AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question QUESTION: I started taking di-gesic after an eye operation about 3 years ago. I was given a choice of pain relief, between panadeine forte and the digesic. I had had the panadeine fote previously but had experienced severe heart burn and mild depression afterwards, so this time i opted for the di-gesic. i didn't know anything about it and just thought it was another option. well here i am now trying to kick the long term over use of this drug. I have taken upto 30 tablets a day with only the odd few weeks break here and there. I also take diane-35 daily (the pill) and 10 mg of aropax. I have managed to quit smoking (15 yrs ago, along with alcohol and pot). i am 42 years old and can't believe i have gotten hooked on these things. All my other addictions i gave up within a month, cold turkey and never looked back. Please don't judge me, but i desperately need to know what damage i am doing to my body. thank you
ANSWER: Dear Jane
First of all don't worry about the Diane and the Aropax (the latter may keep you from worrying anyway. Personally I think Digesic should be banned as I am not at all impressed by its ingredient, dextropropoxyphene it has been around since the 1960s and is not used in many countries now because of problems associated with it mainly because overdose can be fatal very quickly. It is also not much good as a pin killer in my opinion. I am surprised that Panadeine Forte caused heartburn - it shouldn't.
You are hooked on the Digesic and 30 tablets per day is an enormous dose which would kill someone not addicted to it. The body builds up tolerance to the dextropropoxyphene) You are probably doing more damage to the body with the paracetamol in the Digesic than the dextropropoxyphene though and I am surprised that you can get scripts for this quantity. Your liver and probably your kidneys will be suffering greatly. The dextropropoxyphene probably is doing little damage except for the addiction though. My first inclination would be to get the paracetamol reduced by changing you to Doloxene pure dextropropoxyphene). Then one can concentrate on reducing this and I cannot really help you here as it will need expert on the spot help and maybe even hospitalisation. However, it does not usually take long but don't try cold turkey - you have to reduce the dose gradually. Other drugs can help with the withdrawal but they will need to be prescribed according to your response.
Regards
Alan Galbraith
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QUESTION: thank you for answering my query so quickly, i have just stopped taking the di-gesic, (been about 5 days now, why do you suggest to not go cold turkey? could i just reduce on the remaining digesic (i have a repeat left). Obviously not really wanting to confront a Dr., at this moment, it has been a big step to write the initial e-mail. jane
Answer Dear Jane
I only suggested not going cold turkey because of the potential distress it would cause especially considering your history. However, if you have now managed 5 days the worst should be over and by all means go ahead and stay of it. If you do experience severe symptoms it is OK to take it at a reduced dose but definitely not to go back to your finishing dose. Try not to do this though as it just prolongs the experience. I hope you manage to do so.
