codeine and paracetamol withdrawal

[newuser43]

hi ive been takeing soluable paracodal for over 20yrs now, i take 8 aday, 2 at a time, each tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol and 8mg codeine. i so much want to come off them so i went to see my doctor today and hes going to help me withdraw, hes suggested by starting 7 tablets daily for 2mnths then 6 for 2mnths, 5 for 2mnths, 4 for 2mnths and so on until im off them, the problem is i think this is too long and is going to take me 14mnths to be off them completely, can anyone advise me on this please, can i do this sooner and will the withdrawal affect me bad if i come off them straight away (cold turkey)

[newuser43]

Hi thankyou for your reply, I started takeing them for back pain I used to suffer with but before I knew it I was takeing more and more and suddenly it became a way of life for me, im at the doctors this week for blood test so will keep you informed. Many thanks elaine.

[atthebeach]

Hello and welcome.  Congrats on wanting to get off them.
. I would get off them as soon as possible. You are taking 4000mgs a day of Tylenol that is the recommended maximum dose after 20 years you have put yourself at risk for kidney and liver damage. Please get blood tests done. Have you been taking them for pain?
That is a very, very long taper for such a low dose.
You can do this.
Sending support, encouragement and prayers,
Debbie

[travel_melb]

Hello and Welcome,

Firstly congrads on seeing that you were getting addicted or at least seeing there was no need to be on the codeine.

I'm not your doctor so can't comment about a taper for you, but can comment about what I'm doing, I was abusing heaver amounts up to 400mgs a day of codeine over about a year. I cut that down over a month taking little steps. I had withdrawals and not as full on as going Cold Turkey, they were much milder and I was very much able to go to work every day but with less energy and same days I had flu symptoms. It will depend how lon g you have taken them to how much your withdrawals are. Your on a small dose of 64mg you could try Cold turkey and if it's too much slowly go down small steps.

Keep us update and good luck!!