Nurofen plus withdrawal

[chewey]

Hi everyone - I have just come across this forum - and would like to ask help and advice.  I have been taking nurofen plus (ibuprofen + codeine sulphate 12.8 mg per tablet) for 5 years - I take about 24 tablets per day (all at once - like the feeling along with the pain killing effects)
I must give these up - for I understand this is addiction - and must find another way to deal with pain.
I guess nurofen is much like tylenol (2? 3? 4?) - dont know which one.
So on Sunday I took 24 and on Monday I took 12 - felt lousy today and took another 12 - the plan is to stay on 12 for 3 days and then go to 6 for 3 days.
Do you think this is feasible?  I have to continue working and functioning - I have a family of 4............ So - I cannot just go c/t.  I am thinking that perhaps cutting to 6 on Thurs might be too much, but I am due to go to the US on the 14th for a week with my daughter - work and fun - and I want to be off for that trip.
Any advice would be so helpful.
Thank you in anticipation
chewey

[4tolive4]

I could be wrong but perhaps you should consider tapering down with a much more gradual linear curve. Cutting 50% every 48 hours, to me, seems as harsh as cold turkey. I think alot of people take as long as 60 days to taper. Just a suggestion

[chewey]

Gosh - that was a fast reply!  Thank you.
Yes - I understand that 5 - 10% every 4 days is what is suggested - its just that I must be off in such a short time - and I guessed that rapid taper was better than c/t - failing that I will go c/t.
But - having cut by 50% since Sunday and seeing that I feel OK (not great) on half the amount - and this is Tuesday - I thought this might be a bit easier than c/t - and I am able to work and look after the kids.
Oh - I suppose these are my intentions - and I guess I am looking for someone to agree and make be feel better about it!  
Nurofen is a lot less powerful than vicoden and I hoped that withdrawal might be easier...............  
Thanks for advice

[4tolive4]

To each they're own....these drugs affect us all so differently, it's hard to formulate a plan. Sneaky buggers, aren't they? Keep to the plan that you feel will give you the best chances. Keep us updated!

[ScottQuit021907]

It might help not to take them all at once ... just a thought.

[pgnscared]

I agree with Scott, if you spread them out you would probably surprise yourself on the amount you actually need to feel "normal". Even if you started with 1 every 4 hours that might be more practical and help you succeed. Heck try to take one and see how long you can go without the next one and keep doing that. It seems to be working for me so far with minimal effects. I can't speak for being completely off from a taper (not quite there yet) but I went from a 15-20 a day 10mg Vic habit because I would take so many at once. When I started to take them as needed I only needed 5. I am now down to 3 in only a week. Just a thought, take care!

[chewey]

Hello everyone.
I have been quiet - just trying to get thro all this - but here is a hopeful update.......... I think!
As you know I am trying to get off Nurofen plus (pills with codeine phosphate 12.8 mg in them - sold OTC in Canada, Oz, UK.......) - which I was taking - usually 24 per day - all at once (for the effect!) - ie 308 mg codeine.  Now - from my research I discovered that hospitals will taper long term users of codeine down very rapidly in some cases and I have been following the suggestions.  Start with 50% cut for 2 days and then 25% every 2 days thereafter.  So - that is what I have done.  24 pills on Sunday, 12 on Monday & Tuesday, 9 on Wed and Thurs.......... now I have had some awful symptoms - but not so awful I could not bear them.  Have managed to continue to function - altho fatigue (and insomnia) is a total nightmare.  Now - the intention is to go down to 6 pills tomorrow - and I will attempt that. (Then 4...)  If at any time it all becomes too much then I will go up again a little and hold for a couple of days and then continue on down.
I know the general taper advice is 10% every week step down.  But - I could not face that and c/t was too much for me - so this has been a workable alternative for me.
This might help someone else?
Hope everyone is doing well - and never giving in........ there is a way for everyone......... just have to find it!
chewey

[fluffytail]

hello chewey
i am new, but have exactly the same intake of n plus as you. I take them to get off tramadol prescribed for damaged disc.I have been having 24 a day all at once, and find they give me enegy and pain relief.I am a single mum with toddler and 8 yr old,and its such a hard lonely job.I have stopped taking them 2 days ago,being very frightened by the woman who died recently in the uk, from taking huge doses.
I have felt so lousy that i had some amphetamine yesterday, and found it has helped, albeit a stupid solution.
and i wont take anymore n plus or amphetamine tomorrow. I am terrified to approach my doctor, and i wont, i will do it alone.i hvae an addictive nature, and its a constant lifelong battle curbing it.
does anyone have any ideas please, by the way i have not enjoyed the amphetamine and feel seedy and lousy with back ache.i hate the amphetamine and hate how it makes me feel, but i could not think of another way to curb the awful fatigue you get withdrawing from n plus.
I am hoping the worse n plus withdrawal is over now, after 2 days.would that be correct?
theres no chance of me using amphet again as i hate it.
thankyou for listening to me
fluffytail

[dyblue]

   5 years is along time, your going to feel withdrawls no matter  what I've been on codiene sulphate for five years, and mamaged to taper to 1 or 2 a day but its hard.  I spread them out during the day.  Taking them all at once is a no no for tapering. better off taking on every 2 hours or something It's going to take time to fix this problem we have.  If you got the diahrea your in mild withdrawl there is chest pain and aniety in tapering as well.  Be realalistic.  That other substance in there with the codiene that what is going to screw up your liver big time go to a doctor and get it checked.  I hope your ok.  Getting off this **** isn't a fast process at all.  Your in danger go to doc it's serous bigtime 12 at once thats serious.   Sorry but I'm concerned about your health so should you.

