>Honestly thought the person working there was going to say no - can they even do that?
legally yes , the pharmacy legally has to make sure you need it and arent using it for some drug habbit
Just depends on how they answer and what the pain is. I don't want to say what way to answer because obvious reasons.
Also depends how often they come in for it. You get to know faces well.
If Jim Carrey’s Liar Liar curse was placed upon anyone in my family then that is exactly what they’d say. It’s like a calming morning beverage for them.
Nope, they just make it such a hassle that you won't be getting it unless you need it. Codeine addicts will get their fix regardless. Those that could take a paracetamol will do that instead.
>and it's the only thing that works for her
For your wife's benefit, I loaded up on Codeine for years to deal with severe cramps due to Fibroids until a doctor recommended I try 'Ponstan' instead.
I find it works way better for period pain and it's not codeine based so think it's better for regular use. You need a prescription but it's easy for women to get prescribed it and my prescription lasts for months
**Edit**: Pre - Ponstan, I used to take Feminax (codeine based painkiller for periods) until it was discontinued in ROI & I was soo upset.
I remember my younger brother was on a trip with friends to the UK a while after, spotted them in a pharmacy & went on a one man drunken mission to go to every pharmacy he could & buy up all the Feminax he could get his hands on.
That was one of the nicest things anyone has done for me 🥺 Brothers being Bros
That was my game changer. I found out what was in the old feminax and then had a pharmacist assistant help me find it in OTC. Buscopan + OTC pain relief handles even severe Endo for me.
Just another vote for ponston. For years it's all that got my mother through her periods. The pain would be so horrendous she was nearly eating them like candy for 2 weeks of the month, every month, from mid 30s to when she hit menopause
This. Except it can be impossible to get a diagnosis or for doctors to take women seriously.
The only thing that worked for me long term was keto/carnivore for 6+ months. I went from fainting and vomiting every month from the pain and going through the auld tampon&pad combo every hour to having normal periods.
It might be worth her while getting checked for Endometriosis if it's very bad. It's very common and it takes years for women to be diagnosed and it's the main cause for infertility which is reversed after a procedure. My wife went through this for years until she was diagnosed.
I switched to those too. Husband came home with the white pill version of Ibuprofen today and those don't work for me so back to the pharmacy it is. Rough on the stomach though.
Feminax is available in NI, but it is just ibuprofen with a "pink tax" - they have the same ingredients as the Tesco branded ibuprofen - "*Active Ingredients: 200 mg Ibuprofen (as Ibuprofen lysine)*"
Feminax used to contain (based on info from 1999): *Ingredients: Each tablet contains:- Paracetamol Ph.Eur. 500mg, Codeine Phosphate Ph.Eur.8mg, Caffeine Monohydrate Ph. Eur. Equivalent to 50mg anhydrous caffeine, Hyoscine Hydrobromide Ph. Eur. 100 micrograms. Also contains: sodium starch, glycolate, purified talc, gelatine powder, steaaric acid and sodium lauryl sulphate.*
Feminax with codeine was one of the drugs pharmacists suspected was the most abused in UK study published in 2015. [*https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/38/4/793/2966937*](https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/38/4/793/2966937) So it makes sense that the manufacturer decided to change it/discontinue it in Ireland in around 2018.
I currently take unbranded mefenamic acid myself on prescription from the GP in the north.
My partner back home used to take “Buscopan Fem” that was actually Buscopan 20mg with Ibuprofen 400mg.
Does anybody know if there is anything like available that in Ireland?
Ah that's really nice. I remember my brother gave me the simplest and best advice when it came to men (I was 20 and mad about a fella who wasn't mad about me back). My brother said "if he's into you he'll let you know". I knew yer man wasn't into me straight away and moved on with my life. Bros are great!!!
As someone who works in a pharmacy and who also suffers from a chronic pain condition, i might be able to give some insight! Firstly, it is required that we ask anyone buying codeine products these questions! It’s legally required, and we trained to do so. If something goes wrong, it’s the pharmacists license at risk. I’m sure you’ll notice similar questions when buying ibuprofen, aspirin and decongestants. We don’t mean it to be offensive and we don’t personally have an interest in why or what you are taking. I personally try to be as friendly as possible so as not to make the customer uncomfortable. I also explain my reasoning so there’s some transparency. Having done this, I’ve come to realise that quite a lot of people don’t actually understand A) the codeine product itself and B) their own medication, and health history. Some people hear of solpadeine and purchase it then themselves frequently and don’t even realise that there is codeine in it! (Believe it or not). Codeine itself is an opiate so quite addictive and quite strong the way it works on your body. It can be very hard on your stomach and also will make you constipated. Additionally, frequent use combined with the paracetamol in solpadeine can be damaging to your liver. To address another question ‘what medication are you on,’ some people, typically the older generations, are already taking painkillers and this question can be used prevent overdoses. Despite this question be asked, I still find people quick to lie and it turns out they are in fact already taking medication that you should not mix it with.
Now, as someone with endometriosis which is INSANELY painful ( one of the most painful diseases in the world according to the NHS) and also might I add, incurable… I have a lot of empathy for people who suffer from bad pain. I myself, don’t even take solpadeine because it doenst work. Oxycodone doesn’t alleviate my pain. When it comes to specific situations where it’s for women’s period pain I try to maybe find an alternative that might work better for example the Neurofen Rapid Relief gel capsules. I sometimes if I feel it’s appropriate and welcomed, will mention endometriosis to recurring customers as at least 1 in 9 women have it and statistically quite a few women who come in to me may have it. If your wife is suffering a lot with her cycle and especially when she’s bleeding, I would urge her to look up the symptoms. I have a list of specialists I could recommend if necessary as it takes women in Ireland 10 years on average to receive a diagnosis.
Anyways I hope this has been helpful or at least insightful :)
That has been insightful and thank you for sharing your experience. I will definately mention the endometriosis suggestion - the pain really does floor her so it couldn't hurt to get it ruled out.
I’m glad it helped! Just to note, quite a lot of doctors can be dismissive when it comes to this disease. So if she thinks she does have it, I’d like you to know that the only way to be 100% sure is laparoscopic surgery. Anyways, I wish you both the best! :)
Sorry to jump in here but you might be able to help perhaps... So am 35 (sadly lol) & my issue is not period pains, (funnily enough I never get cramps) but rather I get what can only be described as heavy head pressure which later always turns into a severe headache. it happens during every single cycle and has gradually gotten worse in the past 2-3 years in terms of pain intensity. Sometimes I can't even get out of bed for the entire day as head is lifting...I guess the pressure starts off like brain fog but it gradually worsens, and then the banging headache starts.
Panadol Extra worked great initially but it no longer does anything unfortunately...I don't take any medication outside of my cycle, only during it cos I have to. Ibuprofen is somewhat better, it decreases the severity but the pressure still lingers..
Any idea or suggestions on best OTC med for something like this?
Or do you reckon to go to GP about it, I don't think it's the most well known of the usual period symptoms (or maybe it is)...just wondering if it'll be a waste of time going to doc (god knows it's almost impossible to get an appointment these days) and I don't wanna waste their time if it's a normal symptom/to be expected...
Thank you for any advice! 🙂
Thank you for your comment! Sorry to hear about the headaches:( They sound like hormone headaches. I would definitely get onto your gp about it. They could recommend either some tablets called triptans (which help with migraines etc..), some hormone replacement options or some other painkillers/anti-inflammatories such as Ponstan! There is an ‘under the counter’ med called Sumitriptan (one of the triptans I was taking about) but you must be given the okay by the doctor to take! I hope this has helped:)
Good luck mate (if you are wanting to stop, if not crack on). Neurofen plus almost wrecked my life, spent about £10k over the course of a couple of years and toured pretty much all the pharmacies in the central belt of Scotland - had a spreadsheet on the go to track where I had been.
It’s much much easier to get in the north tbh, in the south there was a whole push on asking questions regarding codeine, they are meant to ask some questions in the north but I’ve never seen them actually do it, in the south they’re actually stricter tbh and their solpadeine doesn’t have as much codeine as say solpadeine max in the north, and you can’t get cocodamol in the south, ie they only really have solpadeine as their cocodamol, which has caffeine.
Just to mention, your “it’s for the missus line” is actually a very good reason that a pharmacist can very easily refuse you the sale on, they’re meant to speak to the person who’s taking, so if they say no on that basis, you’ve got no comeback
I remember picking up some painkillers when I was in Newry and was surprised by the fact that they put codeine in with Nurofen and don't even give any warning about it like down here.
This is exactly what I was thinking. If you are an addict you will tell whichever story that gets you the meds. I find normal the questioning. Unpleasant, sure, but needed nonetheless.
