Co-codamol is a commonly used painkiller that can be provided over-the-counter (OTC) or on prescription, depending on the strength.
The fact that it is a familiar medication does not mean that it is free from risk, however. Co-codamol contains a mixture of codeine and paracetamol. Codeine is an opioid and can be both dangerous and addictive, particularly in high doses. It is also possible to overdose on paracetamol, so care should be taken that co-codamol is not combined with other medications that also contain paracetamol.
Potential side effects from co-codamol can come from both active ingredients, which can also interact with other medications and substances. In this article, we will take a look at some of the potential side effects associated with co-codamol.
What Is Co-Codamol?
Co-codamol is a widely used medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It combines the opioid codeine and paracetamol.
It is generally used for the short-term treatment of pain such as headaches, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, period pain and rheumatic pains when other painkillers have not worked.
The lowest strength of co-codamol, containing 8 mg of codeine and 500 mg of paracetamol, can be bought on an over-the-counter or OTC basis in UK pharmacies. This means that you do not need a prescription, but it must be approved by a pharmacist. Stronger versions can only be legally obtained with a valid prescription.
This is because there is both a potential for abuse and a potential for harm when using co-codamol. It is only intended to be a short-term treatment in most cases due to the potential for addiction and dependency.
Following dosage instructions is very important and the paracetamol and codeine components must both be taken into account by the prescriber, pharmacist and user.
Common Side Effects from Co-Codamol
As with all medications, co-codamol can cause side effects, even if used as directed. The NHS says common side effects are those that affect more than one in a hundred people and include:
- Constipation: This can make the user feel bloated and uncomfortable, as well as lowering energy and causing cramps and pain. The NHS advises that eating more fibre in your diet and drinking more water may help.
- Nausea or vomiting: Feelings of sickness will normally wear off after a few days but you should consult your doctor if they persist. If you are vomiting, you should be aware of the possibility of dehydration. Stick to simple meals and avoid rich and spicy foods.
- Dizziness: Do not drive or use potentially dangerous tools or machinery if co-codamol is making you feel dizzy. Again, this should wear off quite quickly, but if dizziness persists, you should consult your prescriber or another relevant medical professional.
- Drowsiness: As with dizziness, you should not drive or operate machinery if co-codamol makes you feel sleepy. Mixing with other depressants like alcohol can make drowsiness worse.
- Headaches: You should seek medical advice if headaches persist or are severe. For mild headaches, drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinking too much alcohol.
More Serious Side Effects of Co-Codamol
More serious side effects are rarer, affecting less than one in a hundred users. They can have serious health impacts though and the NHS says you should contact a doctor or call 111 if you experience any of the following:
- A skin rash
- Difficulty urinating
- Changes in vision
- Muscle stiffness
- Low blood pressure – with symptoms including feelings of dizziness and tiredness
Co-codamol can also cause slowed or difficulty breathing and, in rare cases, fits or seizures. In either of these cases, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
In some rare cases, using co-codamol or codeine can actually make people more sensitive to pain – a condition known as hyperalgesia.
Allergic Reaction to Co-Codamol
It is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to co-codamol. This is also known as anaphylaxis and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Swelling in the mouth, lips, throat or tongue
- Difficulty breathing – breaths may be fast and shallow or you may struggle to catch a breath or feel you are choking
- Tightness in the throat and difficulty swallowing
- The skin, tongue or lips turning blue, grey or pale
- Sudden confusion, dizziness or drowsiness
- Fainting
- A rash that may be swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Mixing Co-Codamol with Other Substances
Mixing co-codamol with other substances can be dangerous, particularly ones that also act as a central nervous system depressant. Using co-codamol with benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs, for example, can lead to an increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and even death.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that co-codamol contains paracetamol alongside the codeine. A paracetamol overdose can cause severe liver and kidney damage, so it is vital to make sure you do not exceed recommended dosages when combining co-codamol with paracetamol or any other medicine that contains paracetamol.
Can You Become Dependent on Co-Codamol?
The codeine in co-codamol is an opioid and, like other opioids, it can be addictive. This is why it is recommended that co-codamol is only generally used for limited periods of time.
Prolonged use can result in physical dependence, where the user may experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is reduced or removed. Some people can also develop psychological dependence and a compulsion to keep on taking co-codamol, experiencing anxiety and other symptoms when they do not.
Prolonged use of co-codamol can lead to the user building up a tolerance, meaning they need to use more of the drug for the same effect.
Getting Help With Co-Codamol Dependence
Because co-codamol can cause withdrawal symptoms, it is always recommended that you come off it in a controlled and supervised manner. This could involve tapering – where the dosage is gradually reduced – or a medically supervised detox programme. Specialist support can help make this challenging process safer and more comfortable.
Some people may also need further help dealing with the habitual and psychological aspects of addiction and dependence. This could involve various evidence-backed therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), group therapy and counselling. Relapse prevention sessions can also provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to maintain a long-lasting recovery.
If you are concerned about your co-codamol use, including if you are struggling to reduce your usage or experiencing problems related to the medication, get in touch with Rehab Clinics Group today for free and confidential advice.
