Analgesics - Drug Treatment

Co-codamol

Here at Thursby Surgery we have a duty of care to all our patients to ensure safe prescribing of medication.

We continually review medication and ensure we are following guidelines and protocols both inside the practice and outside.

We are currently running a huge piece of work on Co-codamol.

We will be reviewing this medication when they are due to support the above. We advise that you attend any appointments arranged to ensure us to be able to support in managing your pain, health and wellbeing.

Please fill out the pain scoring prior to each appointment to support the consultations - click here for the document

Please note that completing the pain score does not automatically mean you will receive this medication - it might indicate an onward referral or an alternative medication

Co-codamol is used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain caused by headaches, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, period pain and rheumatic pains when other painkillers have not worked. You should wait at least 4 hours after you last took other painkillers before taking this medicine. Common side effects of taking co-codamol include constipation, feeling sleepy, headaches or feeling sick/vomiting.

Co-codamol is an opiate-based drug and just like other opiates has the potential to lead to addiction. Tolerance and dependence on co-codamol can occur within as little as 3 to 5 days of continuous use.

Signs that you may be addicted to opioids include:

• craving for the medicine
• feeling that you need to take more medicine than prescribed or as instructed on the pack, even though the medicine is causing unwanted effects on your overall health (for example, some of the withdrawal side effects in the next section)
• taking opioid medicines for reasons other than pain relief: for instance, to ‘stay calm’ or ‘help you sleep’
• experiencing withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine suddenly (see below)

If you notice any of the above, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.

 We have decided to ensure safe prescribing by supplying a maximum of 60 tablets at a time.

We have a robust ordering system in place so you can order your medication 48 hours before they are due to ensure regular supply, should this be indicated.