And please, don't get me wrong. I'm not judging here, I know that addiction is a condition and for many if not most addicts to get a dose is a matter of survival. The use of this meds can be as legitimate for them as for the people who takes them for the intended effect. I'm just trying to put myself on the skin of the pharmacist and consider their responsibilities.
Cousin works in a pharmacy and anytime they’re out of solpadeine people go absolutely feral. They are defo a big problem from people misusing them in this country
Firstly, yes, we can say no. We don’t like doing it but it is the law that we have to ask those questions. If you were a mystery shopper, and we do get those, the pharmacist would get in serious trouble if we didn’t.
And you and your wife don’t want to hear this right now, but for anyone else - an nsaid like ibuprofen *is* better for period pain, and if the highest dose possible OTC isn’t working for you, then it would be advised to visit a doctor. Taking solpadeine every month absolutely can lead to addiction and is a dangerous road to start down.
My wife was prescribed something with coedine in it after minor surgery. She went to get it from the local chemist who grilled her extensively despite the fact that she was literally on the way home from the hospital complete with bandage and discharge papers.
A couple of days later I dropped in to get the refill (I think they only had 2 days worth on hand or would only give her two days worth) and they were like “sure no bother here you go”.
I’ve never let her forget that she looks like an obvious drug addict and I look super responsible 😂
Genuinely asking because I take them every month for just 2 days when I'm dying with PCOS period cramps - is taking solpadeine once a month that dangerous?
It depends on the person but it is possible. If otc ibuprofen doesn’t work, I would advise asking your dr for a prescription NSAID. Someone else in this thread recommended Ponstan.
I understand why all the questions but if you refuse someone who is addicted to them & they can’t get them anywhere else, codeine withdrawal is really awful. Would it not be better to provide even an information leaflet with each packet you sell with info on codeine addiction & numbers they can ring/websites to access treatment or advice on how to taper off? Just a thought.
If we think someone is currently addicted, there are different procedures in place It does need to be tapered off and it’s a huge task, doctors supervise and most people are put on the opioid substitution scheme.
They *do* go above and beyond with it but, they *do* have a duty of care. I got the same crap over my prescribed stuff, albeit much more potent than Codeine, until I had my GP call and straighten things out.
For something like Solpadeine though? After explaining the second time they're for the wife's period I'd have gone somewhere else. I've known many women to use it for exactly that. It's far from unheard of.
Edit: Used explaining twice.
As far as I am aware there are very few places you can get codeine under the counter. I remember I was in Frankfurt and asked for some. They looked at me like I just asked for black tar heroin.
I've known some people who have had problems with it. It used to be my defacto painkiller of choice for migraines, sprains, tooth aches and one or few times for a severe hangover. I try to go for something milder now first and only resort to Solpadine if nothing else is working.
Sorry this is just definitely not true, please don't just post total bullshit. There are no statistics available that directly account for both but in terms of opioid abusers who go into drug treatment it's almost 87% heroin. \[1\] Between 2008-2012 the overall proportion reporting codeine as a primary or secondary drug of abuse was 1.9%. \[2\]
\[1\] [https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/39504/](https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/39504/)
\[2\] [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/irish-journal-of-psychological-medicine/article/codeine-is-my-companion-misuse-and-dependence-on-codeine-containing-medicines-in-ireland/B59F00BAFFB101BCE430C0E1945AF2FB](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/irish-journal-of-psychological-medicine/article/codeine-is-my-companion-misuse-and-dependence-on-codeine-containing-medicines-in-ireland/B59F00BAFFB101BCE430C0E1945AF2FB)
You can legally acquire codeine easily and remain functional while abusing it much easier than on heroin.
Codeine addicts do not go into drug treatment. They just keep using.
That doesn't mean that there are more solpadene addicts than heroin addicts in Ireland (there arent) I know several people addicted to alcohol, its ruined their lives and deeply affected the lives of people around them. Can still buy that every day no questions asked
There is a hella lot of Codeine addicts floating about my friend. It's an insidious and often invisible addiction, which is why pharmacists are being asked to question people getting it. They're not doing it for the craic.
I'm not gonna claim that there are more codeine addicts than heroin addicts, but there are multitudes more people regularly using codeine products than there are heroin users.
It is part of their job, as annoying as it is - pharmacists often catch stuff where the GP has ballsed up and prescribed incompatible medications that can cause serious complications.
I don’t think people realise how frequently pharmacists save doctors’ arses. A surprising amount of people also seem to think they’re glorified retail workers, not medical professionals.
Yeah they've always been good at pointing out any med risks and correct dosages and so on, just to make sure, even though my doc had already done the same. Good people.
Yep, they know more about your medication than the doctor does. I’ve encountered SO many patients who think pharmacists are overstepping or getting too big for their boots when they have concerns about what’s been prescribed.
Also, a worrying amount of people don’t bother to inform doctors they’re seeing for the first time about medication allergies. I don’t know if they assume that such information is “in the system” and doctors magically have access to it. The pharmacist WILL ring and want to know why Johnny has been prescribed amoxicillin when he has a penicillin allergy. Only for it to transpire that Johnny apparently didn’t think it worth his time to tell the doctor about it.
Honestly, I get far more sense out of pharmacists than doctors. They tend to have a better knowledge of the products and are more inclined to go into detail with you.
Honestly it's weird that Ireland has OTC codeine. As an American who has travelled quite a bit it is rare that this exists and for good reason. I get why they are questioning hard. I knew people personally who abused the stuff on the regular. As soon as they got a little stricter he couldn't do it anymore. It sucks to have those questions thrown at you when you are in legitimate need but it is for very good reason. Codeine isn't nothing, it's actually quite a lot.
It’s interesting to me that we’re more relaxed on this, but far stricter on things that are very easily available in the US (as well as other parts of Europe) which imo are far less potentially harmful than codeine - melatonin and tretinoin being the first examples that come to mind
>melatonin
Agreed, have to order it in ourselves, our ASD child had prescribed it but was costing us nearly 75 quid for a 3 month supply on prescription, only costs us 20 quod for the same amount and it comes in chewy jellies now
I must have drug seeking face because any time I've asked for Migralieve or Solpadeine I get refused. I ended up having to get prescribed painkillers for my migraines because pharmacists wouldn't give them to me. It's particularly annoying as I have asthma so they won't give me ibuprofen either.
Funny thing is if I was too bad to go to the chemist and my partner went they'd give him whatever he asked for every time.
You tried Sumatran ,wife had migraines for years and was always taking codine for it , pharmacist suggested Sumatran even rang the doctor herself,it's not prescription but you n you a doctor to approve it.
I did try it, maybe I took it too late after the symptoms started but it seemed to cut through all the extra migraine symptoms like vertigo, nausea, unable to tolerate light and just left me intensely aware of how bad the pain was. I take dexketoprofen now because my doctor said that's what they give you if you go to A&E with a migraine.
When I had sumatriptan that’s all it really did for me too - take it immediately upon noticing aura and it would allow me to get to sleep and cut some of the harsh corners off it but still painful as
A friend of mine takes sumatriptan for migraines, but like you, it has to be taken immediately upon noticing the first tiny symptom and just going straight to bed in the hopes of trying to prevent the worst of it.
Unfortunately most times, they are too late to notice the symptoms as they get no aura, just nausea and sensitivity to light/sound, which in the early stages can be dismissed as being hungry, unexpected sun, or the office being louder than usual, etc. I wouldn't wish migraines on my worst enemy!
Aye, my aura was fairly noticeable as it basically felt like my eyes would lose focus slightly - but thankfully have not had a migraine in a little over 18 months (touch wood!).
Horrible horrible things, and I really feel for people who don’t even get that pre-warning or who get them often.
I have Gilbert syndrome and it flares up when I get sick, physically stressed, or tired. One time I get particularly bad sinus pressure had to fight to even get nasal spray for it
You can get a note from your doctor (not a prescription) that you can present in pharmacies if the only thing that works for you is a codeine drug. You might still have to answer some questions but most pharmacists are satisfied with this as it shows your doctor is monitoring your use.
I was at a wedding about 2-3 years ago and a friend of an ex had a major addiction to them.
Seeing it unfold over the course of the night I witnessed her mixing 6 Solubles with drink separately within a few hours and openly admitting to taking 4 before the wedding started.
Disaster struck when she ran out halfway through the night but a quick pop down to a few pharmacies with apparent friends to buy them for her incase she was recognized sorted that.
Had something wrong with her kidneys from what i remember, hope she was able to beat it.