[dyblue]

  sorry about that post sounds like you know what your doing I think I got brain damage from this ****.  Allthe best blue

[pepsimax123]

I have just found out today that my 28 year old brother has been addicted to tablets for the last 8 years. This began after he was involved in a serious accident and had to take distalgesics for pain relieve. When they were taken off the market he turned to nurofen plus ( up to 50 a day) every day for the past year now. Distalgesics the same up to 50 a day. He said he was checked a number of times for liver problems and he always gets the all clear. He is now two days off all tablets he is going ct. He has awful back pain, vomiting, insomnia and paranioa . I could use advice in how to help him and how long does this process take to be cleared out of his system ?

[smyley]

I was taking at least 30 Nurofen plus a day as well as 6 - 10 mersyndol tablets which are pretty much the same as Nurofen plus but with an analgesic in them and I was doing this for 11 years.  I cut them out c/t. The first week is hell, throwing up, diarehha, stomach pains, aches everywhere, restlessness and sleepless nights.
On my fifth day without pills I was going to a Bon Jovi concert and this is a band I have loved for over 20 years and the first time I had the chance to see them live and for the life of me, I just couldn't get excited about it. I didn't know if I would throw up through the concert or need to go the toilet or just start feeling unwell, as it turned out, none of the listed but I still didn't feel the way I should have felt. I pretty much ruined my chance of a lifetime.
Most of my w\d symptoms had tapered of by the end of the first week, and now into week 4 and I sometimes still feel a little sick and want to throw up, my sleeping is still not great but a lot better than it was and I can now fall asleep naturally  without having to rely on the pills to assist me and my sleep (when I fall asleep) is deep and I sleep for longer periods without having to get up and go the toilet or get a drink or have a cigarette.

[allaboutmary]

This is an old post. You will get alot more responses if you post a new question.  Hit ...Back To Forum....then go to post a question .  

[rello]

ive been taking neurofen plus fo about two years now , I've gone from about 24 every day and a half to seven and a half a day (one and a half tablets every four hours) I've gotten down to this many tablets before
with no real side affects . I can take most of the side affects on the chin. But i really cant handle the headache. its a stabbing pain behind my right eye. Can anyone help me in this regard. How long does the headache last for 1,2,3 days? Can i take anything else for it instead?
Has anyone managed to go on a lower dosage than seven and a half a day. and still function in work. Im terrified to go to the doctor.Detox in hospital and a 30 day rehab program is recomended here in Ireland. I cant take that amount of time off work as ive only bought my first home.And im broke

[2sheds]

I have just read all of your postings. I am in a similar position but have also been battling alcohol with drawl from week long binges. You have helped me thanks!!!

[shore2]

Hi,im addicted to Nurofen plus and have been on and off for the past three years,I take between 24 and 50 a day and im growing desperate to stop.I recently detoxed and stayed clean for a while,but i re lapsed and have been adicted for the last three months.What i want to know is have peaple slowly withdrawn.I cant take time of work and hate detoxes,my girlfriend does not know and would be suspicious if i suddenly started to withdraw.If i slowly cut down will it limit the withdrawl,im hoping that if i cut down to ten a day the cold turky period wont be as bad.Im also very worried about my health.Any ideas of long term affects.  thanks

[annie0061]

i have been addicted to N.P for 5 years. most days i was taking between 9 and 12 per day. i have not had any for 5 days now as i am trying to get clean. i am determined with the help of my husband and my 23 year old son to stay off what i call this poison.the withdrawel symptons are the worst thing i have ever experienced, but i'm hanging in there. you must talk to your girlfriend and family so as they can help you through this.my husband gives me 3 panadeine in the morning as i am a migraine sufferer and i wake up normally with a headache. he has these panadeine hidden so that temptation is not there.i found today that walking helps with some of the pain you experience.i still work full time and most of my work coleages have no idea . i find talking about  my withdrawels with my family also helps. please get some help even if it is only your family

[tx122]

i think you should tell your girlfriend, 50 tablets a day, i am taking the same, there is no way you can do this on your own,i have been off them 4 days now c/t. and only because of my family and girlfriend. no matter how determin you are to stop, its always to easy to buy a packet and give yourself a reason why you should take them. dont know if this will help but. my girlfriend took my bank card, my perents took me to every pharmacy and told them not to sell me anymore pills. tough love ehh i stopped on wed, had 3 bad days in work but got through,now im locked in over the weekend. may need to take a few days off work next week, dont know how ill feel.maybe not the best way but longest ive been clean. no money =no tablets

[pap133]

I am in my fifth day now without any N+,have been using about 20 a day for nearly a year.First 3 days are hard,not so much needing a N+ but the feeling of being lethargic, having Diahorea,pains in the body you name it I feel it,but day 5 now im over all that,but biggest problem I have to tackle now is sleeping,Ive prob had about 8 hours sleep in the past 4 days and the anxiety in bed is bloody annoying the **** out of me.I am married and have 2 little kids,no one knows i was a N+ addict and have hid my withdrawla from my wife very well.Ive never been a good sleeper so my wife thinks I am going through a stage,which i usesd to go through b4 N+.Even tho I use to sleep like a log when on N+ I still would feel like **** in the morning no matter how much sleep I had.I feel so much better during the dat now even tho only 8 hrs sleep in 4 days,But I know it will pass and I will have myself back..No matter what dose you cut down to you still gonna have some withdrwals,Cold turkey worked for me,and rememebr cutting the doses only prolongs the recovery.Good luck to you all,You will all succeed!

