What drugs for a hike?

Ibuprofen taken before ypu start.

Or MDMA

Co-codamol can definitely take the edge off when the going gets a bit painful although Tj’s alternative might be nice!

https://hempearth.ca/2024/12/19/hempearth-the-man-running-500-miles-on-psychedelics/

Over the counter,  prob Ibuprofen as TJ says.

Well, speaking from the perspective of someone who has osteoarthritis in his left knee, and severe osteoarthritis in both thumb joints, which admittedly doesn’t affect actually walking, but is just painful all the time, Naproxen and CoCodamol are on my regular prescription.
Other than having drugs like that on prescription, then Ibuprofen, Voltarol and Codein if you can get hold of any - a place I used to work at back in the 70’s had a medicine drawer in a cabinet in the main office, with a bottle with 1000 Codein tablets in…

Bolivian marching powder

Ibuprofen (or other nsaids) reduces the inflamation and swelling so is first line .  Paracetamol and codine can be taken as well as all 3 have different actions.

Beaten to it by @temudgin. Got to be Columbia’s finest, surely. Drop some acid too to go full ‘Jacobs Ladder’

Co-codamol can definitely take the edge off when the going gets a bit painful although Tj’s alternative might be nice!

It works, but it's horrible stuff. Don't take if you need to do any thinking, like navigating or whatever. I used it for a trapped nerve about 15 years ago, totally lost the ability to do even simple mental arithmetic

MDMA was a joke!

Maybe you got it from the wrong person?

Cocodamol or just paracetamol. I’d not be taking NSAIDS for on a hike, they’re bloody harsh things on your stomach.

Whilst drac is right that some people do have horrible stomach issues with NSAIDs (ibuprofen and it’s cousins) many don’t have them with infrequent use, eating, avoiding alchohol and taking any stomach meds (like omeprazole) you sometimes need.

Presumably the OP will already know if they have issues with ibuprofen, but I’d say a first time user on cocodamol may be more likely to have a trip ending experience n(dizziness, vomiting, inability to concentrate erc).

I don’t have osteoarthritis but I do have some other issues!  I find that for prolonged activity the trick is to take the NSAIDs two hours before you start.  The temptation is to wait until you notice the pain / it gets noticeably worse - but if you know it’s inevitable far better to preempt it and then continue that dose throughout (being careful not to exceed the max).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayahuasca

Sorry, not sorry!

MDMA was a joke!

I should bloody well hope so too. You’re not going to cover many miles if everyone’s stopping for a group hug every couple of minutes

it makes the trails come alive!

Magic mushrooms..... pick as you go?

Magic mushrooms….. pick as you go?

Smoke a rock every now and then...plenty just lying around up there

Try a couple of heel raises in your boots, it will keep your ankle in a more comfortable range of movement rather than the extreme of dorsiflexion which is what your ankle does going uphill. Try them out before you do the hill walk (1 in each boot, they are sold as pairs)

Drugs - I would use ibuprofen then codeine when the pain was present and intrusive. I can take one if I have high pain levels and it is effective, if I take 2 I am away with the fairies

ibruprofen every four hours, paracetamol on top if you get a fuzzy head, drink plenty of water with salts (ie high5 tabs)

not so sure about the bolivian maybe a bit windy to snort..

Based on a mate's experiences of running a half marathon, take a joint, find a portaloo, and turn it into a hotbox...

Otherwise I guess regular ibuprofen, but do stay hydrated. And is your osteoarthritis affected by cold at all, because if so definitely think about layers.

Pending hip replacement here, the thing that improves my walking the most is using walking poles, they make a masive difference - if you've not got some, go get some.

As for the drugs Naproxen daily and then co-codamol if I know I'm going to be doing something streneous.

Its important to take the ibuprofen before you start as it reduces the inflammation.   Top up wirh paracetamol.   Id avoid codine if you can depending how you react to it.  Codine works well for me but mucks ip my decision making

second vote for Naproxen. just be careful on the stomach and take the omezaprole if it's causing acid etc. takes the edge off for gout so will probably help with yours

Have you ever read 'Fear and loathing in Las Vegas'?

We are in bat country here

It works, but it’s horrible stuff. Don’t take if you need to do any thinking, like navigating or whatever. I used it for a trapped nerve about 15 years ago, totally lost the ability to do even simple mental arithmetic

Co-codamol doesn’t have that effect on everyone.  Might be worth trying first.

I’d not be taking NSAIDS for on a hike, they’re bloody harsh things on your stomach.

I was fine with ibuprofen, Naproxen and other NSAIDS.  Probably helped that I didn’t take them on an empty stomach.  Again, probably try them first.

Naproxen (after you've had a decent breakfast, prob also with omezaprole) and then dose with paracetamol and repeat the cycle depending how long you are out.

Tried co-codamol over the counter strength last night, no weird effects thankfully but really took the edge off the pain. I'll be saving that for the end of the walk. My wife will be driving so no worries there.

Luckily I tolerate Ibuprofen well so I'll be using that or Naproxen alternating with paracetamol for the walk.

Thanks for all the advice.