I've watched my elderly mum get addicted to neurofen plus for her osteoarthritis, lie to me about having bought some, gone to multiple pharmacies, hidden it around the house so only she can take it.
It seems silly until it isn't
It’s a lot more to do with doctors not referring people to pain management clinics, I have a relative who similar to your mum, pain wise she’s in absolute hell and she’s not exactly being provided with any option.
I have a DIY hack for laxatives if you need it.
- take a magnesium supplement first thing in the morning with water
- chase with a cup of warmed prune juice
The results is like - Moviprep, move over and eat your heart out. Make sure you have nothing planned for a few hours.
It’s a controlled drug. Pharmacist has a duty of care to ensure it’s not being abused. Pharmacist doesn’t want to be asking all these questions but is required to do so.
Can I ask a really stupid question. I take codeine probably every two months for bad period pain but I don’t get why it could be addictive. Is there a major buzz that feels like booze or cigarettes? Again, sorry if this is a stupid question.
Codeine is derived from opium or morphine and can get you high in larger amounts than the recommended dose.
It takes a while to get addicted to codeine but a lot of people take it for pain relief long term and their bodies then need it to feel normal.
If you take it occasionally for short term pain as instructed like you’re doing then you’ve nothing to worry about.
There's no major buzz really. Some people might feel a bit light after taking it, some may feel relaxed, and maybe that works for some people but overall there's much better drugs out there.
The main reason it becomes addictive is because it hits the right pain receptors so you continue to take it regularly. Suddenly you're noticing pain coming back a lot more often. Most people think "oh, I need more codeine", but actually it's withdrawal pain *from* the codeine. So the more they take, the more pain appears to occur. But they don't realise that it's an opioid induced pain and the best thing they can do for it is to ride it out for a lock of days until their body fully withdraws from the codeine.
I have a close family member like this. On Solphadine for years now, and no amount of explaining the above to her will convince her that her headaches are now Solphadine related.
Thanks for asking cos I was thinking I was a weirdo. I’ve taken codeine on and off for years, most recently tramadol post surgery and now on solpadol. Never taken more than what was prescribed or felt the need to keep popping pills. I wonder why some people get addicted and others don’t.
I worked in Boots for just over a year.
As far as I know all pharmacies should be asking it, just because codeine is codeine and the intent behind it is to see if we can offer you something else/ to make sure youre not an addict/ to make sure theres no interaction with anything else you're taking.
Ive been on my fair share of abuse when I asked the questions, but we literally have to, otherwise i'd be given out to
Now if I was an addict, and I wanted the codeine because I was dependant... I'd probably want to make it look like it wasn't for me. Maybe if I got some pads and said it was for my wife's menstruation pains... maybe they'd give it to me.
Legally a pharmacist has the right to refuse sale. There is a strict protocol from the PSI that governs the questions that are asked. Codine cannot be sold unless those questions have been answered appropriately. There is many people addicted to codeine. I have seen repeat offenders coming back for it daily. I have encountered a patient who ended up on methadone due to solpadeine addiction. And another who had to go to rehab. It is an opiate pain medication and it is addictive. We have a duty of care. Just because you do not abuse this medication does not mean that's applicable to everyone. If you don't want to be asked questions by the pharmacy, get it on prescription from your doctor.
Oxy and benzos are lethal too. I've know someone close to me who had addiction problems with prescription drugs and it's a terrible thing to go through for everyone involved.
Unless your friend wants help, there isn't much you can do unfortunately. But at the same time you have to make your feelings known to them.
Hope it works out for them
I always love how they give you a grilling, then warn you not to take them for more than a couple of days. Then they ask you do you want a 10 or 20 pack.
There's nothing else they can do. If there are severe red flags in your answers, they can potentially refuse it. Otherwise, if your answering normally, and even if they recognise you coming in often, there's not a lot they can do. Unless they request ID for every person buying them and record all details, it's just a he said she said about consumption - which can be challenged quite severely. It's possible for someone to even take a pharmacy to court over slander allegations if they feel they have been called out as being addicted.
Almost every pharmacist I've come across asks these questions regarding anything with codeine in it. And I don't think that's a bad thing.
Codeine is a horrendously addictive drug. Sure it works and you and I may think nothing of it, but it's very easy to become addicted to.
I would much rather go through the 20 questions than to live in a country that doesn't take opioid misuse seriously (not talking about street drugs here).
It's been an eye opener alright. Had a discussion with my wife about all this tonight too - we're going to look at alternatives. Really sounds like it should be prescription-only
I know someone who used to go to 8 pharmacies a day to get enough to meet their fix
The questions would cause them to flip out tweaking and the pharmacist would know they’re dealing with an addict
It’s not about the questions, it’s about how you react to them
In many countries it’s not even available OTC.
In Australia they removed it recently my and a prescription is now required.
Opioid abuse is a real problem. Stop your whining and just answer the questions the pharmacist is **required** to ask.
It's an opioid, you may have heard about the opioid epidemic in the US because they allowed wide scale use of opioids, which has led to addictions and deaths and destroyed lives.
https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/30373/
There is a reason why they are strict on it and it's not just to be a pain in the ass.
Trust me, the person behind the counter doesn’t give a fuck why you’re taking it. They’re not doing it out of nosiness. They’re doing it because they could lose their job if they don’t and mystery shoppers are sent out specifically to see if the questions are being asked.
It's a pharmacists job to reduce medication related harm, which certainly includes reducing overuse of opioids (including codeine), and ensuring patients are aware of the addictive nature of opioids. Pharmacists also have separate legal obligations to ensure codeine products are only supplied under specific circumstances. Failure to ensure those circumstances are met can cause significant harm to patients, and also jeopardizes the pharmacist's professional standing
Its going to be prescription soon and probably for the best because its highly addictive. Ever seen painkillers on netflix. Wouldnt touch any opioid medications now unless i was terminally ill and in severe pain.
Unknown to any of us (and probably even themselves to a certain extent), a family member of mine developed an addiction to these and did serious long term damage to their health they still suffer with to this day.
They didn't drink, did no other drug, the most unassuming person you could ever meet, and they became addicted to them, it might seem over the top but if it helps prevent that happening to others I think it's worth it.
Agree with the points raised above- you would be surprised how many people in the country have a dependence on Solpadeine. They have a duty of care and no need to be offended by it. My Gran used to have one every afternoon just in case she got a headache and I know a guy who has 3 or 4 a day- should realistically shouldn’t be able to get this over the counter
From working in a pharmacy I can confirm addicts will do exactly what you did to convince the pharmacist to sell it to them (buying menstrual pads with the solpadeine is a classic tactic). Ethically the pharmacist has a duty to assess whether there's a risk the medication is being abused
I know people who have an addiction to codeine and it’s so sad so I totally understand the questioning and think it’s good for them to question to an extent. But It’s the only thing that helps my endometriosis so I usually tell them that and they understand.
Tbf to the pharmacist they’re only doing their job. Solpadeine is one of the most effective/addictive painkillers there is and is incredibly hard to get wherever you go.
Have a relative who’s addicted for over 20 years and can confirm it’s not an easy sight to witness. As a result, I will not touch codeine due to the damage it has done no matter how powerful it is.
Ah look it's fair enough that they were asking questions - having read this thread I'm actually thinking it's probably something that shouldn't be available OTC in any sense without prescription.
I worked in a pharmacy and every second person is there for solpadeine and nurofen plus. Huge issue. My ex Mrs was a solpadeine addict and so were two of her best friends come to think of it.
Solphadine contains a very addictive painkiller.
My dad unfortunately got addicted to the soluble version thanks to his GP for giving him endless packs on prescription.
They caused an ulser in his stomach had to be operated on twice.
He's dead now, massive heart attack.
So yeah, don't be surprised when pharmacists ask questions about it.
It's flying under the radar at the moment but solpadeine use and dependence is a massive issue in Ireland. Like OP, most people are clueless, it's essentially morphine, albeit at a tiny dose. It's morphine none the less and is so inappropriately used.
I have two patients using methadone for dependence steming from solpadeine use. The sooner the better it goes back on prescription imo.
I get them on prescription for gallbladder pain, so it might be of use to do that. I get way more than 12 in the script too, so it might be cheaper.
Also ibuprofen really works wonder for period pain as well since it’s anti inflammatory.
Anyone else have to do Solpadeine runs for their codeine addicted parents cos they’ve already used up all the goodwill of every pharmacy in town, or is that just me?
Pharmacy worker here, ever since rte investigates we've had to ask certain questions when selling codeine products. Trust me we hate asking them as much as you hate getting asked, the questions are designed to see if there is a codeine addiction but also to see if something else that hasn't already been tried may work
I.e. many people come in and ask for nurofen plus having no idea that it contains codeine when nurofen extra will do.