[Norma27]

This is the first time I've ever admitted to having the addiction I know I have.  But I realised that my behaviour, health and everything I care about in the world is being affected. I've lost passion about life. Just want to sleep. No longer interested in work or home or friends. I'm only taking ~12-15 a day but I've decided I'm going to stop right now. I won't miss the having to trail to various new chemists so that they don't recognise me and ask me the questions they always ask. Questions which no addict would ever answer truthfully. I won't miss the amount of money I spend. I won't miss the aches and pains which I'm sure wouldn't be as notiecable if I weren't taking as many pain killers. The irony of the addiction.
I know, though, that I will miss the comforting feeling which starts to happen after taking 4 tablets on the way to work. I know I'll miss that and it's that which worries me more than the physical side effects of stopping. I've stopped before so I know the night time jitters are by far the worst thing to cope with and I'm hoping that a herbal sleep remedy will help. Without anything it feels like ants are crawling in your joints.

I feel for everyone who has posted and wish you all the best.

[fatygrl]

I realise this is an old thread however I've been reading through all the posts and have found myself in all of them.

Unfortunately my usage wasn't because of an injury, I'd just found out one day how they make you feel and have been taking a silver tab everyday for the last 6 yrs. I don't take them now as I'm a bit worried that I have some side effects from the long term use.

To everyone who is trying to stop taking them, you can if you really want to, you just have to be hard on yourself. I used to have 3 in the morning before work then another 3 to keep me going through lunch then I'd smash the last 6 before bed to help me sleep. I now get really bad anxiety attacks (especially when I mix with alcohol) and decided to stop a couple of months ago.

Much like everyone here no-one knew I was taking it regularly and also like Norma27 I got tired of going to different chemists to avoid being told I have a problem and decided to detox, it probably wasn't the best idea to come straight off of them as I had headaches lasting a few days behind my right eye, and paranoia knowing I couldn't take anymore before work to cope with the day. I'm fine now but am still struggling to adjust around large crowds of people

Each person will find their own way to get around it, but you need to stick to it. I now have a boyfriend who is hooked on it and its hard to get him to stop. I didnt realise how many people this affects, or that it was even an addiction I hope everyone does well in their efforts once its out of the system you feel so much better :D
T

[oatsnbarley]

Wow this really is a widespread problem. Let me start by reiterating the relief I feel that there are others who are experiencing things that are so difficult to explain when the core of the issue is addiction and the choices we make to feed these yearnings.

Like others, it all started with some legitimate pain in the form of arthritis in the neck. I took the occasional painkiller which was not a problem. Then one day just two of the little buggers (Nuro +) gave me that small tingle of euphoria and the devil on my shoulder was awakened. From then on the reason to take them became easier and easier to justify. Any pain anywhere was good enough. Geez I'm sure a bad hair day would suffice. Anyway two grew to four which eventually became a habit of thirty a day. This has gone on for most of this year with barely a clean day. I just took six today after yesterday's four because this completely wrecked feeling is paralising me and I find it so hard to achieve anything. Exam time at uni is a difficult time to go through this.... But when is a good time? Now is as good as any (or as bad as any) For those of you who have lived with Nurofen Plus addiction for much longer than me and have taken many more in number, I send my support and good wishes. Let's not be embarrassed and turn to those who can help.

I told my Dr the other day and he said that there shouldn't be any withdrawal symptoms but the way I feel and the stories told on this forum proove otherwise. I'm sure he was just trying to motivate me to just stop this behaviour without getting hung up on how I feel. It's not easy but I'm positive I can get there. Good luck to all.

[rello]

Hi oatsnbarley,
Sorry to tell ya ive weened off N+ It about Five months

And believe me there are withdrawals finaly went c/t 10 days ago and im only starting to come around today
Have a look At my tracker and you'll get the general idea!!!!!!!!!!!
I Tapered from 24 per day to 4 aday over three months or so..
And i Still got a major come down off them
Get a different doctor !!!!
My doctor recomended that i Detox in hospital

[BILL180]

i'd been takin N+  for 5 years until i finally stopped c/t. i was takin up to 20 a day. when i was 16 i was knocked down by a dope who was to old to be driving. i was left in a pretty bad way. broke my back, neck, both legs and burst one of my lungs. was in hospital 4 nearly a year, when i got out a started on the N+. they made me feel normal, gave me energy and most of all they helped me through the hardest times of my life but after 5 years i started to get stomach problems, really bad cramps. so i knew it was time to stop. so i did and it was terrible. the worst headache i've ever had in my life not to mention the sleepless nights, the running to the toilet every 5 minutes and paranoia..... but 1 week in and its getting better. still have the insomnia but thats it really.

so to all here i'd like to say " HANG IN THERE " you can do it.
best of luck... take care!

[daisyfae]

been off nurofen + 9 days cold turkey feeling alot more human but keep waking at 4 in the morning needing to run to the loo then can't sleep again can anyone tell me how long this bit lasts.........my partner is unaware of the problem and is wondering whats wrong

[BILL180]

i cant speek 4 everyone, but 4 me the running to the toilet did'nt last that long, it's the not being able 2 sleep that's the worst. i still cant its torture...

good job on getting this far. dont give up it will get easier...

[socky]

is there any dangerous side effects

[natty777]

ive was taken nurofen plus for approx 2 years and stopped suddenly when i had pannic attacks my eyes have being blurrey ever since went cold turkey with all the usual side effects but got worse has ceasures in my tummy and in my head my receptors are open and i can feel burning under my skin and my blood feels hot and i have numb arms i was taking 6 to 8 aday i've heard that subutex can help with withdrawal and want to know the side effects off this drug

[laska12]

11 years ago i was diagnosed with glandular fever and 3 months later contracted ross river virus via a mosquito bite. A type of viral arthritus that attacks the immune system, joints and muscles. I was in bed for 4 weeks straight and was in so much continual aching pain that i couldnt change the tv with the remote as my fingers hurt to much. The worst joints seem to be the ones most used.
I then discovered N+ and began on 6 a day. Over the years I have built up to 16 a day habit and it all felt very normal. However deep down inside i knew nothing about taking this many tablets could be normal. I have manage to keep all this to myself and i am slowly reducing the amount back. i am now back on  6 a day and hope and can get off completely. The interesting thing is being on 6 a day now feels like the first time i went down to 12 so i hope when i go to say 3 a day the same thing will continue to happen.
I have had all the side effects that most of you have had but seem still to have a lot of joint and muscle pain and i am so sick of it. Does anyone know of other ways to get rid of it or is this a side effect of N+?
I take some of the natural remedies already (fish oil and glucosamine).
Good luck to all.

