SOLPADEINE ADDICTION
Solpadeine is a codeine-based medication which can cause dependence and risk of Solpadeine addiction.
What Is Solpadeine?
Solpadeine is a painkiller that contains codeine and paracetamol. It is normally found in the form of soluble tablets and is used to treat mild to moderate pain when other painkillers are ineffective.
Some types of pain Solpadeine is used to treat includes:
- dental pain
- period pain
- rheumatic pain
- joint pain
- sinus pain
Although it is an effective pain relief medication available through prescription, Solpadeine can also be bought over the counter (OTC). The dose of codeine in OTC Solpadeine medication will be lower than when it is prescribed. However, because it contains codeine, an opioid analgesic which stops pain signals from reaching the brain, Solpadeine addiction is still possible.
What Is Solpadeine Addiction?
Solpadeine addiction refers to a dependence on the codeine in Solpadeine. Addiction can occur when taking the pain relief medication for an extended period or taking over the recommended dose. Signs of Solpadeine addiction include panicking when you know you’re running out of the medication and obsessing about when you can take the next dose.
Long-term abuse of Solpadeine can ultimately lead to drug tolerance. This means that the codeine in the Solpadeine no longer produces the same intensity it did when initially taken. To experience these same effects, higher and more frequent doses are required. Over a prolonged period, the codeine in Solpadeine alters the way your brain functions, and as Solpadeine addiction takes hold, it will eventually become impossible to operate without taking codeine.
Solpadeine and Codeine Addiction
Most people who become addicted to Solpadeine will have started taking medicine for pain relief when weaker painkillers are not working adequately. Solpadeine is also a popular OTC medication that is purposely abused for the effects produced by the codeine it contains. Solpadeine withdrawal symptoms, even when it has only been used short term, can be severe, which often drives individuals to take more Solpadeine, creating a vicious cycle.
Solpadeine addiction is extremely dangerous, and abusing Solpadeine long-term can result in liver and kidney damage. In high doses, Solpadeine can also cause respiratory depression, identified by symptoms such as shallow and slow breathing, a slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which can result in loss of consciousness and death.
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Solpadeine Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Solpadeine addiction and dependence can be hard to recognise in yourself and others. There is far less stigma attached to its use because it’s not an illegal substance, which means many users remain in denial for longer.
Someone abusing Solpadeine may present a range of physical or behavioural symptoms, which could indicate a potential issue. Physical symptoms of codeine addiction may include drowsiness, slurred speech, and lowered inhibitions. However, behavioural signs are easier to spot, with many users lying about the extent of their Solpadeine use, as well as isolating themselves from friends and family.
Recognising the common side effects and symptoms of Solpadeine addiction means you can treat the problem sooner and are more likely to prevent long-term, irreversible damage. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, here are 10 common signs and symptoms of Solpadeine addiction:
- Taking Solpadeine or codeine when you no longer experience the pain it was initially needed for.
- Lying to conceal the true extent of your Solpadeine use.
- Increasing your doses to achieve a high.
- The onset of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Solpadeine.
- Taking Solpadeine to cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression or unwanted thoughts and feelings.
- Buying Solpadeine online or visiting different chemists to purchase Solpadeine.
- Exaggerating medical issues to obtain additional prescriptions of Solpadeine.
- Hiding Solpadeine tablets and Solpadeine consumption from others.
- Paying less attention to your appearance and personal hygiene.
- Becoming more withdrawn and isolating from friends and family.
Solpadeine addiction is progressive, and as it continues, you are more likely to go to dangerous lengths to gain access to the drug. This could involve buying medication online and spending money on Solpadeine instead of essentials such as food or important bills. If you are concerned about a loved one or worried you could have developed a Solpadeine addiction, it is crucial to seek help as soon as possible.
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At Step by Step Recovery, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for each and every client, and our ultimate goal is to provide the tools you need to maintain a clean and sober life free from Solpadeine addiction.
Solpadeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Abuse of Solpadeine causes chemical changes in the brain and central nervous system, and long-term abuse will result in a tolerance to the codeine that it contains. Over time, tolerance will mean you need to take higher doses to achieve the same effects.
This, in turn, can result in both a physical and psychological dependence
on the drug, as the brain becomes dependent on the codeine in Solpadeine to produce chemicals such as dopamine and cannot do so without it.
If you suddenly stop taking Solpadeine, the brain and body must learn how to function without it and need time to adjust. During this period, it is likely you will experience unpleasant codeine withdrawal symptoms.
The severity and duration of the Solpadeine withdrawal will be affected by various factors, including:
- Duration of Solpadeine use
- Your average dose
- Frequency of use
- Whether it was combined with other substances
- Method of use.