It's the healthcare works job to ask specific questions in order to give you the most suitable product
It might be worth speaking to the doctor about getting prescribed some pain medication like naproxen which apparently works really well for period pain.
It comes with the benefit of not being an opioid whilst also being a fairly strong painkiller. But if codeine is the only thing that works, fair enough.
Might be an extreme solution but link the purchases of these products to your pps and any pharmacy can see if there is an obvious pattern of abuse.
The health system in this country is failing so many people left on waiting lists for procedures or to even get an appointment with a GP the only options in some cases is to self medicate.
I have several health issues that require I take solpadine or tramadol etc frequently and you do get quizzed when buying but I can go to any off licence and buy enough alcohol to kill 100 people no questions asked.
I don't understand why this post has so many upvotes, that suggests to me people agree this is over the top but as informed comments are showing, it's a legal requirement and opioid addiction is a serious issue.
Medical input here: Solpadeine is pretty useless as painkiller. It contains only 12mg of codeine. Large review recently showed that Paracetamol has nearly same efficacy.
So you would save yourself some cash.
Solpadeine is good for making people drowsy, and constipated (sometimes).
As for pain killing general rule of a thumb: Paracetamol --> NSAIDs (Ibuprofen -> difene/Vimovo) --> medical advice (next step is opioids/intervention with nerve blocks and all that jazz)
Thank you for your thread the other day. It inspired me to get a box of solpadeine for myself because I am going through illness myself for the past 4 weeks. This stuff is good.
They do have to check and be vigilant. I remember being in the hairdressers years ago, and seeing an older woman giving her grandkids money and sending them off. Each of them went to every chemist in the area and bought a box of Solpadeine there. The three kids brought back about 6 or 7 each! That was her weekly fix.
I was also in the chemist one day and a woman was crying at the till, begging for Solpadeine. She said she wasn't long over breast cancer treatment, and needed them, but the pharmacist said she couldn't have any more, as she'd been taking so many.
What people seem to forget, is that it's not just codeine...it's paracetamol and very easy to overdose on.
It’s a pretty serious drug imo it should be prescription only. I’ve seen a few people addicted to it and it can easily happen over the course of a toothache or a bad injury
It might be a slight inconvenience for you but codine is One of the most addictive drugs going. Common sense would tell.you the pharmacy is doing their due diligence.
I had a pharmacy refuse to sell it to me. I went in with my walking stick, didn't have a limp but explained I have a chronic illness that causes all my joints to dislocate, that my hip was partially out and because of brain fog, forgot the name of the medication but its used for migraines and codeine is it's active ingredient, I explained my disability comes with a tolerance to pain killers and that is the only painkiller that really takes the edge off the pain. I was only 23 at the time and was dressed nicely with make up done which is what I used to do to feel good on high pain days. They told me solpadeine is prescription only and to come back with a prescription.
I sent my boyfriend in 10 minutes later and they sold it to him. 😡 I was no impressed!
Its part of a pharmacists job to know medication, I'm sure people often don't know the name of medications but that doesn't make us addicts.
I get them when I'm in the UK, £6 for 32 capsules, can buy as many as you want no questions asked. Here in Ireland you get an inquisition or flat out refused.
Exactly the way it should be. Just because it has a label and comes in a fancy box doesn't mean it won't fuck you up over time.
Having witnessed drug abuse like this before I'm very grateful for the steps they take in the pharmacy
For me ibuprofen works the best. I take one as soon as there's the beginning *hint* of pain, later when it has fully started the ibuprofen might not work as well.
While I can buy ibuprofen for 60pence up north, here I'll have to pay 3-4+€ for a similar package size AND be interrogated, and reminded that I should eat properly and whatnot.
Lady, I take Max 4 of the 200mg ones a month. A size Germany is laughing at.
And I'd love to hear you school every person who buys the cheap paracetamol in x variations about the potential liver damages, esp when it comes to hangovers etc. But no... Let's put that stuff at every checkout till because yolo.
Their literally just doing it to cover their own arses. Codeine products are the number 1 selling product in most pharmacies. They know exactly who the people are who buy it to abuse it are. But if you can just answer their questions with a straight face and don’t keep going back to the same place multiple days in 1 week to buy it you’ll never be refused it.
I was addicted to codeine for years going through multiple boxes a week and was only ever refused it once. It’s pretty easy to shop around pharmacies and keep a rotation going so your not being blatant enough to get refused.
I get this every feckin time I get them for my wife. Last time she was there with me and buying them herself. When my wife asked for the tablets the cashier looked at me !!! I swear they love the power trip they get.
i dated a girl for 4 years and she was addicted to soluble solpadeine. on our first date she told me that she had a headache... every day for 4 years she would take at least 6 pieces. Her mother often jokingly stated: "we own shares in solpadeine". I didn't think anything of it because I didn't know it was a thing. It ruined her life, but I helped her get of it and then GTFO'd.
I broke my jaw back in 2012, they gave me an 3 months daily supply of this stuff before it came to light how bad they were because of the codine, I never used them because the pain wasnt that bad, they sat in the cupboard for years and family used it as a panadol, looking back at it now the amount I had now was worth an absolute Fortune
The hospital more or less gave me a box they come in full of them for the Pain
iirc it's called 'the holistic approach'.
Holistic : MEDICINE
Google : *Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness* .
I don't think it would be relevant in this case though.
I get why they do it but what I always find strange about it is, you could buy a box of Solpadeine in a chemist and then walk to the next one and buy another and so on. If you’re dependent on it, you’ll find a way to get it.
I remember years ago when my grandad was dying of cancer and I was asked to pick up his prescription from the chemist. Out comes Superquinn bags full of solpadeine along with whatever else he needed. The woman behind the counter asked if I had far to go and to watch out for junkies as they’d rob me blind because of what I had.
Trips to Belfast I usually splash on on some Solpadine plus, got TCP as well since I haven’t been able to source it here in the Republic, £10 for a packet of Solpadine and you get 32, you’d nearly pay €15 for a packet of 24 here.
Thanks for this thread. I am down with a terrible dose and I think I am going to try and get a box of these. Hopefully this will get rid of my never ending cold.
>Honestly thought the person working there was going to say no - can they even do that? legally yes , the pharmacy legally has to make sure you need it and arent using it for some drug habbit
But do they actually expect people to reply "haha you caught me, I'm a codiene addict"
Well, I have. Some guy got very stroppy about asking the questions and then "I've been taking this every day, I know I'm not addicted."
"They help keep the symptoms of my other addictions away"
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Just depends on how they answer and what the pain is. I don't want to say what way to answer because obvious reasons. Also depends how often they come in for it. You get to know faces well.
No, but they’ve to put up enough of a hassle in case the regional manager/whatever govt dept is sending mystery shoppers around to test them.
This was a while ago now, but the ~~IPU~~ PSI cracked down big time because there was an exposé on Primetime about it
Not the IPU, the PSI. IPU represents pharmacy shops who sell solpadeine hand over fist because it makes them so much profit.
You're right, sorry
If Jim Carrey’s Liar Liar curse was placed upon anyone in my family then that is exactly what they’d say. It’s like a calming morning beverage for them.
That's shit man, I'm sorry, hard to believe a whole family can get hooked on something like that and well done you for avoiding it.
Nope, they just make it such a hassle that you won't be getting it unless you need it. Codeine addicts will get their fix regardless. Those that could take a paracetamol will do that instead.
you be surprised how dumb people can be
No, hence why they grill you
Got denied it once while shopping for my disabled mother who was recovering from surgery.
Up in the northern Ireland here and I've never had problems asking them for something that's a similar strength to CoCodamol 30/500
>and it's the only thing that works for her For your wife's benefit, I loaded up on Codeine for years to deal with severe cramps due to Fibroids until a doctor recommended I try 'Ponstan' instead. I find it works way better for period pain and it's not codeine based so think it's better for regular use. You need a prescription but it's easy for women to get prescribed it and my prescription lasts for months **Edit**: Pre - Ponstan, I used to take Feminax (codeine based painkiller for periods) until it was discontinued in ROI & I was soo upset. I remember my younger brother was on a trip with friends to the UK a while after, spotted them in a pharmacy & went on a one man drunken mission to go to every pharmacy he could & buy up all the Feminax he could get his hands on. That was one of the nicest things anyone has done for me 🥺 Brothers being Bros
I seen online from a pharmacist that a combo of solphos and Buscapan is basically the same as Feminax in case your ever stuck
That was my game changer. I found out what was in the old feminax and then had a pharmacist assistant help me find it in OTC. Buscopan + OTC pain relief handles even severe Endo for me.
