Is codeine addictive?

Good luck buying Nurofen plus without a barrage of questions from the chemist. Makes you feel like a criminal sometimes, but I guess they are just doing a job, as the Patient Information Leaflet is quite clear:

I think some people are more susceptible to addiction than other people. Thats just my opinion though as opposed to a fact. I wouldnt tempt fate either way.

You must have a very pretty face :) I've never bought Nurofen plus without at least the following 3 questions (seems consistent across pharmacies)

1. Is it for you?

2. Have you taken it before / are you taking other medication?

3. Have you tried / would you consider other medication?

Interesting that you were denied once... goes to show how serious they are about ensuring medication isnt mistreated.

I'm on 90 mg of dihydrocodeine twice a day. I do worry about long term dependency but severe pain really wrecks your life.

Rock and a hard place, I guess.

Re codeine, I'm not a medical person, only speaking from experience. My grandmother took it for over 20 years for arthritis pain. When her gp tried to wean her off it, she refused to even try. He warned her it was potentially addictive. She developed bowel cancer, and took even more for the pain. She used to sleep most of the day, and cranky as hell when awake.

I know it can cause constipation, but cannot say if it played a part in her illness. It is a medication of which I am extremely wary.

Apologies for the tardy reply, I've only just seen your post.

Yes, it's lower back pain. I use sticks to walk and can only be vertical for limited periods.

Interesting thread to be fair. Hope ye are all doing OK. Thankfully i am not dependent on anything and i feel lucky for it after reading the above. Stay safe!