[Grobilan]

Whow, all these stories make me think I am on the lower spectrum of "issues" having taken 2 Neurofen Plus a day since about 7-8 months post a back surgery. However realising that this is not normal I have stopped taking them on a daily basis and honestly since 4 days feel like ****. Am depressed and dizzy a lot of times and wonder if these are withdrawl symptoms or if it is all just in my head? Can you get addicted on 2 a day or again is the additiction all in your head? I dont have issues with pain or sleeplessness, just anxiety and feeling awefully blue. Hope this won's last or at least get the f.. out of my head. To all you I hope that you will be fine some day and can only show the deepest of my support - I rather have a broken arm then go through what I am going through now, but I am sure, all of you have thought the same way too; at least once.

[laska12]

Hi. I dont know if 2 a day is addictive but I told my doctors (just changed to new doctor) that I was taking 6 a day. (I lied at this time as I was doing between 12 and 16) however neither doctor had a problem with 6 a day. I am back down to 6 a day now, 3 morning and 3 late afternoon and I can tell you I cant wait to take them. What has helped me cut down from 16 to 6 is I pushed myself to do light physical activity every day and sometimes twice a day. The pain has decreased in my body by 50% and I am taking 60% less N+. Figure that one out. I have also had all the horrible feelings that most people have mentioned including deep depression and anxiety but I can tell you that they are slowly decreasing (not fast enough). I am looking to go to 4 a day in the next few days and going to increase my excercise moderately. I think that the more I do the more I will get my mind off N+. I think you could have a slight addiction to them as they do make you feel good but I am no doctor. Please let me know you go. I am very interested in the addictiveness of this drug. Cheers

[amtiskaw]

I knew i was not the only one abusing these damn things, so nice to find some honest discussion on this problem. On and off i've been taking anything up to 100 tabs per day, 32 per day at the moment. I have a stomach ulcer and am in pain most of the time. Have lost count of how many times i've tried to come off. There is little more important than getting off these things. At the moment i'm going to try again to come off. My wife knows all about this and was very supportive the first few times but is no longer. I am grateful we are still together (just!!!!). Sorry to ramble on like this, I am very depressed and want very much to be a warning to others to get off these things if at all possible. I am surprised to still be alive at times. THESE TABLETS CAN KILL!!!! Wish me luck..........

[dozz09]

I was introduced to this nasty N+ as a cure for hang overs like most others 3 than 4 than 6 than 12.  My max was around 12 - 16 the comforting effect is what i got out of them.  As I suffer from Bi-Polar it is starting to have an effect on my current meds.  I was a heavy drinker at the time but have not a a drink for 11 months.

The person who introduced me to these had an addiction of 50 to 70 a day.  He had major gut and eye problems his addiction lead to a terrible moment when he took 48 at once and a couple of beers, he laid down went to sleep and has never woke up his funeral is tomorrow.

This i Believe is my wake up call to get of the bloody things and seek professional advice.

Thankyou and will stay on till i beat this horrible useless addiction.

[Norma27]

Dear All,

I'm writing again as I'm just going through withdrawal and I wanted to share the experience. In case it might help someone else go through it.

After posting last november, my own addiction got a lot worse. I've had two people die last year and two still going through cancer. Codeine became much more of a crutch than ever. Eventually I peaked at 30 a day. Which I realised was ridiculous. Being ridiculous was the one thing (oddly) which opened my eyes and made me think. Taking 30 of anything a day is ridiculous. For an adult to be so irresponsible....ridiculous.

I stopped last thursday morning. Last 4 taken at 7 a.m.

I had read quite a few sites to see how long it might take to get over the withdrawal but there didn't seem to be any clear answer for everyone. Obvious really as this addiction is different for everyone. The most common suggestion was that the worst withdrawal would be peaking at 48-72 hours

So, decided to go for it at a weekend to try and do some damage limitation with work being affected and everything.  I thought  I'd manage through the rest of thursday and friday at work ok.  I got through thursday ok. Would have been happier taking some pills but it was ok. Started to lose appetite a little. Nothing to worry about.

First symptoms were nausea, aches, (jaw worst!) and just plain not feeling right. Then loss of appetite and a clearly 'upset' digestion. I thought at least I'd have a glass of wine on friday to make me feel better during it all but couldn't manage to drink more than one glass.
That night sleeping was horrendous. Legs, which would only feel ok when moving, fellt like itchy bones. Brain which wouldn't be calmed.
I read that eating carbohydrates helps so I had some toast and lots of water. Still a very restless night.  Up and down. Walking helped more than sitting. But nothing at all really helped much.

Saturday morning (+48 hrs), for some odd reason, I felt elated. A little spark returning I thought. Watched some telly, even had a bit of a crush fest on the leading man, THAT hasn't happened for a long time. Which is a difficult way to be with a long term partner!  Lucky I live with a hugely wonderful man.

That afternoon, still no appetite but ate more carbs. Then felt suddenly extremely cold. Lying under blankets with heating on full could not get warm. Tried another glass of wine. Nope, tasted undrinkable.
More bad guts. More sore jaw. More kinky joints.
Another sleepness, dreadfully fitful night. Better than friday (just)

Sunday:
I was hoping for a day at least as good as saturday. That, I thought, was at least bearable as I'd already gone through it.
Sunday was worse. Worse pain, worse aches, less appetite, totally tired from not being able to sleep. Couldn't settle. Couldn't pay attention to tv or reading. Felt like a complete idiot for being so stupid and ending up like this! Felt ridiculous! Worst of all....definitely no elation. How unfair, I was expecting the worst to be over by now. Oh well, my fault....live with it.