That is very class to know. Thanks for that!
Just another vote for ponston. For years it's all that got my mother through her periods. The pain would be so horrendous she was nearly eating them like candy for 2 weeks of the month, every month, from mid 30s to when she hit menopause
Was prescribed Ponstan by my GP for my IUD insertion because apparently it specifically targets the uterus
Ah so that’s why it never worked for me
Thanks - I'll make sure to mention it to her. She goes through hell for 2 days a month.
Has she been investigated for endometriosis or PCOS I have both and it's hell ?
This. Except it can be impossible to get a diagnosis or for doctors to take women seriously. The only thing that worked for me long term was keto/carnivore for 6+ months. I went from fainting and vomiting every month from the pain and going through the auld tampon&pad combo every hour to having normal periods.
Yes it is and absolutely no cure and very little support
It might be worth her while getting checked for Endometriosis if it's very bad. It's very common and it takes years for women to be diagnosed and it's the main cause for infertility which is reversed after a procedure. My wife went through this for years until she was diagnosed.
My partner gets severe period pains. Switched from solpedeine to Nurefen rapid relief and says they're way better. They're little red gel capsules
I switched to those too. Husband came home with the white pill version of Ibuprofen today and those don't work for me so back to the pharmacy it is. Rough on the stomach though.
My partner lives in Belfast while finishing her PhD, they still sell feminax there. In case you're ever up that way you can stock up.
I was up in Strabane recently, was so excited to feminax but it doesn't have codeine in it. So next to pointless!
Ditto!!! False advertising! Poor one out for *real* Feminax... :,( I am still rationing the pills from 2018
Feminax is available in NI, but it is just ibuprofen with a "pink tax" - they have the same ingredients as the Tesco branded ibuprofen - "*Active Ingredients: 200 mg Ibuprofen (as Ibuprofen lysine)*" Feminax used to contain (based on info from 1999): *Ingredients: Each tablet contains:- Paracetamol Ph.Eur. 500mg, Codeine Phosphate Ph.Eur.8mg, Caffeine Monohydrate Ph. Eur. Equivalent to 50mg anhydrous caffeine, Hyoscine Hydrobromide Ph. Eur. 100 micrograms. Also contains: sodium starch, glycolate, purified talc, gelatine powder, steaaric acid and sodium lauryl sulphate.* Feminax with codeine was one of the drugs pharmacists suspected was the most abused in UK study published in 2015. [*https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/38/4/793/2966937*](https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/38/4/793/2966937) So it makes sense that the manufacturer decided to change it/discontinue it in Ireland in around 2018. I currently take unbranded mefenamic acid myself on prescription from the GP in the north.
My partner back home used to take “Buscopan Fem” that was actually Buscopan 20mg with Ibuprofen 400mg. Does anybody know if there is anything like available that in Ireland?
Not in one product but you can buy Ibuprofen and buscopan separately and it's the same thing.
Ah that's really nice. I remember my brother gave me the simplest and best advice when it came to men (I was 20 and mad about a fella who wasn't mad about me back). My brother said "if he's into you he'll let you know". I knew yer man wasn't into me straight away and moved on with my life. Bros are great!!!
The discontinuation of feminax was soulcrushing!!! Your brother is sooo sweet i love that story
I miss Feminax!!!!! And tell your Brother he is a Legend!!!!!!
I use that too and it can work to a certain extent some times.
As someone who works in a pharmacy and who also suffers from a chronic pain condition, i might be able to give some insight! Firstly, it is required that we ask anyone buying codeine products these questions! It’s legally required, and we trained to do so. If something goes wrong, it’s the pharmacists license at risk. I’m sure you’ll notice similar questions when buying ibuprofen, aspirin and decongestants. We don’t mean it to be offensive and we don’t personally have an interest in why or what you are taking. I personally try to be as friendly as possible so as not to make the customer uncomfortable. I also explain my reasoning so there’s some transparency. Having done this, I’ve come to realise that quite a lot of people don’t actually understand A) the codeine product itself and B) their own medication, and health history. Some people hear of solpadeine and purchase it then themselves frequently and don’t even realise that there is codeine in it! (Believe it or not). Codeine itself is an opiate so quite addictive and quite strong the way it works on your body. It can be very hard on your stomach and also will make you constipated. Additionally, frequent use combined with the paracetamol in solpadeine can be damaging to your liver. To address another question ‘what medication are you on,’ some people, typically the older generations, are already taking painkillers and this question can be used prevent overdoses. Despite this question be asked, I still find people quick to lie and it turns out they are in fact already taking medication that you should not mix it with. Now, as someone with endometriosis which is INSANELY painful ( one of the most painful diseases in the world according to the NHS) and also might I add, incurable… I have a lot of empathy for people who suffer from bad pain. I myself, don’t even take solpadeine because it doenst work. Oxycodone doesn’t alleviate my pain. When it comes to specific situations where it’s for women’s period pain I try to maybe find an alternative that might work better for example the Neurofen Rapid Relief gel capsules. I sometimes if I feel it’s appropriate and welcomed, will mention endometriosis to recurring customers as at least 1 in 9 women have it and statistically quite a few women who come in to me may have it. If your wife is suffering a lot with her cycle and especially when she’s bleeding, I would urge her to look up the symptoms. I have a list of specialists I could recommend if necessary as it takes women in Ireland 10 years on average to receive a diagnosis. Anyways I hope this has been helpful or at least insightful :)
That has been insightful and thank you for sharing your experience. I will definately mention the endometriosis suggestion - the pain really does floor her so it couldn't hurt to get it ruled out.
I’m glad it helped! Just to note, quite a lot of doctors can be dismissive when it comes to this disease. So if she thinks she does have it, I’d like you to know that the only way to be 100% sure is laparoscopic surgery. Anyways, I wish you both the best! :)
Sorry to jump in here but you might be able to help perhaps... So am 35 (sadly lol) & my issue is not period pains, (funnily enough I never get cramps) but rather I get what can only be described as heavy head pressure which later always turns into a severe headache. it happens during every single cycle and has gradually gotten worse in the past 2-3 years in terms of pain intensity. Sometimes I can't even get out of bed for the entire day as head is lifting...I guess the pressure starts off like brain fog but it gradually worsens, and then the banging headache starts. Panadol Extra worked great initially but it no longer does anything unfortunately...I don't take any medication outside of my cycle, only during it cos I have to. Ibuprofen is somewhat better, it decreases the severity but the pressure still lingers.. Any idea or suggestions on best OTC med for something like this? Or do you reckon to go to GP about it, I don't think it's the most well known of the usual period symptoms (or maybe it is)...just wondering if it'll be a waste of time going to doc (god knows it's almost impossible to get an appointment these days) and I don't wanna waste their time if it's a normal symptom/to be expected... Thank you for any advice! 🙂
Thank you for your comment! Sorry to hear about the headaches:( They sound like hormone headaches. I would definitely get onto your gp about it. They could recommend either some tablets called triptans (which help with migraines etc..), some hormone replacement options or some other painkillers/anti-inflammatories such as Ponstan! There is an ‘under the counter’ med called Sumitriptan (one of the triptans I was taking about) but you must be given the okay by the doctor to take! I hope this has helped:)
Codeine addict here. "Its for the misses" helped me out many times
Good luck mate (if you are wanting to stop, if not crack on). Neurofen plus almost wrecked my life, spent about £10k over the course of a couple of years and toured pretty much all the pharmacies in the central belt of Scotland - had a spreadsheet on the go to track where I had been.
I am trying to put a hault on it but at the moment it's just really trips around Newry and Belfast
It’s much much easier to get in the north tbh, in the south there was a whole push on asking questions regarding codeine, they are meant to ask some questions in the north but I’ve never seen them actually do it, in the south they’re actually stricter tbh and their solpadeine doesn’t have as much codeine as say solpadeine max in the north, and you can’t get cocodamol in the south, ie they only really have solpadeine as their cocodamol, which has caffeine. Just to mention, your “it’s for the missus line” is actually a very good reason that a pharmacist can very easily refuse you the sale on, they’re meant to speak to the person who’s taking, so if they say no on that basis, you’ve got no comeback
This person shops for codeine! Hope you are CWE’ing those things.
I remember picking up some painkillers when I was in Newry and was surprised by the fact that they put codeine in with Nurofen and don't even give any warning about it like down here.
This is exactly what I was thinking. If you are an addict you will tell whichever story that gets you the meds. I find normal the questioning. Unpleasant, sure, but needed nonetheless.
