How can I safely taper off codeine and manage neuropathy pain?

Posted by lane73 @lane73, Dec 18, 2025

I have Osteoporosis and Neuropathy but my GP does not want me on pain meds...I am currently on 150mg Codeine....I did try Lyrica but had a dreadful reaction the Codeine suits me but Doc does not want me on it
.I have tried several times to quit but get too many pains in my legs to keep it up...what is the ACTUAL TIME involved for a withdrawal of 150mg Codeine is it days or weeks...the physical time not the follow up.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 19, 2025

@lane73, the actual time it takes to come off an opioid, like codeine, will be different for each person. To avoid withdrawal you and your prescribing doctor can create a plan to stop opioids slowly, called a taper. Tapering means slowly lowering over time the amount of opioid medicine you take until you stop completely.

How long it takes to taper off your medicine depends on the type and dose of the opioid you've been taking and how long you've been taking it. You may need weeks, months or even longer to slowly and safely lower your dose and stop taking your opioid medicine.

Here's more information from Mayo Clinic
- Tapering off opioids: When and how https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/tapering-off-opioids-when-and-how/art-20386036

You mentioned that you tried Lyrica but had a terrible reaction. Had you tapered off codeine before switching medications or had you abruptly stopped codeine? I ask because I wonder if the reaction with to Lyrica or a withdrawal from stopping the opioid. Ask your doctor about ways you can safely help manage your pain while tapering.

You can do this!