Sunday night was as bad as friday night. If not worse due to the lack of sleep.  When will it ease? This is now....96 hours and counting and it's still as bad as ever. This was the night I came closest to taking just one tablet to try to get some peace. I didn't.  I had read someone's blog which said never to do this. Thank you whoever you were....I didn't take the pills. But I found a pack of valerian herbal sleeping tablets and took four of them. Don't worry, 4 is an ok dose. It made no dent in how I was feeling though so I took another 3....heading towards the ridiculous again. Prior to the N+ 4 of these tablets would have started me yawning and asleep within 45 minutes.  I was awake pretty much most of the night. I'd say every hour.  But I know I'd be much worse if I hadn't taken the valerian. Cats now want to kill me mind you. They are wondering what the heck has happened to their once peaceful lap. Oh, did I mention the paranoia? Yeah, that happens occasionally too.  But I'm not sure that's directly related to stopping the tablets, more related to not having the drug working on your brain to stop those thoughts. And if it's only cat paranoia I'm thinking I can live with it ;-)

It's now monday lunchtime. I'm feeling ok physically. No longer nauseous. Guts getting more normal. No real aches and pains, though still feel like someone's occasionally trying to stuff cotton wool down my ears. Where the heck does the body invent that sort of feeling from! ?

I'm hoping that tonight might be better than last night. Because if it isn't I'm going to struggle tomorrow. I'm now determined not to stop though. Or not to restart...if you see what I mean.

Mentally I am feeling so much stronger today.  Here's the thing which, if I'd known about, would have got me off these things sooner.

I'm seeing small signs that I'm starting to feel like me again. Feeling passionate and alive.
Being interested in life and where it will go. Smiling at people. Seeing them smile back. Being attracted to men again. Looking at my partner with not just love but passion.   This is worth more to me than anything else. And I had no idea I had lost all of this because of the tablets.  I now know I was living under cotton wool. And it blocks all sides of life out, good and bad.

Sorry this is such a long post. I hadn't meant it to be. I just wanted to come back as I'd come on here in the first place in desparation. And I wanted to help if anyone is thinking of going off these dreadful tablets.

Think about how you're feeling about you and your life at the moment. If you've lost it like me, think about stopping.

If you are going to stop make sure you give yourself time and space. You will want to have something to occupy yourself. I found friends and family were great. They didn't know I was ill because of the withdrawal, they just thought I was unwell. Time passed more quickly though....and that is the main thing you need.
The nights are by far the worst. They will seem endless. You will not sleep. And you won't be able to concentrate on tv or books. If you can find something which helps, I'd love to know. Perhaps PC games. Something to occupy yor fingers and keep you moving. If you can keep walking I think that would help.  Apparently porridge is a really good thing to eat.  With lots of sugar and salt. Especially since your body will be trying to rid you of the toxins so will be working overtime and needing these replaced. And lots of water. Apart from it's good for you, it makes you go to the loo so adds to the walking...which is good.
The day is almost like a magic switch. Things become much easier. Probably because you get caught up in routine. Make sure you're busy if you're not feeling too ill. Being busy will help not thinking about how good that pill will make you feel. But never stop when you know yo're going to have something really difficult to deal with. Stress at work or at home.

I'm not sure if cutting down from such a huge dose would have been better than stopping completely, but you have to do what's right for you at the time. And for me it was always going to be stopping completely.

Anyhow, I'm sorry for taking so long.
Good luck to you all. Things can be soo much better if you can get over it.
I know I'm still going through it, and they say it might be a couple of weeks before getting back to feeling ok, and many weeks before being normal again, but today I'm really positive and there is nothing on earth that will make me take another of those tablets.
I know this is the high and probably in a few days I'll be down a bit and need those pills even more.
But I'm typing this and putting it out there, where I can't take it back, so that I can see me saying: I will not take any more of those pills!!

Good luck. Take care. Be kind to yourself.
Even if this is an old post it's still useful. Please keep posting. It helps.

[Somewhereovertherainbow]

Does Nurofen Plus addiction affect a person emotionally. Does it affect intimacy and sexual functioning. Just wondered cos my husband, a long term addict (10) years seems to use this as a substitute from opiates and also when using oipiates and is more interested in posting messages to other women joking about sex, yet even though he tells me he loves me and I am the most beautiful women he has ever seen, he still doesn't pursue intimacy. Can't figure it out and it's destroying my confidence. Please help me understand this addiction. I am confused and sooo lonely. He is behaving strange

[colapesce]

Hi everyone,

I've been taking N+ for 12 years - only 2 or sometimes 4 a day.  My Neurologist recently told me to stop taking them as they were probably causing headaches rather than relieving them.  So I decided to stop, cold turkey.  Wow!  I was prepared for the withdrawal symptoms.  The first day was awful - terrible headache.  It's now been 2 weeks since I stopped and although I haven't had headache, I've felt terrible every single day.  Have been drinking lots of fruit and veg drinks, taking vitamins and trying to be healthy but to no avail.  The symptoms I have are like flu symptoms, but it's been 2 weeks now.  Reading through the other threads this seems like a long time as a few people mention that after 1 week they feel better.  What do you all think?  Is it normal to take so long to feel better from taking such a low dosage in the first place?  Any replies gratefully received.

Take care all.

[cali30]

I am also addicted to N+.. i usually take 4 in the mourning 4 in the afternoon and another 5 or 6 before bed.. i also take Zoloft once a day have been on those for about 4 years, due to depression i find that Zoloft and N+ tablets help me function throughout the day, i know it's wrong, but i can't stop.. i also know which pharmacy to get my pills from, so they don't get to suspicious of me,and i have been asked "why do i need N+"  i had the urge to say I'm addicted, but ended up lieing, and said i needed it for severe period cramps... i always thought that this was my own dirty little secret,  i never thought other people were going through what i was...all i can say is.. i hope we all can get of these damn pills xx.

