The other day at work I developed a thumping headache and after rummaging through my desk and handbag realised I hadn't got any painkillers. Thinking I would have to pop out and get some my colleague came to my rescue and gave me two Syndol tablets. Although I had never taken these before I had heard of them.

The tablets come in a shiny blue and red box with Syndol written across it in large white letters. It has the words "fast relief from tension headache" written underneath. They cost about £3.80 for a box of 20 tablets. There is an information leaflet inside the box giving more details. The dosage is on the back along with ingredients.

Dosage
Adults and children over 12 years take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. You must not exceed 8 tablets per day. The maximum Syndol should not be taken over a prolonged period of time.

Ingredients
450mg Paracetamol BP
10MG Codeine Phosphate BP
5mg Doxylamine NF
30mg Caffeine BP


The tablets are yellow in colour and are oval in shape making them nice and easy to get down. I took 2 tablets with a glass of water and waited for the pain to subside. After about 15 minuets I could feel my headache easing. But I could also feel my eyelids getting heavy! The codeine was begining to make me drowsy and for the next hour I struggled to stay awake at my computer. The Syndol took my headache right away and after the drowsiness had worn of I felt ok.
The leaflet in the box does state not to drive or operate machinery after taking them and also not to drink alcohol.

I have since bought Syndol from Tesco, they are not on the shelf you need to ask at the pharmacy for them, but you dont need a prescription. They are an excellent painkiller but they did make me very drowsy. I'm sure there are others who can take them with no problem at all. Although the box states they are for tension headaches they can be used for other types of pain. Pulled muscles, period pain, tooth ache, sore throat just about anything really.

Despite making me tired I was very impressed with Syndol. They worked fast and effectively. I would definatly recommend them.

As with all medication if symptoms persist you should see your doctor, also there is a warning not to take any other paracetamol products with Syndol.