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Long term effects in painkiller addiction

I have had an addiction to codiene phosphate for a few years.  My GP is aware of this, and we are gradually coming of it.

But will there be any long term damage to my internal organs?
I have never been above 120mg a day.  Has this already caused me problems, or is it unlikely?  I must say, I originally took this for migraine. . not effective for that now, but still have to take it.  All done through my GP and have never experimented with any drugs even tobacco!
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Avatar universal
I currently work in the medical field & see the fortunate & unfortunate results of narcotic use as well as addiction. My recent diagnosis of Lumbar Deterioration as well as herniation has me experiencing extreme pain. My first symptoms of back pain occured after a 5ft fall in 2004. I refused to seek treatment because I was pregnant at the time & I knew from experience that nothing would be done medically. Throughout the years, this pain progressed & worsened. After 2 seperate series of epidural steroid injections, steroids, antinflammatoy treatments, I have been referred to a Pain Management Specialist who shockingly perscribed me Norco 180 pills with 3 refills ! I have found after taking these pills that addiction can sneak up on you quickly. After taking 4/day, I noticed my body was responding well & found myself able to go on with daily household activities. The days I had to work, I could not take them & experienced terrible withdrawl symptoms. I have slowly tapered myself off to now only 1/2 tablet per day & intend to find another source of pain control. From my experience, I have concluded after 2.5mo. of using this product, that pain medication addiction is more of a mental addiction than physical. The physical withdrawl only lasts for 3-4 days. The faster you convince yourself that your body is addicted (experiences of withdrawl.. such as insomnia, sweats/chills, nausea) I believe you should start tapering off weekly! This is such a dangerous drug! Why a physician dispenses large quantities is beyond my comprehension. I understand that pain can be difficult to deal with through personal experience, but addiction... whoe, that's more painful than the original pain itself, cause now you have 3 things to worry about..1: Physical/Mental withdrawl 2:Liver Damage 3:Altered Mentations !! I've read most entries & refuse to become part of the stigma placed on patients with chronic pain. I confrence & listen to physicians speak about "chronic pain" patients and it's demeaning .... 95% of doctors want nothing to do with us, because we most likely will find any other excuse to get pain medicine. So, i've decided to go back to my anti-inflammatory meds...& live with my crying pain in silence...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I currently work in the medical field & see the fortunate & unfortunate results of narcotic use as well as addiction. My recent diagnosis of Lumbar Deterioration as well as herniation has me experiencing extreme pain. My first symptoms of back pain occured after a 5ft fall in 2004. I refused to seek treatment because I was pregnant at the time & I knew from experience that nothing would be done medically. Throughout the years, this pain progressed & worsened. After 2 seperate series of epidural steroid injections, steroids, antinflammatoy treatments, I have been referred to a Pain Management Specialist who shockingly perscribed me Norco 180 pills with 3 refills ! I have found after taking these pills that addiction can sneak up on you quickly. After taking 4/day, I noticed my body was responding well & found myself able to go on with daily household activities. The days I had to work, I could not take them & experienced terrible withdrawl symptoms. I have slowly tapered myself off to now only 1/2 tablet per day & intend to find another source of pain control. From my experience, I have concluded after 2.5mo. of using this product, that pain medication addiction is more of a mental addiction than physical. The physical withdrawl only lasts for 3-4 days.
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Avatar universal
I currently work in the medical field & see the fortunate & unfortunate results of narcotic use as well as addiction. My recent diagnosis of Lumbar Deterioration as well as herniation has me experiencing extreme pain. My first symptoms of back pain occured after a 5ft fall in 2004. I refused to seek treatment because I was pregnant at the time & I knew from experience that nothing would be done medically. Throughout the years, this pain progressed & worsened. After 2 seperate series of epidural steroid injections, steroids, antinflammatoy treatments, I have been referred to a Pain Management Specialist who shockingly perscribed me Norco 180 pills with 3 refills ! I have found after taking these pills that addiction can sneak up on you quickly. After taking 4/day, I noticed my body was responding well & found myself able to go on with daily household activities. The days I had to work, I could not take them & experienced terrible withdrawl symptoms. I have slowly tapered myself off to now only 1/2 tablet per day & intend to find another source of pain control. From my experience, I have concluded after 2.5mo. of using this product, that pain medication addiction is more of a mental addiction than physical. The physical withdrawl only lasts for 3-4 days.