[budside]

I hope you are well and getting over your addiction.I have been addicted to n+ for about 2 years now and have gone from 2 every 4 hours to 4 every 3 hours. maximum of 16 per day. then other day at work I had a bad episode. I started to feel as if i was going to have diareha or vomiting and went to the toilet I didnt know what I wanted to do then I started to feel faint and sweating then fast breathing. Everyone at work thinks I am having a stress or panik attack.This has happened 4 times now every 2 or 3 months i think it is the n+so as of yesterday I have come off them. Today i have felt terrible I have had a lot of back pain and stomach aches I feel as if my stomach is raw. i cant get comfortable and just want to sleep to take away the pain. They say that coedine causes constipation. Well that wasnt the case with me i would have severe direohha every couple of days. i dont know if it is the n+ but have decided i need to get off them. I am also so agitated all the time angry at everyone I cant stand it.I am 24 hours into cold turkey. wish me well. I really dont want to take these tablets anymore.

[Nay027]

PLEASE HELP..!
My partner is addicted to nurofen plus, he has been taking them for 9-10yrs now,  in the past 3-4yrs he has been taking 72 tablets A DAY.  he wont seek medical help and i no the damage it is doing to his body. My partner is only 27yrs old ....  I NEED HELP BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.  PLEASE does anyone have any advice for me..?


FROM A VERY LOVING AND SCARED GIRLFRIEND...   Nay.  

[groundhog_day]

Its so good to read this thread about nurofen plus, as its my drug of choice. I have related to something in every post. Nay027, can I suggest that you start a new post, your question might get lost here at the end of this old thread. Just go to the forum page and click on "post your question".

But just to answer you - a lot depends on whether he acknowldeges that he has a problem and does he want help. If the answer is that he does not want help, there is not much you can do unfortunatley - it is totally heartbreaking, but such is the nature of addiction. You say he won't consider medical help - would he consider detox? The amount he is on is very dangerous, not just in terms of stomach ulcers but also kidney failure, the codeine is what he is addicted to but the ibuprofen with which it is bound is what causes the real damange.

Let us know a bit more about the situation. If he won't get help then I'm afraid it comes down to you looking after you, including getting counselling on how to cope with/what to do in this situation.

Good luck to you

[ComradeMao]

Perhaps see your GP about some other medication that can help ease the withdrawal process...

I've taken valium for stress but it's also used for alcohol withdrawal, not sure if that will also work for codeine.

Seroquel might be an option (it's an anti-psychotic which is used off-label for insomnia but studies have been done into its effects on opioid withdrawal)...

Good luck!

[Duratek]

Hi I’m new here but I was also on these flipping things.

I was hooked since about early 2004 id say, I would usually take 2 a day first thing in the morning with some toast and a glass of milk and that would keep me juiced up for the rest of the day, I was hooked on these basically for that familiar feeling good and relaxed feel, I’ve never exceed the maximum dosage though, 6 is plenty enough I cant imagine taking any more than that I’m pretty much on the ceiling with 6, having said that I have been on 4 to 6 a day but I wasn’t back to my 2 day, taking six a day gives me really bad constipation and it’s like crapping out melon, so that why I had to reduce it.

Last Christmas I went c/t  and yes there is a cure to help with going cold turkey, when I came off I started to get diarea (diarrhea) and I felt pretty ****, depression was on the lines of ridiculousness, I took some stuff called KALMS which is a herbal remedy which helps with withdrawal and with that I drunk 2 litres of water a day to flush my system though, drinking water helps in a big way to remove N+ from the system and after a few days you will start feeling refreshed and it will help to corner off any headaches, the odd coffee here and there helps.

Reading some of these comments here my case was surprisingly light, I’m quite shocked at how many folks are putting back 60 + or more a day, how you folks are still alive ill never know, thing is how do you get hold of 60 tablets a day with out looking suspicious, I live in England and you have to ask for N+ over the counter and go through a right rigmarole of questions they ask you before they give you a packet, I had to buy mine from various sources on the internet in the end as one place refused to serve me, talk about embracing, it was at that point I kicked the habit, because it hit me there and then that “I can couldn’t go on like this and it had to stop”

[furbi77]

I just wanted to post a comment on here.  I understand your addiction issues to these tablets, but they are so dangerous, my ex died last year because of his misuse with them.  He was 32 and had 2 small children.  He started taking them 12 years ago coz of a bad back, but it escalated from there.  When i first met him in 2001 you could still buy the big packs of 92 i think it was, and he would polish them off in two days, and would go around the town to different chemists getting more packs, and would get me to do the same.  I realised something was wrong and took him to the doctor who told me that there is nothing wrong as they dont halm his kidneys !!! WHAT ???  To cut a very painful and long story short he developed a bowl condition which was made worse by the N+ and although he kept getting told by the docs that unless he stopped he could die, he thought he new best. He lost 5 1/2 stone in weight, his teeth started to fall out, he couldnt eat coz the N+ would make him feel sick - i left him before he died as i couldnt take it anymore.  He died in a hospital bed, in agony..... and i mean pain, the docs couldnt do anything for him, he had a heart attack and the post mortum showed that the N+ had eaten away at his bowels and lliver - PLEASE STOP NOW....... go ct or go to your docs - i have to explain to my children now 5 and 6 why they cant see their daddy anymore - please dont do that to your family.  Good luck to everyone that is trying to get off these nasty pills, i admire your honesty on here, and i truely hope you all get clean not just for your loved ones but for yourself, life is soo much better clean xxx

[3yrhell]

