Codeine stoppage cold turkey advice needed

[yubacity]

Hi everyone just to give yous an update: I have been going through such bad WD that I've literally been taking a real low cocodomol, literally 8mg/500 paracetamol, just the 2, I practically lived in the toilet yesterday, my lovely Mammy got me some diarolyte and dry crackers etc, she's wonderful I have doctors later on and I'm just going to put my cards on the table and just tell him everything I got the anxiety in my tummy thar he'll have a go at me, but I've prepared myself for that, anyways much love and ill let yous know how the doctor went xxx

Hope it went good with you at the doctor how you feeling today

 

[yubacity]

I have no kids, I can't even imagine how hard that situation has to be. Pregnancy sure is a matter of two, but ultimately, it's the woman who has to have the last word.
I am so pleasent that it all ended well and both your wife and your little lady were ok. I am sure you are as good as a father as you are as a man.
Also the Op, Mimi, will be a great mum.

As said I have no kids, but as I am ageing I find myself thinking about them weirdly often. Too late, tho

Thanks my brother we had one more after her 4 kids 3 girls one boy they great kids

 

[Keif' Richards]

This is an extremely controversial issue for sure.

My understanding is that standard protocol is to wean the baby from the drugs following birth. I'm sure it changes from situation to situation. You are kind of in between a rock and a hard place. By quitting now and enduring withdrawal, you're likely to not be able to properly care for yourself for several days or a week. You might not be able to eat. You might become extremely dehydrated from diarrhea. Your pulse and blood pressure may rise significantly.

If you plan well and conduct your withdrawal over the course of a week, I'm sure it can be done without causing serious harm to the baby.

On the other hand, you can give birth with your infant dependent upon Opiates. It's become so common in modern times that there is a pretty standard way of withdrawing infants. It's generally considered to be safe and effective without lasting damage of any kind. As someone who knows nothing of medicine, I can only imagine that a fetus literally coming into this world and growing itself with Opioids coursing through them will have some effect. The problem is, we really don't know. Could it make them more susceptible to Opioid addiction later in life, as if hard-wired for it? We do not know, but I don't think it's a stretch to assume some effect.

I really believe the smart thing would be to taper over the course of a month. This will give your infant plenty of time in the womb free of Opiates and will also allow you to better maintain your health for the sake of the baby by avoiding withdrawal.

Many will say that withdrawal is linear. The more you do, the worse it is. There is definitely truth to this, I know, but I feel this often causes us to forget the difficulty for folks who have never used Opioids like Heroin or Fentanyl. Pretty much any person, Codeine or Fentanyl who has used chronically, is going to describe withdrawal as a hellacious, mentally and physically trying experience.

My advice would be to taper over the course of a month. I respect your resolve to end this here and now, but many have failed in these efforts by biting off more than they can chew, If you strategize your immediate withdrawal and fail, that is more time lost in trying to solve the problem. I believe a month taper is the best of both worlds. I feel this is your most realistic chance for success.

I always advocate for slow and low on the tapers. As slow as possible. Cut your dose in a linear fashion based on the number of days in the month. Make steady and gradual decreases.

Your doctor can help advise you regarding help with medication, which is recommended. If you have questions regarding what we use, I would encourage you to search around. Your case is analogous to anyone else trying to get off Opiates, so it's all incredibly valuable information.

We've got your back on this. We know how important this is for you. If you want to talk to any of us directly, just message us. Otherwise, make use of our forums and post here with any questions. Good luck

 

[axe battler]

Hi all just recently joined, I have been a dihydrocodeine daily user for about 10 years and have just found out I'm pregnant, so have literally stopped, have been taking 150mg 3 or maybe 4 times a day, thing is, it's been 2 days and I haven't had my usual withdrawals (usually feel withdrawals within 12hrs of last using) but right now, both my legs are killing me, I've been taking paracetamol to no avail, was wondering if anyone on here is in my boat, will the withdrawals (cause I know they're coming) affect unborn child? Thanks in advance

Because there is a significant lack of study on kratom in order to make a determination on its safe use during pregnancy. I would never advise anyone take a supplement that we are still studying to someone who is pregnant.

Taking kratom during pregnancy would still lead to the newborn going through withdrawals.

I do have faith in Drs, I work with a lot of them in the UK and Ireland, of course there are some shit Drs but regardless, they will put the health of the mother and baby first.