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Avatar universal
Do you take any vitamins.I still take my b12,omegas,VitaD,bComplex,Coemzyme Q10 every day.If I forget,I feel sluggish.
Are you taking at least ibuprofen or tylenol for your pain?
Since I stopped opiates I found otc pain meds work just fine.
You were brave to quit all those opiates for they cause severe rebound pain.
Good for you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I went to a pain management doctor for 9 years after 2 auto accidents for spine, head and neck pain and also a lower spinal fracture.
My doctor had me on so many drugs such as 10/325 norco 8 a day and morphine suckers then to fentanyl patches, xanax, prozac, adderall. I completely came unglued and almost lost my family and don't even have complete memory of the past 9 years. I finally told my doctor that I had stopped some of the medicine and not to give me any more she was upset because I went through severe withdrawl without getting off slowly and it was dangerous before letting her know. Then for a long time I was only on xanax and norco and then I stopped taking xanax and eventually stopped norco and I have been painkiller free since July 2009. Now I only take prozac which went from 60mg per day to 20mg per day I tried to stop it but the depression became unbearable so I have to keep taking a small dose. I still have everyday headaches and spinal pain and sometimes can barely walk and find myself caught up in severe fatigue that keeps me on the couch alot my family complains because I sleep to much I do try to get up and be active but it doesn't last long and I become so fatigued I have to lay down or my hips and back start bothering me. I have learned to live with the pain and choose to be drug free but I feel my price is becoming a couch potato. Could the fatigue be a long term effect from such drug use and if so does it ever get better?  Darla
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Avatar universal
What a horrible, horrible thing to say. I doubt you even read through this whole thread or there's no way you would have made such an ignorant comment.
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1 Comments
Right? Blame your abusive loser dad on the drugs cause duh
Avatar universal
ok here is my opinion, i have chronic fibromyalgia and back, knee, neck problems but i only take aleve gel caps which helps really well. everyone in here that has an addiction aloud it to happen and enjoys putting poison in there systems....i have a father that is a narcotics addict and is very abusive towards my mother and the rest of my family...it is a shame when you think more of drugs then you do your family, i feel no sorrow for anyone that abuses drugs of any kind. i was prescribed narcotics and took them and all anyone takes them for is the high because thats all it is is a extreme high that is deadly. i pray that every doctor that precribes these drugs lose there career.
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1 Comments
Hello...
Obviously you're so uneducated. You have no idea that addiction is a disease, do you? I feel so sorry for you.
You shouldn't judge anyone.
Avatar universal
You are on a 7 year old thread, Go to the forum and get to the top.
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Avatar universal
Hi,
I just read the comments on this page, you guys sound so supportive, it is wonderful.  My question is what are the long term effects of pain medications on vital organs? I have been on norco daily for over a year now. It is a hard road, but you guys already know that.  Thanks, lyn
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Avatar universal
.....You need to speak to people who are going through similar situations w/ their lives.....I am one of them.  We are what is called involuntary addicts and we will depend on our meds for quality of life.  Nevertheless(call it what you may) we are addicts.  Here is the site:  www.***@**** the site comes up: type in actiononpain.  I hope this helps.  I am here if you ever need to talk......and I am also on Oxycontin and Norco for breakthrough pain.  This was not an easy decision for me to make, but my wonderful friends here, have helped me through some of the most confusing times in my lif, just recently.