It has been through this forum that i have had the courage to give up nurophen plus, thanku all.  For three long years i was addicted taking up to 40 per day. I had tried several times to cut down and go cold turkey but would only last two days as the withdrawals were so horrifc.  I am now three and a half weeks totally free.  I think the first thing i needed to do was to be real with my husband about what was going on. No body else knew and to finally fess up to someone was a releif. I could share my self loathing, fear, hopelessness etc at last.  After i shared with him it still took 5 months before i had the courage to set myself free.
First i had to get to the stage where i was having severe side effects to the pills.  I cut down dramatically from 40 to 24 which i had no withdrawals.  I then went from 24 to 8 a day and then it started to hit me.  I found out that a drug called Catapress (usually for hypertension and high blood pressure) could also aid withdrawal symtoms of narcotics (which codine is).  I saw my Dr and she agreed to try me on them.  I cut down on the pills by one a day until I was having none.  The Catapress helped me sleep but did not stop all the withdrawals, but seemed to get me through.  I just have had to white knuckle it as i have still had to work and carry on as normal.
I also took liver tonic and fish oil and melatonin (to help sleep). these are all availiable from health food stores.  I have been pain free for 5 days now but am still a little lethargic.  What a releif!!!! 3 years of silent hell over. Keep your eyes on the prize guys, it is worth every bit to be free from the ****.  In the past I have withdrawn from lots of other **** but this took the cake. I will NEVER go back. PS alcohol makes you feel worse as do tranquilizers.  Cheers all!

[evolverman]

I would like to add to anyone reading this board an important point in withdrawing from any addiction - whether it be n+ or alcohol. yes, you may withdraw completely using any of the methods suggested here - tapering off or going cold turkey. but what is there to stop you from starting again - memories of the pain of withdrawal? i'm sure that the memories of the oblivion drugs and alcohol offer will always be stronger when times or stresses are at their worst.

what i am saying is that the addiction is a symptom of something deeper in the person - something that drives them into the arms of addiction while others remain immune. what is it? i get the impression from reading some of these posts that it is an addictive personality? or that it is the stress of their particular social situations - one stuck me, that of the single mother trying to cope with very little support. but when we get down to defining the type of social situation that leads to addiction, or the mindset, we find that conclusive definitions elude us. ultimately, psychological and sociological explanations fail us. and the reason that they fail to 'cure' addiction is that every addiction is as different as every person is different - and the struggle to overcome is a unique struggle in every instance.

however, there is, i believe, an assistance in this struggle, which can be found, not in the externalities of experts, or friends or family who can, and do, let us down. this assistance is inside. it is not an imaginary voice or friend, which out of desperation we relinguish our battered wills to. it is something that when we listen to it, when we make ourselves vunerable to its prompting, we find its assistance provides us with something we may have long since lost - a sense of hope, of personal dignity, of being loved. the fact that these things seem so foreign to us when we open ourselves to them, leads me to believe that that inner power is not a part of ourselves, although it resides within, but it is a higher power, which welcomes us, calls us to a deeper appreciation of our lives and those around us.

we live in a world where the simple act of reaching out to someone, to treat someone as a human being like ourselves who may be scared, scared of showing their vulnerability, scared of saying they have needs beyond the social and deeper than the psychological, where this simple act is often only conducted from within the confines of the family, if at all. if one good thing were to come out of all of this, it would be that the very people who are deemed weak, or as having an 'addictive personality', in fact show us that there is a need in all of us for a sense of love, of being loved, and that in their struggle against addiction, they teach us that, as hokey as it may sound, there really is 'something inside so strong', which we can all open ourselves to - if we choose.

[cali30]

**furbi77** I am so sorry for your lost reading your post has truly opened my eyes, since my last post 20th March 09 i haven't given up my addiction completely, but  have  gradually cut down from 14 a day to 12 and now only 6 a day then hopefully gradually ween my self of the pills,reading some of the posts it seems im one of the luckier users (if i can say that), because many of you who have posted on here consume 3 times more N+ then myself i hope these people who have come on here and shared their addiction have given up. I would really like to hear your recovery stories as it truly gives hope for users

Love and peace

[scotlandforever]

I'm glad I came across this forum so I can share my experience.

As I read the many entries the most common theme is that the majority of people are taking large daily quantities of N+

I started taking them approx 2 years ago. This was because of shoulder pain, discomfort from kidney stones and a later hernia. I am of fairly light build which I feel has a bearing on the effects of N+

I started taking two at night to help me sleep (approx 8pm each night).  Within 20 minutes I started to feel the effects wash over me - relaxed/spaced out/at peace/ free from discomfort/able to sleep better.

My story does not end up with me popping large quantities each day. The average over the last two years has been 3 a day. However if I ran out of tablets at any point I would become very irritable/restless/anxious.

My health issues were eventually sorted out and my pain levels had decreased but relationship issues/stresses at the time resulted in me craving that feeling of relaxation after taking N+

This week I have stopped them altogether and I am determined to stay off them. Since stopping I have had various withdrawal symptoms - constipation giving way to the runs, anxiety, sleepless nights have returned, disinterest/lack of motivation.

I feel that  these tablets should carry clearer warnings about the dangers of long term use / overuse. Being a cynical sod it may well be that profit will dictate. In Britain alone I have a feeling that addiction to painkillers like N+ is a much bigger problem than any of us are aware of !!!

Final thought goes to all of the people who have posted, especially those who are taking large quantities - seek help / support, think of the long term effects on your health, think about the effects on your loved ones. Go to your doctor / GP and make the medical profession aware of your difficulty. If everyone is trying to get off them without medical advice doctors will not be getting a true idea of the numbers who have problems.

Take care and all the best to everyone.
STJ in Scotland

[damn_nurofen]

IF YOU WANNA QUIT READ THIS!

