Over-the-counter medication can be highly addictive, that is the
message from the Northern Ireland Department of Health.
Some over-the-counter medication, such as stronger combination
painkillers containing a mixture of paracetamol or ibuprofen
along with codeine or dihydrocodeine, can be highly addictive.
In 2024, there were round 10.4 million combination painkillers
obtained by Community Pharmacies in Northern Ireland, which is a
6.9% increase on the previous year, showing the level of demand
is increasing.
Northern Ireland's Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison
said: “Addiction can affect anyone, and often people may not even
know they have an addiction. Taking over-the-counter combination
painkillers should be in the short-term, no longer than three
days. If you are concerned about your relationship with these
types of medication, speak to your pharmacist. They are there to
help.”
Michael Main, a 37-year-old man from Belfast, found himself
addicted to over-the-counter medication, when he started using
combination painkillers 12 years ago to treat a leg injury and
migraines. At the height of his addiction, he was taking 64
tablets daily. He said: “I was down to four stone and I was
afraid of losing my life. I knew I needed help, but I didn't know
where to turn.”
With many people not knowing they have an addiction, Belfast
Trust Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist Dr Joy Watson wants to
highlight the signs. Dr Watson, who is based in the Malone Place
Addiction Services Clinic, said:
“We are seeing more people crossing our door to seek support with
addiction to over-the-counter medication. But there are many more
people in our communities who don't actually know they have an
addiction.
“Some signs of addiction are that you may feel you need the
medicine for longer periods and in higher doses than recommended,
and when you do stop them you feel unwell.
“Addiction to these stronger combination painkillers can cause
very serious health issues, including severe liver, kidney and
stomach disease needing multiple surgeries and with some people
ending up in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Sadly, some people have
lost their lives. They can also cause issues in patient's
personal or work lives.
“The good news is, there is treatment available to substitute
codeine and it is highly effective. The earlier you seek the
help, the better for your health. If you are concerned about your
relationship with over-the-counter medication, speak to your GP
or pharmacist.”
Michael received support and started treatment. He continued: “I
went into hospital and had to get surgery twice. My consultants
were able to direct me to addiction services, where I started a
programme, which involved taking substitute medication. From
then, I have made massive improvements – it's like two different
people. I put on four stone in a couple of months, feel great,
I'm back to work and spending more time with my kids, I wish I
had done it a long time ago.
“It is not your typical drug and so you don't hear much about the
help available. But it does exist – go and seek support, it is
the first step and can help turn your life around.”
The Department of Health have been working closely with Community
Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI), to highlight the issues around
addiction to these types of medication. Recently, all Community
Pharmacies and GP surgeries received leaflets and posters to
highlight the issue to the public.
Katherine Kidd, Head of Professional Services at CPNI said:
“Community pharmacists are medicines experts, and they can
support patients to find out more about the over-the-counter
medication they are taking or thinking of starting, including the
potential side effects, to help encourage safe and appropriate
use.
“If a patient has any queries or concerns about these types of
medicines, I urge them to speak to their community pharmacist who
can help support their appropriate use.”
You can also find further details of groups that can support you
at www.drugsandalcoholni.info(external
link opens in a new window / tab).