The symptoms of Solpadeine withdrawal will vary for each person, depending on several factors, such as age, weight, height, gender and overall physical health. Adverse health complications associated with Solpadeine withdrawal include:
- Fever
- Stomach pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Cravings.
These symptoms may not sound that serious; however, they can make you feel extremely unwell, which is the most common reason people relapse when a Solpadeine addiction has developed.
Treating Solpadeine addiction with a medically supervised detox and addiction treatment to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction will significantly improve the chance of remaining addiction-free.
Effects of Solpadeine Addiction
Solpadeine has various associated side effects, which are more likely to occur as a result of regular use. When Solpadeine is abused recreationally in high doses, the likelihood of experiencing these adverse reactions is much higher. The following are some of the adverse effects known to be associated with Solpadeine addiction:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Difficulty passing urine.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should consult your GP immediately, as they can be a sign of serious issues such as kidney and liver damage.
Can You Overdose on Solpadeine?
A Solpadeine addiction increases the risk of an accidental overdose when Solpadeine is taken in high doses. Contrary to popular belief, an overdose on Solpadeine doesn’t always mean falling unconscious, which is why many signs of a Solpadeine overdose are often not recognised.
However, if not treated immediately, these symptoms could lead to more dangerous consequences, some of which can be fatal. Recognising the symptoms of a solpadeine overdose could ultimately save a life.
The most common symptoms include:
- Irregular breathing
- Fatigue
- Discolouration of lips and fingernails, indicating oxygen deprivation
- Sweaty or clammy skin
- Lack of coordination due to loss of oxygen
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cardiovascular changes such as a weakened pulse.
If you experience any of the above symptoms or witness them in someone else, call 999 — early intervention might prevent irreversible complications and death.
Solpadeine Addiction Treatment
Solpadeine contains codeine, which is an opiate drug. This means there is the possibility of suffering the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction which can be extremely distressing to people who have not been through it before. During Solpadeine addiction treatment, a supervised medical detox can help individuals manage the withdrawal symptoms. Following a detox, to reduce the risk of relapse, it is equally important to attend addiction counselling. It is possible to access a medically supervised detox and addiction treatment as an outpatient, and this is available free of charge through the NHS.
Although outpatient addiction treatment can be effective, residential rehab is widely considered to be the best addiction treatment
option. Being removed from outside influence and access to drugs allows you to concentrate fully on your recovery. For many individuals who have relapsed following quick detox or outpatient addiction treatment, attending a residential rehab for a minimum of 28 days is the only way to overcome addiction and prevent relapse.
In residential rehab, once a doctor has assessed you, your treatment for Solpadeine addiction will begin with a medical detox to help alleviate Solpadeine withdrawal symptoms. Once you have completed your codeine detox, which typically lasts three days, you will participate in individual and group therapy to treat the psychological aspects of addiction. During your stay, you will also have access to various recreational activities and regular healthy meals. This combination of therapy and structured activities gives you the opportunity to learn how to cope with triggers that could have led to you abusing Solpadeine.
At Step by Step Recovery, we exist to provide non-judgemental support to help individuals beat addiction permanently. Please complete our online assessment form or call our understanding team on 0800 170 1222 for free, confidential advice about addiction treatment in London or at our residential rehab in Essex to help you or a loved one.
FAQs
Is Solpadeine illegal?
Solpadeine is not an illegal substance and is available to buy over the counter at most pharmacies. However, Solpadeine contains low doses of codeine, which is controlled under Class B of the Misuse of Drugs Act. That means you can be prosecuted if you possess large amounts of Solpadeine and it is determined that there was an intent to supply it to others.
What are the effects of using Solpadeine?
Solpadeine contains codeine, which is an opioid that can make users feel calm and relaxed and also has sedating effects. These effects are what make it one of the most abused over-the-counter medications on the market today.
Is it dangerous to drink alcohol and take Solpadeine?
Although it may not seem dangerous to drink alcohol on medication, Solpadeine contains codeine, which is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Combining it with alcohol, another CNS depressant, can increase the risk of respiratory failure and death.
Do I need treatment for Solpadeine addiction?
Many people put off getting help for Solpadeine addiction because they don’t believe it’s necessary for issues involving OTC medication. However, Solpadeine contains codeine, which is highly addictive and can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. If you are experiencing Solpadeine withdrawal symptoms, it is highly likely you need treatment for Solpadeine addiction.
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Page revised in March 2023, by Matthew Reece, a certified PG cons diploma, a clinical Lead/ Senior counsellor at Step by Step Recovery.