My friends, the addicted ones, you know who you are! DO NOT read this posts about people with their addiction who take 24 or 12 or 18 or 36 and so on pills a day for so many years!! this just encourages the younger ones to think "hey nothing happened to this people, so nothing happens to me". Here is a fact people and the truth is ugly but YOU ARE ALONE! in this addiction YOU ARE ALL ALONE my friends.

no internet forum or doctor can help you through this. as a former addict, there will be a time when you realize, at the end of the day, its only you and your will power.

I am not writing to tell you guys how I started my addiction and how good it felt to take those god damn pills but I will tell you what you will go through and how gooooooooooooooood it feels when its over and your all drug free.

i know what its like my friends, when you wake up in the morning feeling like ****, like your 70 when ur only 22. Accept the pain for 72 hours, handle the pressure your mind puts on you, grow some balls and win this challenge. oh I know about the hot and cold phase, I know about the pain and most importantly the habit but I'll tell you this my friends, when its all over and you break free from this everlasting curse, your gonna feel like a million bucks, you gonna feel a hundred million times better than what those pills make feel like, you gonna feel that natural high thats better than anything chemical.

So, make it a challenge not a task. quit today, quit now!! taper down to help but do it now! remember every time you taper down for that day, your body adjusts in two days. so taper down every 2nd day and within  10 days (taper should be no less than 20% of what you take) you should be ready to quit cold turkey ( this is the case for people who have been taking high doses, if you have been taking 3 or 4 pills a day, you should be able to quit without tapering down). Good luck to each and everyone of you and remember you are all ALONE in this, get it over and done with.

[Irishdave]

I'm surprised this page has lasted so long but I guess it says a lot about the amount of Nurofen Plus addicts out there.

OK so I'm now 6 days off the dreaded things and I've had the pains in my legs, the upset stomach, the fevers, the chills(even right now, so it's not over yet!) and everything else mentioned by the other posters(I did sleep ok though, except for one night around the 72 hrs mark).

If I'm honest to myself and everyone here, I didn't think I'd make it this far. I've been taking between 24(on a good day) and 48, sometimes even 60 tablets a day since last March when I lost my job and injured my back. This has definitely been the hardest week of my entire life. I feel old and I'm only 25. This was my fifth time trying to quit and I had a lot of doubts. I tried every kind of taper and they never worked. I tried cold turkey and cracked after 12 hours. I was convinced I didn't have the willpower and thought I'd be hooked for life.

It was a complete spur of the moment that I decided to try it cold turkey again. Last Monday I took the last 12 I had left and said goodbye. I live at home with my parents so I told them I felt a flu coming and it was the perfect cover. Most of the side effects are flu like anyway so I'd recommend this if you're trying to hide your addiction. Everyone's said it, but the first 3 days are the worst, they felt like weeks to me. The only reason I didn't take any tablets is because I live in the country and the nearest pharmacy is 6 miles away(luckily).

I guess I'm sharing my thoughts with you all to let you know that if I can beat this addiction, anyone can. It's not easy but with a little willpower and determination it can be done.
I wish all of you the best of luck dealing with it. Hopefully you'll be sharing your own success story here soon.

All the best,
Irishdave

[Astray]

Well done on kicking the accursed things, I'm 44 days clean from them and their equivalant. I wasn't taking as many as you but have ten years of abuse to pay for rather than one. You will be past the worst of the acute WD symptoms now but its best to be prepared for what else will be thrown at you in the near future I think.

You may get brief recurring bouts of WD symptom over the next few weeks, basically the flu-like symptoms so don't be alarmed if you do, each will only last a day or less and each will be milder and all far milder than what you have already beaten. You might get more insomnia, Valerian helps a lot. You might also get severe moodswings, St Johns Wort helps that a lot. Possibly other neurological issues.

Then again you might be fine, just keep your guard up is all I'm saying.

[Irishdave]

Thanks for the advice. It's funny you mention this because I barely slept all night. My legs are hurting again too so you were right. At least I know I've come this far and there's no way I'm wasting my money and my good health on tablets ever again.

Thanks so much for your support.

[wan2quit]

This is the first time Ive spoken about this. I am addicted to N+ too. I started with a real medical condition that required surgery but didnt realise I was addicted until the pain was gone but still had urge to take N+. It started with about 2 a day, then 2 a few times a day and 4 years later I take 6 at a time about 7 times a day (about 42 per day). I realise how ridiculous & stupid it is but the joint pain I get when I dont take any is unbearable. I was hoping this forum could help me but the bad thing was by reading the posts and thinking about N+ I craved them more & just took another 6. Im only 25 and am very scared for my health. I've recently started getting pain in my kidneys and Im afraid I've done some serious damage. If I can stop now I think I will be ok but I cant take anymore of this. Im ashamed of myself for getting myself into this. I used to increase the amount I took at once when it wasnt giving me that happy feeling anymore but I havent increased the dose in over 18 months but cant seem to cut down much either. I said to myself that I will not take 7 at a time, or 8 etc & I havent, im determined not to make it worse than it already is. Im sick of having to drive 30 mins away just to go to a different chemist so I dont get lectured. Im sick of hiding it from everyone. Im sick of spending all that money on these damn things. I would love to get through a day where they dont even cross my mind. Im tired of thinking about them, where to get them, how many I need to buy so I dont run out. How ridiculous. They have even made me put on weight because Im constipated all the time. I look about 6 months pregnant because I put the weight on around my belly & am so bloated all the time. I get asked when Im expecting all the time. Its embarrassing and shameful. Any advise on the best way to kick this habit would be appreciated. The funny thing is was when I got pregnant I was taking about 16 a day & I stopped cold turkey straight away with barely any withdrawls & didnt take any til after my son was born. Why cant I do that now & why the #### did I start again???? Someone needs to slap me!!!