Kratom can have heavy metals in it too from being grown in 3rd world countries. Seriously no Kratom. I think Pregabalin can cause birth defects too. Ask your doctor.
Honestly you should just taper slowly with dhc. If you don't want to get a doctor involved just use the pills you are now, and take just enough that you're not in withdrawal, but not high, and slowly reduce your dose over a few months to 0. Maybe you can use immodium for the shits, but check if it's safe first.
A doctor might put you on subutex/methadone which is probably overkill, esp the methadone. I dunno if a doctor would prescribe a dhc taper, but I suppose you could ask. Be careful what you say as you could end up with a social worker, which isn't the end of the world I suppose. It's a tough situation but I think for the safety of the baby, doing it the doctor route is better.
You could do it yourself with the dhc you're taking now, but you need to go slow, but fast enough that you're not putting the baby in danger, which is why a doctor is definitely best.
Good luck.

 

[4meSM]

Yeah in your situation just talk to your doctor and see what can be done.
Don't take any new supplements or drugs and don't try to quit on your own at the moment (especially not cold turkey), just keep taking the same amount of codeine so that you're not WDing.

 

[MsDiz]

Hey @mimi89 how did things go? Hope you're doing well!

 

[OpiateKiller]

I would be careful using tylenol while pregnant new studies show risks but honestly I would taper the Codeine like suggested

 

[yubacity]

Im not being nosey girl i just hoping it went ok at doctors

 

[mimi89]

Hey guys been a bit of a shitter, I miscarried at 8 weeks gone on Thursday so been very down in the dumps, went to the doctors that day he was surprisingly supportive and has put me on a 6 week taper, I'm going to stick it out, even though ive miscarried, although I was a functioning codeine addict, still went to work, socialised, looked after my home etc, I think I just need to stick it out and just come off them like I said it's been 10 years I'm 34 this year so defo don't want to be a functioning codeine addict at 40, thanks for all your support it's means alot to me

 

[MsDiz]

Hey guys been a bit of a shitter, I miscarried at 8 weeks gone on Thursday so been very down in the dumps, went to the doctors that day he was surprisingly supportive and has put me on a 6 week taper, I'm going to stick it out, even though ive miscarried, although I was a functioning codeine addict, still went to work, socialised, looked after my home etc, I think I just need to stick it out and just come off them like I said it's been 10 years I'm 34 this year so defo don't want to be a functioning codeine addict at 40, thanks for all your support it's means alot to me

I'm so so sorry to hear that you miscarried. My heart goes out to you, do reach out for support if you need it this link has some good information that may help.

I am also so glad to hear you are sticking out the taper, during such a hard time it takes a strong person to go through with it. You will come out the other side of this and I know you will feel the benefits of being codeine free.

We are here for you, anytime you want to ask anything or just hang out with us feel free.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[mimi89]

I'm so so sorry to hear that you miscarried. My heart goes out to you, do reach out for support if you need it this link has some good information that may help.

I am also so glad to hear you are sticking out the taper, during such a hard time it takes a strong person to go through with it. You will come out the other side of this and I know you will feel the benefits of being codeine free.

We are here for you, anytime you want to ask anything or just hang out with us feel free.

Wishing you all the best.

Thank you so much MsDiz means alot

 

[axe battler]

Hey guys been a bit of a shitter, I miscarried at 8 weeks gone on Thursday so been very down in the dumps, went to the doctors that day he was surprisingly supportive and has put me on a 6 week taper, I'm going to stick it out, even though ive miscarried, although I was a functioning codeine addict, still went to work, socialised, looked after my home etc, I think I just need to stick it out and just come off them like I said it's been 10 years I'm 34 this year so defo don't want to be a functioning codeine addict at 40, thanks for all your support it's means alot to me

Yeah really good on you for sticking with the taper. I know dhc is less likely to have side fx than H or methadone, but it's still a bit of a "chemical cosh" and you're definitely better off without it.
Think of all the money you'll save, as dhc can be a bit pricey. Plus after the withdrawal is done with, you'll notice how much better music sounds or how much more beautiful the world is without an opiate dampening everything. I can't wait to get off methadone for that very reason. It's been too long.
Good luck, and if you need any support with quitting, you know where we are!

 

[mimi89]

Yeah really good on you for sticking with the taper. I know dhc is less likely to have side fx than H or methadone, but it's still a bit of a "chemical cosh" and you're definitely better off without it.
Think of all the money you'll save, as dhc can be a bit pricey. Plus after the withdrawal is done with, you'll notice how much better music sounds or how much more beautiful the world is without an opiate dampening everything. I can't wait to get off methadone for that very reason. It's been too long.
Good luck, and if you need any support with quitting, you know where we are!

Thanks Axe, tbh it's like I've been taking them forever just to feel normal, your right very pricey £1 a single pill, and I normally plow through a good 100 on a good week my opiate receptors need a good deep clean and kept like it too thanks for the support, and good luck with coming off the methadone, we'll all be called the clean bandits before we know it

 

[Keif' Richards]

I'm really sorry to hear of the toubles you've had to endure. I've never had a child or lost one and the closest relative I've ever had pass away are grandparents. I don't know what a lot of these emotions feel like. I do know that there are a lot of people here who care more about you than a lot of people from outside BL would probably expect. We are a Harm Reduction resource. On a further, emotional level, we came into being as a place for people who felt isolated.

