Side effects from Tylenol/Codeine addiction?

[kis95]

Stupid question, I know. Regardless, I'm looking for some input and I wasn't sure where else to post this question.

I am most likely addicted to Tylenol 1's (Acetaminophen, Caffeine & Codeine). I'm in Canada, where I can easily purchase them OTC. I started taking them many years ago for chronic back pain. I currently take seven tablets at a time, usually twice a day, sometimes three times a day. I can make all the excuses I want, but I take up to 21 tablets a day because I like the slight buzz from the codeine. FWIW, I also take 300mg of Effexor for depression.

Recently, I've been experiencing an ache in my back, just below my ribs. Sometimes it's on one side, sometimes both. It's not debilitating, but it is annoying. It's a different type of pain to my usual back pain. I also bruise like crazy (generally on my thighs), and the bruises are HUGE. They generally show up after some itchiness. I'll have an itch for about 10 minutes, and within a few hours, a bruise will begin to appear. They are large (one was seven inches wide), black/purple, and they hurt. One might assume that I'd walked into something hard and pointy with a lot of force to cause such a bruise, but I haven't.

I'm assuming all of this has something to do with the Tylenol 1's, or the combination of Tylenol and Effexor. Does anyone know for sure? Or does anyone know what's actually happening? I would go to my Dr, but of course, I am ashamed to admit the amount of Tylenol I take in a day.

Thanks in advance.

[10356]

Welcome to the forum.. Although I have no experience with codeine addiction I do have experience in kidney pain and liver dysfunction I have stage 2 liver and can not treat and 1 kidney.. I will tell you Drs. are aware that a lot of people get addicted to the oc codeine with Tylenol..
It would definitely be to your benefit to approach your Dr. and tell him of your problems it very well can be serious you are consuming a very lg. amount of Tylenol.. It is not worth your life the symptoms you describe sound like both kidneys are having issues and would not hurt to check out your liver levels.. Your Dr. can give you med to make the wd of codeine a bit more comfortable.. I wish you well and I hope all works out for you but I do hope you make the appointment.. lesa

[joangy]

I too had an addiction to tyl/codeine- I was taking tyl #3 for a few years.  Some of the symtoms you are explaining sounds similar to me.  I was itchy as well- the codeine can make you itchy and I would bruise really easily too.  The back pain is normal because your pain sensors are so exaggerated after taking the codeine for so long!

With that said... these symptoms could also be indicitive of other things! Bruising can be a symptom of leukemia or other platelet/immune deficency disorder.  I would definately speak to your doc about the problems you are experiencing-- as well as your addiction! It is amazing how supportive and helpful most docs are to addiction problems... they see it all the time and can be a great tool in getting off the meds! If you have any other questions let me know.

Good luck!

[uphill7584]

The maximum recommended daily dose of tylenol is 4000mg...right now you are taking 6300mg of tylenol a day. I have no medical experience, but I can tell you that taking that much tylenol everyday is horrible for your stomach, kidneys, and liver. That could explain some of the symptoms you are having. Go to your doctor, tell him you are in pain, and you have been treating it with OTC meds, but are worried about the tylenol.