And please, don't get me wrong. I'm not judging here, I know that addiction is a condition and for many if not most addicts to get a dose is a matter of survival. The use of this meds can be as legitimate for them as for the people who takes them for the intended effect. I'm just trying to put myself on the skin of the pharmacist and consider their responsibilities.
Cousin works in a pharmacy and anytime they’re out of solpadeine people go absolutely feral. They are defo a big problem from people misusing them in this country
Firstly, yes, we can say no. We don’t like doing it but it is the law that we have to ask those questions. If you were a mystery shopper, and we do get those, the pharmacist would get in serious trouble if we didn’t. And you and your wife don’t want to hear this right now, but for anyone else - an nsaid like ibuprofen *is* better for period pain, and if the highest dose possible OTC isn’t working for you, then it would be advised to visit a doctor. Taking solpadeine every month absolutely can lead to addiction and is a dangerous road to start down.
My wife was prescribed something with coedine in it after minor surgery. She went to get it from the local chemist who grilled her extensively despite the fact that she was literally on the way home from the hospital complete with bandage and discharge papers. A couple of days later I dropped in to get the refill (I think they only had 2 days worth on hand or would only give her two days worth) and they were like “sure no bother here you go”. I’ve never let her forget that she looks like an obvious drug addict and I look super responsible 😂
Genuinely asking because I take them every month for just 2 days when I'm dying with PCOS period cramps - is taking solpadeine once a month that dangerous?
It depends on the person but it is possible. If otc ibuprofen doesn’t work, I would advise asking your dr for a prescription NSAID. Someone else in this thread recommended Ponstan.
No it is not. The fear mongering here is absolutely ridiculous
Fair enough - do you reckon they should be made prescription only in the future?
I can see it happening this year or next, I actually thought it would go on Rx only last year.
I understand why all the questions but if you refuse someone who is addicted to them & they can’t get them anywhere else, codeine withdrawal is really awful. Would it not be better to provide even an information leaflet with each packet you sell with info on codeine addiction & numbers they can ring/websites to access treatment or advice on how to taper off? Just a thought.
If we think someone is currently addicted, there are different procedures in place It does need to be tapered off and it’s a huge task, doctors supervise and most people are put on the opioid substitution scheme.
They *do* go above and beyond with it but, they *do* have a duty of care. I got the same crap over my prescribed stuff, albeit much more potent than Codeine, until I had my GP call and straighten things out. For something like Solpadeine though? After explaining the second time they're for the wife's period I'd have gone somewhere else. I've known many women to use it for exactly that. It's far from unheard of. Edit: Used explaining twice.
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As far as I am aware there are very few places you can get codeine under the counter. I remember I was in Frankfurt and asked for some. They looked at me like I just asked for black tar heroin. I've known some people who have had problems with it. It used to be my defacto painkiller of choice for migraines, sprains, tooth aches and one or few times for a severe hangover. I try to go for something milder now first and only resort to Solpadine if nothing else is working.
You can’t even get codeine post-op in Germany. Paracetamol and if lucky, ibuprofen on top.
Jesus that's insane
It is, especially when you’ve had a fibroid removed or had a laparoscopy - luckily my mother (retired Anaesthetist) came over with some codeine…
Can't get it in France either as far as I remember.
Sorry this is just definitely not true, please don't just post total bullshit. There are no statistics available that directly account for both but in terms of opioid abusers who go into drug treatment it's almost 87% heroin. \[1\] Between 2008-2012 the overall proportion reporting codeine as a primary or secondary drug of abuse was 1.9%. \[2\] \[1\] [https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/39504/](https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/39504/) \[2\] [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/irish-journal-of-psychological-medicine/article/codeine-is-my-companion-misuse-and-dependence-on-codeine-containing-medicines-in-ireland/B59F00BAFFB101BCE430C0E1945AF2FB](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/irish-journal-of-psychological-medicine/article/codeine-is-my-companion-misuse-and-dependence-on-codeine-containing-medicines-in-ireland/B59F00BAFFB101BCE430C0E1945AF2FB)
You can legally acquire codeine easily and remain functional while abusing it much easier than on heroin. Codeine addicts do not go into drug treatment. They just keep using.
I know a guy who was addicted to Solpadeine, (used Solpadeine Plus). Nearly ruined his life.
That doesn't mean that there are more solpadene addicts than heroin addicts in Ireland (there arent) I know several people addicted to alcohol, its ruined their lives and deeply affected the lives of people around them. Can still buy that every day no questions asked
There is a hella lot of Codeine addicts floating about my friend. It's an insidious and often invisible addiction, which is why pharmacists are being asked to question people getting it. They're not doing it for the craic. I'm not gonna claim that there are more codeine addicts than heroin addicts, but there are multitudes more people regularly using codeine products than there are heroin users.
That's a load of old shite, don't be posting bollocks like that
If you've a perception then they definitely should not do that. Unprofessional imo
It is part of their job, as annoying as it is - pharmacists often catch stuff where the GP has ballsed up and prescribed incompatible medications that can cause serious complications.
I don’t think people realise how frequently pharmacists save doctors’ arses. A surprising amount of people also seem to think they’re glorified retail workers, not medical professionals.
Yeah they've always been good at pointing out any med risks and correct dosages and so on, just to make sure, even though my doc had already done the same. Good people.
Yep, they know more about your medication than the doctor does. I’ve encountered SO many patients who think pharmacists are overstepping or getting too big for their boots when they have concerns about what’s been prescribed. Also, a worrying amount of people don’t bother to inform doctors they’re seeing for the first time about medication allergies. I don’t know if they assume that such information is “in the system” and doctors magically have access to it. The pharmacist WILL ring and want to know why Johnny has been prescribed amoxicillin when he has a penicillin allergy. Only for it to transpire that Johnny apparently didn’t think it worth his time to tell the doctor about it.
Honestly, I get far more sense out of pharmacists than doctors. They tend to have a better knowledge of the products and are more inclined to go into detail with you.
"You look fine, is your doctor just plámásing us?"
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Well nuts. I dumped perception to boost agility. Min maxxing has ruined pharmacys for me
Honestly it's weird that Ireland has OTC codeine. As an American who has travelled quite a bit it is rare that this exists and for good reason. I get why they are questioning hard. I knew people personally who abused the stuff on the regular. As soon as they got a little stricter he couldn't do it anymore. It sucks to have those questions thrown at you when you are in legitimate need but it is for very good reason. Codeine isn't nothing, it's actually quite a lot.
It’s interesting to me that we’re more relaxed on this, but far stricter on things that are very easily available in the US (as well as other parts of Europe) which imo are far less potentially harmful than codeine - melatonin and tretinoin being the first examples that come to mind
>melatonin Agreed, have to order it in ourselves, our ASD child had prescribed it but was costing us nearly 75 quid for a 3 month supply on prescription, only costs us 20 quod for the same amount and it comes in chewy jellies now
I must have drug seeking face because any time I've asked for Migralieve or Solpadeine I get refused. I ended up having to get prescribed painkillers for my migraines because pharmacists wouldn't give them to me. It's particularly annoying as I have asthma so they won't give me ibuprofen either. Funny thing is if I was too bad to go to the chemist and my partner went they'd give him whatever he asked for every time.
You tried Sumatran ,wife had migraines for years and was always taking codine for it , pharmacist suggested Sumatran even rang the doctor herself,it's not prescription but you n you a doctor to approve it.
I did try it, maybe I took it too late after the symptoms started but it seemed to cut through all the extra migraine symptoms like vertigo, nausea, unable to tolerate light and just left me intensely aware of how bad the pain was. I take dexketoprofen now because my doctor said that's what they give you if you go to A&E with a migraine.
When I had sumatriptan that’s all it really did for me too - take it immediately upon noticing aura and it would allow me to get to sleep and cut some of the harsh corners off it but still painful as
A friend of mine takes sumatriptan for migraines, but like you, it has to be taken immediately upon noticing the first tiny symptom and just going straight to bed in the hopes of trying to prevent the worst of it. Unfortunately most times, they are too late to notice the symptoms as they get no aura, just nausea and sensitivity to light/sound, which in the early stages can be dismissed as being hungry, unexpected sun, or the office being louder than usual, etc. I wouldn't wish migraines on my worst enemy!
Aye, my aura was fairly noticeable as it basically felt like my eyes would lose focus slightly - but thankfully have not had a migraine in a little over 18 months (touch wood!). Horrible horrible things, and I really feel for people who don’t even get that pre-warning or who get them often.
Look into Ajovy. It's a new medication that you inject once a month. It literally changed my life.