As addicts or users, we've all seen nour share of experiences that we are ashamed of, guilty for or whatever. That doesn't mean there isn't a really pure love that I feel every time I see the community come together for a person like you OP. We are not perfect, but where we are in our element talking abaout what we know, I think we can provide each other and ourselves with a type of love that many of us feel completely detached from in this world.

I was thinking about you and your baby while I was working all week. I know it didn't work out exactly how you would've liked it to, but that doesn't mean there is not another seed planted from which you and others can gain from. Here, talking about an issue as sensitive and personal as addiction in the course of pregnancy is courageous. There are many expecting mothers out there who feel they are literally the only person alive who could do something so terrible to an unborn child. They have family and a team of doctors likely who are more concerned with getting the baby born safely adn then taken than they do about your chance at happiness.

Our hearts are with you, for real. You were on my mind all week. As fucked up and terrible as this is, it could just be the universe setting you up for something better. Perhaps this is your chance to build your foundation and try for motherhood again when the time is right. We wil always be here to talk to help you with the numbers.

 

[axe battler]

Thanks Axe, tbh it's like I've been taking them forever just to feel normal, your right very pricey £1 a single pill, and I normally plow through a good 100 on a good week my opiate receptors need a good deep clean and kept like it too thanks for the support, and good luck with coming off the methadone, we'll all be called the clean bandits before we know it

Home Alone? Is that the clean bandits? Just clicked there ha.
Yeah man, £1 a pill is pretty ridiculous if it's only keeping you well. Good on you Mimi. Well done for not taking it further and using heroin when your tolerance got too high. I started on dhc and loved it, but when it stopped working, morphine, heroin and methadone followed. Oh well, could be worse. I just got taken off daily pickups again, so that's something!
Also forgot to say, if your withdrawal is horrible when to jump off, it could be really handy to do a little pregabalin for a week at most to help. It really is a wonder drug for opiate withdrawal. If you need any tips or dosage advice, you can post here or PM me. U gawt diss!!!

 

[Señor Moreno]

Hi girl!
So you misscarried... well, it's a shit but it's also part of the process.
You did the right thing, you were to your doctor and you have been honest. You still have all the wish to quit, you want to quit so badly and no relapse can deny that.
You keep doing your taper, slowly but securely.
You are 34, I like to say that if you can't quit in March but you quit in May, it still would be great, you still would be winnig.
The other day I read an awesome @keif'Richards post where he thought of a taper/ wd in ancient militar terms. He remembered how Roman legio never ran into the battle, but they allways won it.
It's the same for a taper, take your time, don't jump into the battle with anxiety and hurry as conseglieri. It would not be good for you and your baby.
I think that a sudden, dramatic cesation of your codeine intake would be very taxing, detrimental for you and your baby. Stick yo your plan, follow your doctor's instructions, rest, eat&sleep properly.

You will do it, and you will do it great.

 

[yubacity]

Hey guys been a bit of a shitter, I miscarried at 8 weeks gone on Thursday so been very down in the dumps, went to the doctors that day he was surprisingly supportive and has put me on a 6 week taper, I'm going to stick it out, even though ive miscarried, although I was a functioning codeine addict, still went to work, socialised, looked after my home etc, I think I just need to stick it out and just come off them like I said it's been 10 years I'm 34 this year so defo don't want to be a functioning codeine addict at 40, thanks for all your support it's means alot to me

Fuck im so sorry to hear that the first three months can be dodgy thats why a lot of people wait to tell everyone . You dont want to be a functioning drug addict at 40 your still young enjoy your youth you wont get it back . I tell people here all the time i9ma functioning heroin coke and others 46 years old my whole life since 15 been on drugs its like a punch in the stomach a lost childhood then your youth . Your young these next feqw years are if you want to be a mother whatever enjoy it .

 

[yubacity]

That has really hit me you was so excited and with your words we all could see how great a mother you would have been and will be .

 

[mimi89]

Hey guys I know it's been a while but thought I'd come check in with ye all, taper went okay but was still having wd so my doctor has lengthened my taper that I pick up from my pharmacy on a every other day basis, I've never in 10 years feel so clarified honestly I feel 100% better even on the worst days, I just wanted to come back to say I'll never forget your guys support, ye all made me feel welcome and at ease, and I've saved the best for last.... I'm pregnant again docs says to take it one day at a time and not completely come off the taper, as long as the taper is finished by the time I'm 30 weeks gone, anyways peace and love guys, I'll keep you all updated

 

[mimi89]

@yubacity @MsDiz @Keif' Richards @Señor Moreno @axe battler Hope you are all well xxx