God

My parents have both been taking large amounts of Solpadeine's for decades now and I am a bit concerned about what they could be doing to their bodies long term.

I don't know exactly how many they take but I would hazard a guess at around 3/4 a day for the last 20 years. They tend to have the one with all the Codeine in as well. Think it's called the Solpadeine Plus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solpadeine

rhubarb

Hey God,

What is it you are actually worried about...addiction, dependancy, GI side effects? Generally anyone with chronic pain associated with things like Osteoarthritis and Lower back pain will be started off on paracetamol and then perhaps co-codamol or tramadol if the pain persists or is a bit more severe.

Co-codamol contains paracetamol and codeine (a weak opioid) and the main side effect with any opioids (particularly at higher doses) is constipation. Don't be too alarmed to hear the word opioid...everyone hears this and thinks 'DEATH'. It's not the case and is generally the next step after paracetamol has failed.

Hope this helps.

Nytol

Paracetamol is a pretty liver toxic drug, and not very effective either.

What are they using it for?

God

Well a bit concerned that they are clearly so addicted. They have tried to come off at various times but without success. My dad has ME and my mum has a few issues as well. They originally took it for pain relief due to medical conditions but have never stopped taking them. Now if they have a day without them they feel pretty bad.

According to my mum she has had liver values tested and they came back ok however I don't know exactly what tests where done. What about kidney function? Logic says that surely there has to be some side effects from prolonged paracetamol and codeine use.

God

Bump

gold95

the paracetamol is harsh on the stomach & the codeine is very addictive. there are lots of scary tails about PK's but i started taking co-dydromol (codeine & paracetamol) 12 years ago when i f#cked my back. after a few years it was switched to dihydrocodeine. the codeine in solphadeine is about 12.5 mg (roughly) prescription ones i was on were 30mg, for about 4 years i was taking 35-40 every day (8 is the max) & i couldn't believe my insides were not f#cked i'v had blood tests loads of times & they came back fine. i'm not saying it is a good idea to take too many (i had terrible constipation & things like that) but i'm just trying to ease your worries about your folkes. its good you care about them but don't worry too much the human body is amazing at dealing with things. hope this helps you a bit....

God

Thanks for that info