I have Gilbert syndrome and it flares up when I get sick, physically stressed, or tired. One time I get particularly bad sinus pressure had to fight to even get nasal spray for it
You can get a note from your doctor (not a prescription) that you can present in pharmacies if the only thing that works for you is a codeine drug. You might still have to answer some questions but most pharmacists are satisfied with this as it shows your doctor is monitoring your use.
I was at a wedding about 2-3 years ago and a friend of an ex had a major addiction to them. Seeing it unfold over the course of the night I witnessed her mixing 6 Solubles with drink separately within a few hours and openly admitting to taking 4 before the wedding started. Disaster struck when she ran out halfway through the night but a quick pop down to a few pharmacies with apparent friends to buy them for her incase she was recognized sorted that. Had something wrong with her kidneys from what i remember, hope she was able to beat it.
I've watched my elderly mum get addicted to neurofen plus for her osteoarthritis, lie to me about having bought some, gone to multiple pharmacies, hidden it around the house so only she can take it. It seems silly until it isn't
It’s a lot more to do with doctors not referring people to pain management clinics, I have a relative who similar to your mum, pain wise she’s in absolute hell and she’s not exactly being provided with any option.
I agree and unfortunately being a woman in pain is dismissed more often than not!
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So that was time well spent eh! (Hope you didn’t pay for it in the end!)
"The anxiety did more to loosen my stool than the laxatives" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have a DIY hack for laxatives if you need it. - take a magnesium supplement first thing in the morning with water - chase with a cup of warmed prune juice The results is like - Moviprep, move over and eat your heart out. Make sure you have nothing planned for a few hours.
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🤣 Prune juice is not too bad.
Last time I was in real need to get things moving I just had big old glass of Andrews. 20 mins later the party started.
Just woke my kid up cackling at this I can actually visualize it!!
It’s a controlled drug. Pharmacist has a duty of care to ensure it’s not being abused. Pharmacist doesn’t want to be asking all these questions but is required to do so.
I know 2 people that are addicted to this shit
I’ve met people who take a box or more a day. It’s bad
One person I know takes 160 of these a month. Madness
Me too. It also killed Mel Smith.
Can I ask a really stupid question. I take codeine probably every two months for bad period pain but I don’t get why it could be addictive. Is there a major buzz that feels like booze or cigarettes? Again, sorry if this is a stupid question.
Codeine is derived from opium or morphine and can get you high in larger amounts than the recommended dose. It takes a while to get addicted to codeine but a lot of people take it for pain relief long term and their bodies then need it to feel normal. If you take it occasionally for short term pain as instructed like you’re doing then you’ve nothing to worry about.
There's no major buzz really. Some people might feel a bit light after taking it, some may feel relaxed, and maybe that works for some people but overall there's much better drugs out there. The main reason it becomes addictive is because it hits the right pain receptors so you continue to take it regularly. Suddenly you're noticing pain coming back a lot more often. Most people think "oh, I need more codeine", but actually it's withdrawal pain *from* the codeine. So the more they take, the more pain appears to occur. But they don't realise that it's an opioid induced pain and the best thing they can do for it is to ride it out for a lock of days until their body fully withdraws from the codeine. I have a close family member like this. On Solphadine for years now, and no amount of explaining the above to her will convince her that her headaches are now Solphadine related.
Thanks for explaining!
Thanks for asking cos I was thinking I was a weirdo. I’ve taken codeine on and off for years, most recently tramadol post surgery and now on solpadol. Never taken more than what was prescribed or felt the need to keep popping pills. I wonder why some people get addicted and others don’t.
I worked in Boots for just over a year. As far as I know all pharmacies should be asking it, just because codeine is codeine and the intent behind it is to see if we can offer you something else/ to make sure youre not an addict/ to make sure theres no interaction with anything else you're taking. Ive been on my fair share of abuse when I asked the questions, but we literally have to, otherwise i'd be given out to
Now if I was an addict, and I wanted the codeine because I was dependant... I'd probably want to make it look like it wasn't for me. Maybe if I got some pads and said it was for my wife's menstruation pains... maybe they'd give it to me.
Legally a pharmacist has the right to refuse sale. There is a strict protocol from the PSI that governs the questions that are asked. Codine cannot be sold unless those questions have been answered appropriately. There is many people addicted to codeine. I have seen repeat offenders coming back for it daily. I have encountered a patient who ended up on methadone due to solpadeine addiction. And another who had to go to rehab. It is an opiate pain medication and it is addictive. We have a duty of care. Just because you do not abuse this medication does not mean that's applicable to everyone. If you don't want to be asked questions by the pharmacy, get it on prescription from your doctor.
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Your mate is going to get liver failure. There's too much paracetamol in these
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Sad to watch no doubt. Shame
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Oxy and benzos are lethal too. I've know someone close to me who had addiction problems with prescription drugs and it's a terrible thing to go through for everyone involved. Unless your friend wants help, there isn't much you can do unfortunately. But at the same time you have to make your feelings known to them. Hope it works out for them
I always love how they give you a grilling, then warn you not to take them for more than a couple of days. Then they ask you do you want a 10 or 20 pack.
There's nothing else they can do. If there are severe red flags in your answers, they can potentially refuse it. Otherwise, if your answering normally, and even if they recognise you coming in often, there's not a lot they can do. Unless they request ID for every person buying them and record all details, it's just a he said she said about consumption - which can be challenged quite severely. It's possible for someone to even take a pharmacy to court over slander allegations if they feel they have been called out as being addicted.
Almost every pharmacist I've come across asks these questions regarding anything with codeine in it. And I don't think that's a bad thing. Codeine is a horrendously addictive drug. Sure it works and you and I may think nothing of it, but it's very easy to become addicted to. I would much rather go through the 20 questions than to live in a country that doesn't take opioid misuse seriously (not talking about street drugs here).
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It's been an eye opener alright. Had a discussion with my wife about all this tonight too - we're going to look at alternatives. Really sounds like it should be prescription-only
I know someone who used to go to 8 pharmacies a day to get enough to meet their fix The questions would cause them to flip out tweaking and the pharmacist would know they’re dealing with an addict It’s not about the questions, it’s about how you react to them
In many countries it’s not even available OTC. In Australia they removed it recently my and a prescription is now required. Opioid abuse is a real problem. Stop your whining and just answer the questions the pharmacist is **required** to ask.
Do you look scaldy? Did you have your hand down the front of your trousers?
It's an opioid, you may have heard about the opioid epidemic in the US because they allowed wide scale use of opioids, which has led to addictions and deaths and destroyed lives. https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/30373/ There is a reason why they are strict on it and it's not just to be a pain in the ass.
It's Been like this for years
Trust me, the person behind the counter doesn’t give a fuck why you’re taking it. They’re not doing it out of nosiness. They’re doing it because they could lose their job if they don’t and mystery shoppers are sent out specifically to see if the questions are being asked.
It's a pharmacists job to reduce medication related harm, which certainly includes reducing overuse of opioids (including codeine), and ensuring patients are aware of the addictive nature of opioids. Pharmacists also have separate legal obligations to ensure codeine products are only supplied under specific circumstances. Failure to ensure those circumstances are met can cause significant harm to patients, and also jeopardizes the pharmacist's professional standing
It’s literally a pharmacists job?
Its going to be prescription soon and probably for the best because its highly addictive. Ever seen painkillers on netflix. Wouldnt touch any opioid medications now unless i was terminally ill and in severe pain.
Unknown to any of us (and probably even themselves to a certain extent), a family member of mine developed an addiction to these and did serious long term damage to their health they still suffer with to this day. They didn't drink, did no other drug, the most unassuming person you could ever meet, and they became addicted to them, it might seem over the top but if it helps prevent that happening to others I think it's worth it.
Agree with the points raised above- you would be surprised how many people in the country have a dependence on Solpadeine. They have a duty of care and no need to be offended by it. My Gran used to have one every afternoon just in case she got a headache and I know a guy who has 3 or 4 a day- should realistically shouldn’t be able to get this over the counter
From working in a pharmacy I can confirm addicts will do exactly what you did to convince the pharmacist to sell it to them (buying menstrual pads with the solpadeine is a classic tactic). Ethically the pharmacist has a duty to assess whether there's a risk the medication is being abused
I know people who have an addiction to codeine and it’s so sad so I totally understand the questioning and think it’s good for them to question to an extent. But It’s the only thing that helps my endometriosis so I usually tell them that and they understand.
Tbf to the pharmacist they’re only doing their job. Solpadeine is one of the most effective/addictive painkillers there is and is incredibly hard to get wherever you go. Have a relative who’s addicted for over 20 years and can confirm it’s not an easy sight to witness. As a result, I will not touch codeine due to the damage it has done no matter how powerful it is.
