to minimise the addiction!

Answer 3

i know people who have, & when they stop getting they then become addicted to OTC , as you can buy , best thing to do is speak to your doctor & come off them slowly.

Answer 4

I used to work with a woman who was, She is now in a home and has Parkinson's???????????