Addicted to Codeine after just one week?

[pained690]

I recently was diagnosed with pnumonia.  I NEVER go to the doc bc I have no health ins. and shouldn't have let my cough go three weeks untreated in the first place.  Alas... my lungs began to ache and the doc told me it was pnumonia.  A week passed and my white blood cell count returned to normal.  What never subsided was my cough.  Doc perscribed me something stronger.... Prometh/codeine.  I never even take tylenol and am unfarmiliar with codeine or it's affects.  I know when I asked if it was on the four dollar plan at wal mart they said no bc it was a narcotic.  I began takin it and it would knock out my cough.  Unfortunaly, it would also knock me out.  Desperate to cease the coughin... I rapidly got to 4 doses a day by day 4.  After day 5, I stopped altogether.  Not because my cough had ceased... bc I had a day planned outside and this is a photosensitive med so I knew I shouldn't take it.  Immediatly, the migraine set it.
I felt nausea and here came the uncontrolable diarea.  (sorry for all these spelling errors... i can barely think straight.)  I have had the diarhea for over 24 hours now and the migraines won't stop.  I was up until 4:30 last night bc I can't sleep... I can't keep this up.  I googled some things and found out that these are symptoms of codeine withdrawal as well as the feverish feeling and sweating I am having.  

Is is possible that my body (which is not even use to tylenol) has become so addicted to codeine in the past 5 days without my knowing it?

After 24 hours of this hell and no answers from the pharmacist... I have taken a half a dose to see if this migraine leaves.. . Can I just keep takin smaller doses and wean myself off?

What kinds of things should I look for or avoid.  I don't even want to think about food bc I am tired of RUNNING in the bathroom.....

HELP!

[Tuckamore]

Sandee is correct that you re not addicted. Your body has just become accustomed to the codeine.

Coughing is caused by several reasons, one is your bodies way of clearing the lungs and some coughing is good. Another is a post nasal drip caused by allergies or a sinus involvement. However many physicians beleive a good nights sleep is needed to help you heal. Continuous, harsh, nonproductive coughing is not good for you and has no benefit. Don't stop a medication without first discussing it with your physician.

Many cough medicines contain a medication that will loosen the secretions and help remove them from your lungs and bronchial tubes. They are not simply to stop the cough. Consult with your physician and be sure that your symptoms are not related to secondary medical issues.    

If you have pneumonia I am sure your physician has prescribed an antibiotic. You must be due soon for a follow-up, if not I would make an appointment for a recheck.

I'll look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
Tuck

[sandee1818]

Hi and I am sorry your having so many problems. You are not addicted to this drug after only one week so take relief in that:)
Your body is simply recovering if you will from the medication. Although your not addicted to the drug your body had started to become accustomed to having it and is now returning to its normal function and this is why you have the diarrhea and sweats and even the headache. When your body rids itself of the remains of the medicine you will be back to normal.
Having a bad cough is very painful and frustrating but your lungs are ridding themselves of toxins and you need to cough to get them out. Most doctors today will not even prescribe cough suppressants anymore because it hinders healing. The lungs are trying to heal by coughing your ridding the lungs of unwanted toxins and such.
Are you coughing up any mucus and is it clear or yellowish green in color?
I would call your doctor if it is not clear because you may need antibiotics.
I would also stop the cough medication so the lungs can rid themselves of any mucus that's causing infection. If your unable to sleep try an over the counter cough aide.
Try Tylenol or Advil for the headache or even Excedrin.
I do want you to realize hat I am not a doctor so please talk to yours before doing anything I have advised you to.
I hope your feeling better very soon!
Let us know how you are and keep us updated okay:)