Codeine withdrawal?

[Worrier13]

Hello! Last Thursday I decided to turn my life around a bit since my anxiety went to out of control. So the story is that 3-4 years ago I broke my leg and got this painkiller for it that includes paracetamol (500mg) and codeine (30mg). Well, after two months of taking four per day I got hooked. But since I'm a huge hypocondriac and worried for my liver, I started only taking them twice a day (I stole them always from my mother, she has them for fibromyglia). So I did this for almost four years (somedays off like when I'm drinking alcohol and usually only took one every night before bed (not when drinking, my liver is still fine). Then, last week I noticed how addicted I really am. This medicine was always on my mind and I counted minutes to the next dose. So I did quit last Thursday because I don't want to be an addict and also I worry about my liver, but most of all, I'm scared of developing psychosis (I know it's not likely at all to get it from this medicine but yeah I'm a hypocondriac). So my question is: How bad will my withdrawal be since I only took like one pill a day? This week my body has been hurting, my anxiety is of the charts, I'm scared of everything (most of all scithzophrenia) and my head feels weird. Anyone? Or is this just anxiety or does this sound like withdrawal? How long can it last? Thanks for reading :)

[Dexterjames]

Best thing is to ask your doctor the best way to withdraw from these it took me 1 week.
They gave me bad stomach pains coming of them it was a mixture of pain killers i was taking ,Try ask your doctor best way that is good for you :)

[Worrier13]

Hello! I'm scared of telling any of this to my doctor since the last time he actually gave me them was almost 4 years so ago so he would now that I'm getting them elsewhere..I haven't had any stomach pains yet but I feel fewerish and drowsy. Also my muscles ache. It's been 6 days without them now and it kinda feels like it's getting worse :/ I don't know if I should take one today or just go cold turkey hmm

[anthrokid]

You've taken a really great step! This is going to be much better for your health, both current and future.

Have a look at this web page :) They have a list of codeine withdrawal symptoms and advice. You can also talk online to specialists in withdrawal for coping advice.

http://codeinerehab.com/codeine-addiction/codeine-addiction-withdrawal-symptoms/

[Worrier13]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! :) The pages I found were not good. Perfect, thank you again!

[Fishmanpa]

I agree. Coming off narcotics is challenging and one must do it slowly. I was on pain meds (oxycontin, oxycodone and others) for a little over 9 months during treatment. I decided one day to stop cold turkey. BAD mistake! My body was dependent on them and I suffered withdraw symptoms akin to a heroin addict! I had to slowly wean myself off over a period of several weeks.

Unfortunately I experience chronic pain (3-5 out of 10) on a constant basis. I still take pain meds daily but a non-narcotic prescription (Tramadol) and probably will for the rest of my life due to pain and nerve damage from treatment and surgeries. In fact, I awoke at 4:30am in pretty bad pain and came down to take something, wait till it kicks in and go back to bed. It takes it down to a manageable 2 out of 10.

Seeking the advice of a physician is prudent as the effects of withdraw cause mental and physical symptoms. It must be done slowly as to minimize the side effects. As mentioned, if you're hesitant about speaking with your doctor, there are other resources available to help you cope. It's very doable and I wish you the best. It's a good thing you're doing for yourself.

Good luck and positive thoughts