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I have mild abdominal pain and a history of abusing Co-Codamol. Is it due to liver damage?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a history of abusing Co-codamol for two years. Often, I took 30/500 mg several times a day. I have some mild right upper quadrant stomach pain for a few weeks after stopping Co-codamol. Before a year, I took an abdominal ultrasound. My liver function test and urinalysis came back with normal results. I read that liver damage can still be present even after having a normal liver function test and it is hard to see them on ultrasound. Is there a chance for me to have some liver damage?

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ajeet Kumar is a dedicated Physician specializing in gastrointestinal and liver disorders. He focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide range of digestive conditions with a patient-centered and evidence-based approach. His clinical interest includes promoting long-term digestive wellness through accurate evaluation, timely intervention, and personalized care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive support for their overall health and well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have stopped taking Co-codamol (painkiller) now. It is merely impossible to stop using opioid medicines. After stopping it, it is unlikely to have its effects on the body. You have stomach pain after stopping the medicine. It suggests narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS). In this, the patient becomes insensitive to normal doses of opioids and relieves pain after increasing the dosage. It happens due to the chronic use of these medicines. It potentially increases the number of receptors controlling pain.

When the medicine is stopped, a rebound pain develops, and it remains until another painkiller is taken. It seems to be a vicious cycle. It requires close monitoring while switching to other safe painkillers. At the same time, it is necessary to watch the symptoms while decreasing the dose of opioids. This treatment is referred to as opioid detoxification therapy.

I hope that you can understand your problems. To control the pain that occurs secondary to NBS, I suggest you consult a pain management specialist soon. As you stopped taking medicine, I suggest you take Paracetamol. It is a safe medicine for controlling pain. You can take Pregabalin 75 mg at night time daily to control your symptoms.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At June 5, 2020
Reviewed At November 17, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ajeet Kumar is a dedicated Physician specializing in gastrointestinal and liver disorders. He focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide range of digestive conditions with a patient-centered and evidence-based approach. His clinical interest includes promoting long-term digestive wellness through accurate evaluation, timely intervention, and personalized care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive support for their overall health and well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ajeet Kumar is a dedicated Physician specializing in gastrointestinal and liver disorders. He focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide range of digestive conditions with a patient-centered and evidence-based approach. His clinical interest includes promoting long-term digestive wellness through accurate evaluation, timely intervention, and personalized care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive support for their overall health and well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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