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

Question

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?

Answer 1

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.