Hi guys.  I need some strong painkillers for back pain at night when I'm lying down.  Not all the time, but every now and then my back flares up and its very painful and hard to sleep.  In the UK I get prescribed Zapain (30mg codeine/500mg paracetmol)  but hadn't needed them for a while and hadn't thought to renew prescription etc before coming away.  I went to the pharmacy yesterday to get some OTC stuff.  Someone had told me you can't get Codeine but can get Tramadol - which I thought was a bit weird as Tramadol is stronger.  So I went in, explained the problem and what I take at home and they actually offered me a 30mg Codeine and 500mg Para like at home. BUT they wanted 750 baht for 8 tablets!  I passed, went to the next pharmacy and they offered the same for 780 baht.  So I gave up and went home.

Any recommendations on what to do, what I can get legally and realistically what I should be paying.  If anyone's on Samui, do they know a pharmacy that isn't going to pull my pants down, preferably in Lamai?  700 baht for 8 tablets is extortionate right?

Thanks everyone

I occasionally have lower back pain from what I believe to be a partially herniated disc.  In the US I used to take flexeril (prescription skeletal muscle relaxant) and naproxen sodium (OTC).  I have not been able to find the former here, so instead I take orphenadrine citrate (which is usually combined with acetaminophen or similar pain killer), along with a tablet or two of naproxen.  All of these are OTC and I usually start feeling relief after 2-3 days, but of course your mileage may vary.

Have you tried sleeping with a bolster between your knees?

 

 

 

Post #2 sounds good.

800 Baht may not be excessive if it is imported medicine (don't know).

You should be able to get Ultracet which is a combination of Tramadol and Paracetamol. Costs a bit over 300 for 10 tablets. PURE pharmacy in BigC sells Ultracet and a Thai generic version of Ultracet for about 200 baht.

Tramadol itself would be cheaper (it used to be 50 baht when it was readily available) but hard to find.  You may have to ask in 10 or 20 pharmacies until you find one willing to sell it.

I stick with NSAID or flexiril.

 

They actually address the problem rather than codeine which just treats pain.

Pox 109.

No, i'm not joking.

The Thais call it Ya Pok, comes in a green box, take 1-2 per night.

Great nights sleep. Back feels better in the morning.

It is mainly used in the countryside by agricultural workers.

Arcoxia

Pix 109 is an NSAID. These can indeed be effective but be careful to take with food ad may irritate the stomach. Should not take if you have a history of ulcers/gastritis or are on anticoagulents.

 

It is illegal for a pharmacy to sell codeine. By law only hospitals can dispense it and you would have to pay dr consultation fee and hospital fee on top of the meducation charge which, if it is a private hospital, will entail a substantial mark up. Total will likely be 3000 baht or so.

 

Tramadol with and without paracetemol can be sold over the counter.

 

IMO appropriate stretches and exercises are by far the best solution. What these should be depends on what is causing the problem. Get advice from an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.

 

Pain that occurs when lying down is often related to sacriliac jount or muscles around the hip and daily stretches of the right kind can work wonders.

 

A thin pillow or folded towel at the small of the back may also help.

 

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If you do a lot of cycling one of the side effects is it strengthens your core, I'm in flat stomach zone now and no back pain for a couple of years. I haven't needed my co-codomol since then.

 

I tried pillow under the knees when it was at its worse, didn't do a lot for me, a miracle cure for me was also hot water bottle followed by frozen peas, then repeat as required. Heat might help, cold might help, its trial and error until you fine what suits you

 

 

 

 

55 minutes ago, attrayant said:

I occasionally have lower back pain from what I believe to be a partially herniated disc.  In the US I used to take flexeril (prescription skeletal muscle relaxant) and naproxen sodium (OTC).  I have not been able to find the former here, so instead I take orphenadrine citrate (which is usually combined with acetaminophen or similar pain killer), along with a tablet or two of naproxen.  All of these are OTC and I usually start feeling relief after 2-3 days, but of course your mileage may vary.

