Syndol Had a Hold On Me (Syndol Pain Relief Caplets)

Member Name: pearlydewdrop

Product:	Syndol Pain Relief Caplets
Date:	23/04/08 (2985 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A highly effective painkiller, of that there is no doubt.

Disadvantages: Codeine is addictive, so avoid it if you are feeling particularly fragile emotionally.

Syndol tablets are a brilliant painkilling remedy, but have, in my view, a quite potent addictive quality. These days I use the old favourites paracetamol and ibroprofen should I require an analgesic. There was a time, however, when I thought that these little yellow tablets were my salvation. I hadnt at that stage reached the point of addiction, and suffered the physical and mental effects of withdrawing from the codeine fix.



*What is Syndol?*~

Syndol are painkilling tablets useful for the easing of mild to moderate pain. They are sold primarilly as a tension headache and migraine pain reliever, since they contain a substance Doxylamine Succinate (an anti histamine) which acts as a muscle relaxant. Anyone who has suffered from migraine will know the vice-like tension that grips one side of your face; this can be greatly alliviated with the active ingrediant Doxalyamine. Syndol is helpful in managing the pain of other conditions, such as:

-Menstrual Pain (dysmenorrhorea)
-Fibromyalgia
-Toothache
-Sore Throats
-Earache
-Post-operative discomfort
-Muscular or Rheumatic Pain


*What does Syndol contain?*~

Syndol is composed of the following active ingredients:

-Paracetomol (450mg): An analgesic (painkiller) and antipyretic (reduces a high temperature).

-Codeine Phosphate (10mg): A stronger, OPIOD, analgesic which mimics the actions of the body's own pain relieving chemicals endorphins. This substance calms the person in pain aswell as giving a slight sense of euphoria.

-Doxylamine Succinate (5mg):As mentioned before, this is an antihistamine which essentially acts as a muscle relaxant. This is useful in relieving pain which is tension derived. Or, of course, the bodily tension resulting from being in pain.

-Caffiene (30mg): A mild stimulant to help the 'drained' individual regain some momentum one again.


*What Dose is Required?*~

Dosage is 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, but no more than 8 in 24 Hours. This is your standard daily dosage for over the counter painkillers. Obviously, this dose should not be exceeded owing to the risk of overdose and therefore potential liver damage.


*Possible Side-Effects*~

Side-Effects are relatively uncommon, the most likely being:

Constipation from the codeine element.
Drowsiness and dizziness induced by the antihistamine.

Other potential side-effects are presumably linked to the action of codeine on the brain and spinal cord. They include, rarely:

Nausea
Palpitations
Allergic Reations
Rebound Headaches
Nightmares
Muscle Twitching


*Who Should Avoid Syndol*~

-Pregnant & Breast-Feeding Mothers: Codeine passes across the placenta and so can theorectically harm the developing fetus or indeed result in codeine withdrawal in a newborn. It should thus be avoided in pregnant women. There is evidence to suggest that a small amount of codeine is secreted in the breast milk of lactating mothers- for this reason it is presumed suitable for breastfeeding ladies ( only in restrained quantities).

-Impaired Liver/Kidney Function: Syndol can be taken in this instance upon consultation with the patients GP. It is essential that the required medical checks are fulfilled before an individual buys these painkillers.

^CAUTION^ should be applied if Syndol is used in the following instances:

-Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
-Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
-Gallstones and other stomach complaints aggravated by Paracetamol.
-Addictive Personalities or those with Substance Abuse Histories (although this did not apply in my case, so beware!).


*Why Should I think Carefully Before Using Syndol*~

It is well docummented, on various internet sites and forums, that painkillers containing codeine are subject to abuses by addicted individuals (see, for example www.codeineaddiction.com). Although I would in no way suggest that everyone would be subject to the same compulsion to habitually take these tablets, there are certain risk factors that might make an individual vulnerable.