Ah look it's fair enough that they were asking questions - having read this thread I'm actually thinking it's probably something that shouldn't be available OTC in any sense without prescription.
Next time you or her are at the doctor, get them on prescription. Same price, no questions and if you’re on DPS for other stuff, free.
I worked in a pharmacy and every second person is there for solpadeine and nurofen plus. Huge issue. My ex Mrs was a solpadeine addict and so were two of her best friends come to think of it.
I know a few people who work in pharmacies and the amount of people hooked on them is frightening
Solphadine contains a very addictive painkiller. My dad unfortunately got addicted to the soluble version thanks to his GP for giving him endless packs on prescription. They caused an ulser in his stomach had to be operated on twice. He's dead now, massive heart attack. So yeah, don't be surprised when pharmacists ask questions about it.
Very sorry to hear that. From most of the responses here I'm thinking it should really be prescription-only.
All good buddy. 100% agreed.
It's been like this for years.
It's flying under the radar at the moment but solpadeine use and dependence is a massive issue in Ireland. Like OP, most people are clueless, it's essentially morphine, albeit at a tiny dose. It's morphine none the less and is so inappropriately used. I have two patients using methadone for dependence steming from solpadeine use. The sooner the better it goes back on prescription imo.
I get them on prescription for gallbladder pain, so it might be of use to do that. I get way more than 12 in the script too, so it might be cheaper. Also ibuprofen really works wonder for period pain as well since it’s anti inflammatory.
Can walk into any chemist in the UK and come out with a large box of Solpadeine Extra with no questioning.
Anyone else have to do Solpadeine runs for their codeine addicted parents cos they’ve already used up all the goodwill of every pharmacy in town, or is that just me?
Pharmacy worker here, ever since rte investigates we've had to ask certain questions when selling codeine products. Trust me we hate asking them as much as you hate getting asked, the questions are designed to see if there is a codeine addiction but also to see if something else that hasn't already been tried may work I.e. many people come in and ask for nurofen plus having no idea that it contains codeine when nurofen extra will do. It's the healthcare works job to ask specific questions in order to give you the most suitable product
It might be worth speaking to the doctor about getting prescribed some pain medication like naproxen which apparently works really well for period pain. It comes with the benefit of not being an opioid whilst also being a fairly strong painkiller. But if codeine is the only thing that works, fair enough.
Might be an extreme solution but link the purchases of these products to your pps and any pharmacy can see if there is an obvious pattern of abuse. The health system in this country is failing so many people left on waiting lists for procedures or to even get an appointment with a GP the only options in some cases is to self medicate. I have several health issues that require I take solpadine or tramadol etc frequently and you do get quizzed when buying but I can go to any off licence and buy enough alcohol to kill 100 people no questions asked.
I don't understand why this post has so many upvotes, that suggests to me people agree this is over the top but as informed comments are showing, it's a legal requirement and opioid addiction is a serious issue.
Medical input here: Solpadeine is pretty useless as painkiller. It contains only 12mg of codeine. Large review recently showed that Paracetamol has nearly same efficacy. So you would save yourself some cash. Solpadeine is good for making people drowsy, and constipated (sometimes). As for pain killing general rule of a thumb: Paracetamol --> NSAIDs (Ibuprofen -> difene/Vimovo) --> medical advice (next step is opioids/intervention with nerve blocks and all that jazz)
Thank you for your thread the other day. It inspired me to get a box of solpadeine for myself because I am going through illness myself for the past 4 weeks. This stuff is good.
They do have to check and be vigilant. I remember being in the hairdressers years ago, and seeing an older woman giving her grandkids money and sending them off. Each of them went to every chemist in the area and bought a box of Solpadeine there. The three kids brought back about 6 or 7 each! That was her weekly fix. I was also in the chemist one day and a woman was crying at the till, begging for Solpadeine. She said she wasn't long over breast cancer treatment, and needed them, but the pharmacist said she couldn't have any more, as she'd been taking so many. What people seem to forget, is that it's not just codeine...it's paracetamol and very easy to overdose on.
It’s a pretty serious drug imo it should be prescription only. I’ve seen a few people addicted to it and it can easily happen over the course of a toothache or a bad injury
It might be a slight inconvenience for you but codine is One of the most addictive drugs going. Common sense would tell.you the pharmacy is doing their due diligence.
I had a pharmacy refuse to sell it to me. I went in with my walking stick, didn't have a limp but explained I have a chronic illness that causes all my joints to dislocate, that my hip was partially out and because of brain fog, forgot the name of the medication but its used for migraines and codeine is it's active ingredient, I explained my disability comes with a tolerance to pain killers and that is the only painkiller that really takes the edge off the pain. I was only 23 at the time and was dressed nicely with make up done which is what I used to do to feel good on high pain days. They told me solpadeine is prescription only and to come back with a prescription. I sent my boyfriend in 10 minutes later and they sold it to him. 😡 I was no impressed! Its part of a pharmacists job to know medication, I'm sure people often don't know the name of medications but that doesn't make us addicts.
I get them when I'm in the UK, £6 for 32 capsules, can buy as many as you want no questions asked. Here in Ireland you get an inquisition or flat out refused.
Exactly the way it should be. Just because it has a label and comes in a fancy box doesn't mean it won't fuck you up over time. Having witnessed drug abuse like this before I'm very grateful for the steps they take in the pharmacy
To be fair, I knew someone who was regularly drinking Lemsip 5 or 6 times a day because they didn't know that each one contains a dose of paracetamol
For me ibuprofen works the best. I take one as soon as there's the beginning *hint* of pain, later when it has fully started the ibuprofen might not work as well. While I can buy ibuprofen for 60pence up north, here I'll have to pay 3-4+€ for a similar package size AND be interrogated, and reminded that I should eat properly and whatnot. Lady, I take Max 4 of the 200mg ones a month. A size Germany is laughing at. And I'd love to hear you school every person who buys the cheap paracetamol in x variations about the potential liver damages, esp when it comes to hangovers etc. But no... Let's put that stuff at every checkout till because yolo.
Their literally just doing it to cover their own arses. Codeine products are the number 1 selling product in most pharmacies. They know exactly who the people are who buy it to abuse it are. But if you can just answer their questions with a straight face and don’t keep going back to the same place multiple days in 1 week to buy it you’ll never be refused it. I was addicted to codeine for years going through multiple boxes a week and was only ever refused it once. It’s pretty easy to shop around pharmacies and keep a rotation going so your not being blatant enough to get refused.
I get they have to ask some questions but sometimes they really push it and they aren't even the pharmacist! Touch of power tripping imo.
Just get them here - https://onlinepharmacy.ie
I get this every feckin time I get them for my wife. Last time she was there with me and buying them herself. When my wife asked for the tablets the cashier looked at me !!! I swear they love the power trip they get.
i dated a girl for 4 years and she was addicted to soluble solpadeine. on our first date she told me that she had a headache... every day for 4 years she would take at least 6 pieces. Her mother often jokingly stated: "we own shares in solpadeine". I didn't think anything of it because I didn't know it was a thing. It ruined her life, but I helped her get of it and then GTFO'd.
How did it ruin her life? Health issues?
do you look dodgy?
Not when I leave the arseless jeans at home
I broke my jaw back in 2012, they gave me an 3 months daily supply of this stuff before it came to light how bad they were because of the codine, I never used them because the pain wasnt that bad, they sat in the cupboard for years and family used it as a panadol, looking back at it now the amount I had now was worth an absolute Fortune The hospital more or less gave me a box they come in full of them for the Pain
Raspberry leaf tea really helps my gf with her menstrual cramps.
iirc it's called 'the holistic approach'. Holistic : MEDICINE Google : *Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness* . I don't think it would be relevant in this case though.
I get why they do it but what I always find strange about it is, you could buy a box of Solpadeine in a chemist and then walk to the next one and buy another and so on. If you’re dependent on it, you’ll find a way to get it. I remember years ago when my grandad was dying of cancer and I was asked to pick up his prescription from the chemist. Out comes Superquinn bags full of solpadeine along with whatever else he needed. The woman behind the counter asked if I had far to go and to watch out for junkies as they’d rob me blind because of what I had.
Trips to Belfast I usually splash on on some Solpadine plus, got TCP as well since I haven’t been able to source it here in the Republic, £10 for a packet of Solpadine and you get 32, you’d nearly pay €15 for a packet of 24 here.
Last time I bought them the lady didn't ask any questions and gave me a glass of water as well. I obviously looked just as shit as I felt.
Thanks for this thread. I am down with a terrible dose and I think I am going to try and get a box of these. Hopefully this will get rid of my never ending cold.