Several comments here that recommend stretching, muscle relaxants, and pain control are excellent suggestions.  I will to them and and briefly expand on each point.  Stretching will defiantly help.  What kind depends on the location of pain.  This is where a hospital visit may help if the OTC suggestion do not provide you satisfaction.  FDA considers Tramadol a low dose opioid because the liver will "cleave" during its break down process.  Consider combining NSAID Arcoxia (based on your weight the correct does), Arcoxia is great because it won't effect the bloods clotting process. Tramadol for pain, a muscle relaxant ie myonal, and a nerve pain drug like celexa or Lyrica, the last 2 drugs may make you sleep great due to sedative effects.  My advice is not meant to supersede medical professional advice.  Do consider seeking it as it is an investment, not a loss you're are making in your quality of life. 

Palexia is a newer type of drug for pain.

You can get Palexia SR 100 mg or 200mg. The SR stands for Slow Release.

There is a brand of Palexia available from the hospital in Thailand, but I don't know about the SR form.

The palexia SR 100 mg lasts for 12 hours (the time it lasts probably depends on the individual).

The palexia SR 100 mg would seem like it could be good for you to take before bed, and hopfully let you sleep all night.

Palexia seems to be friendlier to your liver and kidneys, but you also need to take something for you're bowles as well as it bungs you up. You need to read the information on the drug before you take it.

In my opinion, for back pain you need a holistic approach. For severe onset, like immediate relief, Endone 50 mg or Palexia with 2 paracetamol. For control/night time, palexia sr 100mg plus anti-inflammatory(that one starting with an 'a' ...ano..something), hot water bottle, a good matress, gentle massage and splashing around in the pool. As the pain gets better, slowly stop the palexia and just take 2 x penadol 500mg (4 hourly) and the anti-inflammatory plus massage and hot water bottle.
Also eat lots of Kale or leafy greens and drink plenty of water.



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Palexia is not yet registered for use in Thailand so I am surprised to hear a hospital had it. Was this a private hospital?

 

It is a class 2 narcotic so if/when available in Thailand, only from hospitals

 

 

 

Hi Sheryl, you are correct I'd say. I just checked and the box of tabs were tramadol.
Maybe I asked for Palexia and got tramadol.

Sorry to confuse the OP.

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Any recommendations on what to do, what I can get legally and realistically what I should be paying.  If anyone's on Samui, do they know a pharmacy that isn't going to pull my pants down, preferably in Lamai?  700 baht for 8 tablets is extortionate right?

 

 

So which is it OP?

You want to buy something that is legal?

( Codeine is not legal OTC)

Or are you seeking a cheaper pharmacy to buy illegal Codeine?

 

I suggest you get some Advil and gut it out...

 

OP, do you have a diagnosis of what is causing the back pain? Painkillers are treating the symptom, not the cause.

I have chronic osteoarthritis of the lower spine. I manage it with morning stretching exercises and Thai massage. Gave up medications for pain about ten years ago, don't need them.

Any recommendations on what to do, what I can get legally and realistically what I should be paying.  If anyone's on Samui, do they know a pharmacy that isn't going to pull my pants down, preferably in Lamai?  700 baht for 8 tablets is extortionate right?
 
 
So which is it OP?
You want to buy something that is legal?
( Codeine is not legal OTC)
Or are you seeking a cheaper pharmacy to buy illegal Codeine?
 
I suggest you get some Advil and gut it out...
 

Considering that they are breaking the law and risking their pharmacy license selling you codeine, I very much doubt you'll find it for less. I also cannot guarantee (a) that it is genuine (not unusual for pharmacies selling things they aren't allowed to, to do so with fakes) and (2) that you won't get in trouble for it. However strange it may seem to someone voming grom a country whete it is sold OTC, codeine in any quantity is a Class 2 narcotic in Thailand -- same category and legal status as morphine.

You can get a strip of tramadol with paracetemol for probably 100 baht or so. And can easily get a wide range of NSAIDs.


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I apply DMSO in gel. Bought in a Vet for horses in Dubai. About 10-15 USD for 16 Oz. End of the story and end of the pain. 

(Not intended for medical use)