cocodamol over the counter is an over-the-counter painkiller that contains the active ingredients paracetamol and codeine. It is prescribed by a doctor to treat certain types of pain such as headaches and toothache. When taken in the correct dosage, it is safe but when abused, it can have severe side effects and be addictive. Long-term use can cause damage to your liver, eyes and brain. If you have been prescribed co-codamol, it’s important to take the medication only as directed and to speak to your doctor if you feel it is not working.

Balancing Pain Relief and Dependency: Co-Codamol Insights

Codeine works on the brain’s pain receptors to stop them from sending messages to the rest of the body. This makes you feel drowsy and may affect your thinking, speech and movement. It can also make you vomit a lot and lead to constipation. Taking it with alcohol or other drugs, including recreational ones like heroin, can increase these side effects. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best not to take codeine as small amounts can get into breast milk and cause problems for the baby.

It’s also important to note that high doses of co-codamol can lower fertility in men and women and cause a health problem called hypogonadism. This is where the body doesn’t produce enough sex hormones. A person with a co-codamol addiction may withdraw from their family, friends and work and spend more time sourcing and taking the drug. If you are concerned that someone is using co-codamol inappropriately, Delamere can offer support and help them to withdrawal safely and under medical supervision.