memory loss caused from taking codeine phosphate

[reluctantcodeineaddict2011]

I was prescribed codeine phosphate 30mg for chest pain...the last time I took one was at least a few weeks ago but I am finding that my memory has been affected.
I am struggling to remember things I would normally.
and for the past few nights I have struggled to sleep...my mind and body just wont calm down...I'm thinking and thinking and its driving me crazy...several times since this morning I have broken down in tears when the distress and confusion gets too much to bear.
I have an appointment to see my gp on tuesday morning next week but in the meantime I am so worried for my mental health...is this memory loss and feeling of confusion normal when taking codeine phosphate?
I just want to feel normal again.
someone help me please.
thank you.

[hippiemum]

I have been on codiene phosphate 60mg 2-4 times daily for over 25 years to control diarrhea due to ulcerative colitis .For years I went to gp because of fatigue,brain fog,depression and feeling spaced out and they said it might be stress ! the last few years i felt as though I'm going mad an I'm trying to find work and even filling in an application form is a struggle .Memory is terrible and I lose hours lost in my own dozy world .Last week I ran out of these pills due to prescriptin not being ready and felt angry for the first time in years ( i'm so laid back I'm nearly horizontal ) had tummy cramps and joint pains BUT also noticed jobs round house that seemed possible ,not overwhelming like they usually do - simple things like putting away 2 baskets of clean washing .Within minuites of starting the pills again the fog decended .
I cry with frustration most days - if it is the pills causing this thats so many years damaged .Seeing gp on Aughust 1 st .
Has anyone else experienced this please ,thanks for reading

[reluctantcodeineaddict2011]

If I have to put up with my current state of mind and memory loss for any longer I fear I will have a nervous breakdown.
the memory loss is hard to cope with.
what is bothering me is that my bills are not being paid while my memory is gone and normally I like to keep on top of my bills...I feel desperate.

[reluctantcodeineaddict2011]

Hi emma
thanks 4 your comments.
yes I am from the uk...and I still don't feel right...its scary emma...I never knew a pain relief tablet could have such an effect on me.

[reluctantcodeineaddict2011]

Hi
thanks 4 your comment.
it is reassuring to know that what I am going through at the moment is normal.
but obviously I am so anxious to feel normal again.
and yes I think much of it is due to anxiety...ive always been a worrying type and I think the codeine withdrawal symptoms has made it worse.
I'm literally struggling to think straight...my mind is racing all the time.
and emotionally I'm a wreck...even now I feel like crying.

[mousey25]

hi, welcome!!! i have been addicted to codiene for at least 5 years, i am currently 12 days clean.  My memory was terrible when i was taking the codiene, i would forget things all the time!! but since i have stopped taking it, i find my memory slowly improving, not perfect, but no where near as bad as it was.  The anxiety and racing mind and body are normal, its your body going through withdrawels.  How much where you taking a day and for how long?

as luciddreamrgrl has said, valarian root is fantastic.  I am assuming you are from the uk cause you mentioned going to see your gp, if so, there are herbal tablets called Kalms, you can get them for day time and nighttime, i have found them brilliant for anxiety and helping me to sleep.

i hope this helps!! you can message me anytime if you have any other questions about codiene addiction.  keep your chin up!! it does get easier!!

emma xo

[luciddreamrgrl]

Hi there welcome to the forum.

I personally don't have experience with codeine but when I went through withdrawals my memory was seriously effected. It still isn't great 31 days in but better. 2 weeks isn't enough time for your brain to heal. The sleep and racing thoughts is normal. They won't be normal for at least 1-3 months. A lot of it could just be anxiety. Try buying some valerian root for sleep and relaxation. It really helped me. Good luck!