Persistant Physical Pain- Syndol is a highly affective painkiller which act on the multiple facets of pain and discomfort. In other words, the ingredients in these tablets deal not only with the physical manefestation of the pain, but also the mental disturbance associated with it, ie: the tiredness, the disinclination to do anything, the depression of continual pain. The caffiene stimulates the mind and body to overcome the lethargy felt with constant pain, whilst the codeine encourages a slight high. The doxylamine aids restful sleep should you need it-it can be a useful sleeping pill if you're anxious.
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This catorgory applied to me for several reasons. I had just undergone the hell of a traumatic birth, and was left with quite a severe episotomy (...cut down there!Nudge, nudge, wink, wink!). To top it off, I suffered two bouts of mastitis, in addition to my usual migraine headaches. Syndol were my salvation, because not only did they dull the pain, they made me feel good and able to deal with a newborn when physically I was quite wrecked. Sleep deprivation from baby's night wakings was also handily keep to a minimum with the soothing effects of doxylamine. Being in genuine and prolonged pain made it easy to justify my regular, daily taking of Syndol. Before long I NEEDED it just to get by.


Depression-If someone who is in the grip of a depression should take Syndol to alleviate a tension headache, for example, the high induced by the codeine, coupled with the relaxing state encouraged by doxylamine can be quite addictive.It is easy to justify taking a painkiller, convincing yourself you are in real physical pain, if you feel the real and troubling stress of anxiety and depression.
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Once again, I ticked this dubious box. My daughter suffered from reflux and once cried for 8 hours in one day. I simply found this stress unbearable, and with the difficulties of my birth recovery and daily survival, I succumbed to postnatal depression. I couldnt cope with pain on top of my other problems, and so Syndol really helped me.They kept physical pain at bay, but also more worringly made me feel I could cope more- in reality I needed ibruprofen and paracetomol, coupled with help with my daughter.


*Why is Codeine Addictive if Taken Habitually?*~

'Habitually' is the key word here. I don't, in any way believe that Syndol and other codeine containing analgesics are inherently addictive. They are invaluable to those who suffer occassional attacks of quite bad pain, eg. migraine or neuralgia. If you are not deep down vulnerable and in need of self medication emotionally, then you can trust yourself not to get carried away and let the tablets become a ritual. I clearly couldnt see that I was becoming reliant on the codeine and the properties of the other ingredients simply to feel normal.

Codeine, is addictive if taken regularly, since 10% of it is converted to morphine in the brain. With heroin, 50% is converted. So, codeine, if taken regularly or in excess can become seriously addictive.


*What Other Medications Contain Codeine?*~

Co-codamol, Solphadiene, Panadol Extra, Feminax, and Nurofen Plus.


*How Do I Know if I am Addicted to Codeine?*~

I knew that I was addicted because-
1)Syndol hardly worked as a painkiller anymore.
2)Some days I was taking the full 8 tablet quota for barely any reason at all (although I never exceeded the dose- some people take 15, 20 even 30 plus tablets a day!!!)
3)Everytime I started to run out of tablets Id be straight up the chemist. I even had to start switching my chemist trips about so as not to make my need obvious.
4)My habit was getting expensive. At £3.89 for 20 tablets, my budget was severly stretched.
5)I became panicky if I didnt have any in my handbag if I went out.
6)If I had a day off of them I would get shaky, excessively tired, anxious, achy all over, and get severe rebound headaches.


*How Does Codeine Withdrawal Feel?*~

I opted to withdraw without the help of my GP, just because once I admitted to myself I was dependant I was fully prepared to go cold turkey. I wouldnt necessary recommend that others do this; especially if symptoms of depression are not being combatted and other factors in an individuals life are making them vulnerable.

Withdrawal itself was not fun. I threw out all codeine tablets, and vowed only to take Paracetomol and Ibruprofen. I knew that long term use of Painkillers would ultimately harm my liver and other organs, so this was to be my starting point. I endured, for about 3 days symptoms not disimilar to flu- aching joints, temperature fluctuations, shakiness, nausea (actual vomitting too) and headaches. I had no energy and had to just rest. By about day 4 I was feeling marginally better, but still lethargic and maybe a bit low. After a week I was 'clean'. I will admit to you, however, that withdrawal would not have been possile had I not decided to take paracetamol and ibruprofen to get me through. The pain was just too much to endure. I am happy to report that I am now a normal user of the occasional paracetamol and ibruprofen, and I am incrediably proud of the fact!


*Conclusion*~

By all means take codeine based painkillers. They are undoubtably stronger than other pills. However, please be aware that if you are a bit vulnerable there is a danger that you could become reliant. When you take them, make it for as short a period as possible. Let them help you recover, but dont let them become the ultimate problem.

Summary: Dont let codeine addiction became a new problem. Its not worth it