Hey guys!  My mouse was out.....more like dead, and I just replaced it tonight.  Cin; i will get around to that email.  We need to touch base chickadee.....lol  Hope all is well ..you too wiz!.....I haven't seen any rainbows lately.  LOL



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Avatar universal
Hi,  welcome to the forum,,,I think the first question that peole will ask you is do you feel you have built up a tolerance to the oxycontin?  this is generally what happens..obviously you need the pain meds as do alot of us...and if they improve the quality of your life then why stop taking them?  all though I don't recall you mentioning the fact that you want to quit taking them all together did you?  Perhaps it is time for your physician to consider changing your medication...maybe to something like MS contin which is a timed release Morphine or the duragesic patch...these medications are your best bet as opposed to vicodin etc. for long term use..for reasons such as the amount of tylenol found in the vicodin..where as the oxy and morphine are safe from acetaminophen thus saving your liver...maybe instead of the oxycodone he can give you the oxyIR?  talk with your doc about switching your meds if that is what makes you more comfortable he, above all people should know that a tolerance will develope when a person is on ling term medication..   Good luck  keep us posted   love to all  cin
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Avatar universal
Welcome to the board. I'm only going to answer what I know about.
Your doseage of oxycontin as I know it if it is time released, and I think it is, seems a little high if you are adding hydrocodone to it. I believe the 100 mg is the largest dose per pill I've personally taken. But there are factors that are not clear here either and I'm not an  M.D. I personally have taken MUCH more than you have described but that wasn't the directions from the Dr. I know of people here who have taken enough to put down an elephant.  Me being one of them. The part of the picture that is important is how much pain are you in and what kind of quality of life would you have without the meds? If you are taking what your pain specialist has prescribed then you should be discussing this with him or her. There are other methods of pain relief that may want to ask your Dr about the fentanyl patch (spelling?) There are others on this forum who have more experience in these matters of chronic pain relief. I can tell you that if you are going to come off of the meds you have come to the right place for support. We have a group of "angels" here who have been lifesavers to a lot of us. What is important is that you are in the right frame of mind and body for your self and your children. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG OR TO BE ASHAMED OF by taking pain medications for the relief of suffering. If you are drug free and a basket case then there is no quality of life for you or your kids. God bless dear and I will pray for your relief. I'm sure some others will be jumping on here with more advice.
Peace & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light from above on us all,
Wizard
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Avatar universal
Hello, I had just found this forum and was reading over the letters about pain specialest...I had injured my back 2 years ago and had a double lamenectomy done..When I woke up from the surgery, I could not feel my legs, I ended up being in the hospital for 2 weeks, and went home on Oxycotin, and Oxycodone..What I am wondering about now is...I have been on these medications for 2 years now, I am on such a high dose now, 100mg Oxycotin 3 times a day and Oxycodone 10 mg 3x dly...My family doctor tells me that it is too high of a dose to be on...Yet he was the one who referred me to this pain doctor in the beginning!...My question is??? Is there anyone else out there who is on such a high does as me? Or is this really not a high dose?...I had found out 6 months ago that I have a diease in my back which attaches to my spine, it is called arachnoditis..and there is no cure for it, only pain medications...I am a mother of 4 beautiful children and I am afraid of the "quality" of my life being on so much pain medication, yet..I have tried to be off of any of it and cannot deal with the pain?...Confussed and Scared...Thanks Annamariea
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Avatar universal
Amen to that Sister! I know EXACTLY how it is. It is inGods hands. But it is NEVER to late for miracles to happen. I LOVE the idea of the notes in the brief case. He's gotta want to do it though. FOR HIM as I said.The rest comes along as the reward! Bless you darling I will pray for your family as always.
luv Wiz
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Avatar universal
........Would he come to the forum and read?? Well, he's real busy(..and this is his excuse for getting stoned)and I've had him sit and read on a few occasions, but it just doesn't hold his interest, and I believe he thinks it's a waste of time.  Your right about ambition....he's very ambitious....toooo ambitious, and when he sees it diminishing...well, thats when he decides to quit. This is why I call him a seasonal junky!!! LOL
Hey you just gave me an idea!!!! I could print the pages out, and put them in his brief case.....He works nights at a university.  Hopefully, God will do the rest.....
Angelica
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Avatar universal
Cindi:  This is so unbelievable.....very perceptive!  As usual, you are right on target.  I thought things were wonderful...or at least getting to be that way, and then he falls off the proverbial wagon again.  I know this may seem silly, but you all have no idea how stupid he gets w/ this stuff...like going on nights to run his business during the day, and I know when he's not calling me, he's down in a building somewhere getting stoned.  I asked him, if he couldn't control himself to please not put it in my house.....well, I found it in one of his shirt pockets....go figure.  I could go on and on......Your post touched my heart, and I almost couldn't write...tore up ain't even the word???  Thank you.

