Pain Killers
Fairlady|September/October 2020
In our May issue, we unpacked the dangers of abusing popular over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller powders. This month, we look at opiates – especially those that contain codeine, which are among the most-abused painkillers worldwide. And many are sold OTC here in South Africa.
Glynis Horning
Pain Killers

When saleswoman and single mom Anne D found herself checking into Joburg’s Houghton House outpatient clinic at age 48 for an addiction problem, she couldn’t quite believe it. ‘It wasn’t like I was using cocaine, heroin, or even abusing alcohol,’ she says. But she was among a growing number of largely middle-aged, middle-class women who, while they wouldn’t dream of dabbling in hard drugs, have come to use over-the-counter (OTC) opiate painkillers in potentially lethal quantities.

‘It crept up on me,’ she says. Anne has fibromyalgia, which causes musculo-skeletal pain accompanied by problems with sleep, memory and mood as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. ‘I had tried different OTC options, but I was in constant physical and emotional pain. Then one day, nine years ago, I developed a bad sinus infection and the pharmacist recommended Sinal Co. It was fantastic – it fixed not just my sinus headache, but my other pain, and I could sleep for once! Codeine also has a way of numbing everything, including emotional pain. So I kept taking it. But I had to take more for the same effect…’

Anne was aware of the warning on the packet: not to exceed the recommended dose of two tablets every six hours, and not to continue them for more than 10 days without seeing a doctor. ‘I ignored it. I’d been struggling with pain and sleep for so long; nothing had helped like this. And I reasoned if something was available over the counter, how dangerous could it be?’

This story is from the September/October 2020 edition of Fairlady.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September/October 2020 edition of Fairlady.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FAIRLADYView All
Easter with edge
Fairlady

Easter with edge

Grant knows what it's like to miss out on the celebrations that anchor family life.

time-read
9 mins  |
March/April 2024
The MALE bias
Fairlady

The MALE bias

Historically, medical studies were mainly done on male mice and on men; and then extrapolated to treat women, as if a female body were just a smaller version of a male one. Here’s why that doesn’t make sense, and how to work with your body’s natural rhythm for better health.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024
Wellbeing
Fairlady

Wellbeing

How to sleep better, feel better and look better!

time-read
2 mins  |
March/April 2024
The other type of CHEATING
Fairlady

The other type of CHEATING

Lies about money can have devastating consequences in a relationship.

time-read
5 mins  |
March/April 2024
THE 'PEST' IN PESTICIDES
Fairlady

THE 'PEST' IN PESTICIDES

oe r Despite many highly Hs hazardous pesticides being banned in their countries of origin, 192 of them are still legally exported to South Africa

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024
START A BUSINESS LIKE a Saffer
Fairlady

START A BUSINESS LIKE a Saffer

There's nothing quite like a South African entrepreneur. In the face of adversity, they innovate and persevere. But what fuels that determination? We chatted to some self-starters to find out.

time-read
9 mins  |
March/April 2024
How to take the MONOTONY OUT OF MONOGAMY
Fairlady

How to take the MONOTONY OUT OF MONOGAMY

It's easy to get complacent in a long-term relationship. Before you know it, your partner is little more than your roommate. Here's how to shake things up.

time-read
7 mins  |
March/April 2024
SUPER TROUPER
Fairlady

SUPER TROUPER

At one point, Josie Borain was the most famous model in the world. Her face was on every magazine that mattered. And in the madness of all that attention, she never lost her sense of self. She talks to us about turning 60, being single, and starting her third act with a move to the platteland.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024
Little wonder
Fairlady

Little wonder

Over the years we have visited 16 Greek islands, but when we first set foot on Halki, the little-known gem just south of Rhodes, we knew we'd found the closest thing to the perfect one. And we vowed to return. Often.

time-read
4 mins  |
March/April 2024
HOME AFFAIRS
Fairlady

HOME AFFAIRS

These three entrepreneurs are redefining the heartbeat of homes through their unique blend of creativity, sustainability and purposeful design.

time-read
6 mins  |
March/April 2024