Wizard:  What you said is so matter of fact!.....It's like you know him, cause you've been right where he's at.  The mood swings is what I can't take.. He quits for me, (see your right, he's got to do it for himself) and then he comes down like gang busters on me, and blames me for everything.  He's so sweet and genuine when he's clean... We got into one of the worst arguments, we've ever had.  I guess, "I just got enough!"  Thank you for your time and devotion to this forum, and for that post!!!  Yall(LOL) have no idea what a relief it is....to finally have someone who understands.
To both of you and everyone......if I'm not posting, don't think i've given up on the forum....I love you guys too much.  I'll always be back, no matter how hectic things get on my end.  I am determine to see this situation resolve one-way or another.  God bless my friends!
Love,
angelica
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Avatar universal
Hi Hon,   I'm sorry I didn't read your post earlier...i have alot going on here now I am packing to go home on Friday,,,Kinda hard to read and answer what I have to when 5 people are waiting for the computer  LOL I remember before when yo had a hard time cutting your doseage,,is your husband still holding the meds?  and you are still haveing so much discomfort?  wow,  that is strange..yo really should not be having such an uncomfortable time I wouldn't think but...each person and each body is so very differents....some people get over the WD's in 3-5 days..of couse depending on the dose etc.  and like you said,,,you are on other meds....at any rate...Please, hang in there,,,don't give up...hopefully you have found a good addiction specialist....you have my aol addy?  ***@**** you need me,,please know that I am there...good luck and keep us posted   love to all    cin
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Avatar universal
Pam, I just read through your posts and I want you to know that I will say some special prayers for you my friend.It is a very hard place that you are in right now but please know in your heart that God doesn't give us more then we can handle. It may not seem that way at the time of our tribulations. But when we DO reach the light I feel we look back at them as stronger people and say to ourselves I knew i could do it. you are a wonderful part of our family Pam. You have a lot to look forward to. We will be rooting and praying for you through this. Just look over your shoulder and Gods "angels" will be there . Bless you dear and may peace come to you during this time.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light on us all,
Wizard
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Avatar universal
Please read my most recent post.  I'm going to the hospital AGAIN, this a.m.  I am down to 2 Lortab and my hands and legs are shaking, I'm rocking back and forth, my heart is racing, etc.  You would think, I would have really turned a corner by now.  But, I guess with all the other meds I'm on, it's become confusing to everyone.

Please pray for me.  As I've said once before, I hope that I am admitted and you won't hear from me for awhile.

Fondly,

Pam
whitedove
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Avatar universal
Hi hon,   can I be totally honest with you?  I have suspected that things were not quite right with you   lets say I was able to sense that something was up...you have not been yourself,,,you had not been posting much,,,and not sending the e-mails like you were and your sense of humor....has not been "Angelica like" lately....Angelica,,,,please know that you don't have to suffer in silence....you know me far to well to let that happen...and then of course you have Brighty, Wiz and everyone else that loves you and cares about you....and of course,,,,the most important thing of all,,,,,your relationship with God...it is in the roughest of times that he is with you the most....you know the "footprints in the sand"  where in your roughest most sorrowed times he carries you?  you have often quoted from the Bible during MY most sorrowful times..and you have gone to the ends of the earth to defend your beliefs to certain characters....and I have found your passages to be so very comforting,,,,and you know there for awhile, the anger I carried. the faith I thought I had lost.....it was you and the others that helped to restore what I lost...lean on us,,,look to us for comfort but remember your God will see you through..he will watch over you and your family,,,,,and as I have learned a long time ago but more recently forgot....let his will be done....don't shed silent tears,,,,share them with us and let us help to lighten your load and your burdens....as one famous lovely lady I know so well always says  "chin up mate"   love you hon......cin
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Avatar universal
I read your comment about pain specialists and was curious.  I am now down to 2 pills a day, breaking them in half and still miserable from withdrawal pain.  I've been checked physically and everything appears ago (heartrate and blood pressure).  I'm sure you haven't read my posts because it's been awhile but I starting weaning at 14 a day, dropping .5mg every 3 days of 10mg. Lortabs, so I'm almost done; but I can't believe I'm in more pain now from withdrawal symptoms.  It would seem since I'm so low with my dosage that I could basically, just stop.  What do you think and please give me any names you have of pain specialists that you mentioned.  I live in Overland Park, KS but I would drive or fly wherever to see the right Dr. to get over this.

whitedove
Pam
***@****
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Avatar universal
You are another of the special "angels" here. You've read and heard it all from the worst to the best. I think you know deep in your heart of heart that there is ALWAYS hope. Please do not dispair. Pot is like the "little dragon" and I'm speaking from experience. That too was an obsession for me for many years and one day just like the opiates I just had had enough. after 18 years of daily smoking it I put the pipe down 17 years ago and never looked back at it. You are very right about it not being harmless. When in the hands of an addictive personality it can be life ruining. I loved the stuff, mentally still do! But it also took over my life and took away any ambition I had. The choice has to be his for HIMSELF. We addicts can't do it for just for the family. We always go back unless we decide to do it for ourselves 1st. The benefit for the family comes in us quiting to save ourselves. I will pray for him Angelica. Does he ever read anything on the forum? Would it help? Or is he just not ready? You can complain to me anytime LOL! You know I'm always around for youeither here or by e-mail.
God Bless you and keep you.
Power & Magick 2 U,
luv Wiz
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Avatar universal
I see the compassion you have for your daughter.  This is truly a sad situation, and w/ all your medical problems.  Your daughter will beat this one day, and realize what a wonderful mother she has, we all should be so lucky!!  I have gone through similar problems w/ my husband and his choice of dope is pot.  People look at our family and think we have it all...and people are always wanting to compliment us on how well behaved our children are, but there is this little problem I have w/ my husband......he's a fanatic w/ this stuff, and I call him a seasonal junkie.  He quits for about 4 months, then he benges.  People think this stuff is mild, but I've seen him do things he wouldn't normally do, like let us leave in the middle of the night(because of it)or threaten divorce, or risk his job....all the stories sound so familiar, and this disease has touched all of us.  I drove around for 2hours in the middle of the night last  night, crying and wondering when is this torment ever going to end.  He's so stupid when it comes to this.....he's risking everything he's worked so hard for.  He wouldn't let me leave w/ my children.....so they were calling me on my cell phone begging me to come home.  I hate what this does to our family.  I may be shocking a few, because I'm usually giving the advice and support, but I'm not in a good place right now.  Things can be so good one minute, then it happens all over again.  When I first started posting here, I didn't even think of my husbands little problem, because he had quit for a good while, and he was normal again........thank God I found you all.  Now I have friends to talk to.  Kerri, you once said...that I never complain, well here ya go...LOL  I'm getting tired of being the rock in my family and baring all the problems from mom/Dad all the way down to the cousins and aunts/uncles.  Don't ever feel alone.  My family is a mess.  I totally relate.  Take care,
Love,
Angelica
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Avatar universal
Hi Girlfriends,
    Thanks for the encouraging words. I know this trial with my daughter will come to a head soon. I feel it in my heart. I just hope it's  not a horrible ending. I talked to her this morning and she begged me for a pain pill. I think she's having terrible withdrawel. I did give her one. I know she couldn't get high off one and I hoped it might ease her a bit. But I told her she need not beg or plead for another one because it won't happen . I've held to it and she knows I'm serious. She met me at church to get the pill and she looked sober but there's such a sadness about her. I reinforce my love for her everytime we speak but I also make her listen to what I have to say. I tell her each time ,I know she's an addict and that it's a sickness. I want her to understand what all of you have made me understand. I use to look down on her untill I met all of you. Thank God for opening my eyes to the truth. But I don't want her to use sickness as an excuse to continue. I've seen more than once how quick everyone is to tell it like it is to anyone not seeking help. I plan to do the same for her and my sister and brother. I'll quit now. I'm rambleing.If we ever do have a reunion with all our forum family,we'll never get any sleep. I could talk to yall for ever I think. Thank you all. God Bless you good people.
              Kerrie
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