call 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) for a free referral.

Codeine side effects can vary but most of them are very uncomfortable.
Generally, the side effects associated with codeine use are mild and do not require immediate medical attention. In some cases, if the side effects do not go away in time or with discontinued use of the drug, or if you suffer from certain side effects while taking codeine, medical attention will be required. Codeine is an opioid analgesic drug that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and does not frequently cause allergic reactions.
The most widely observed adverse reactions to codeine include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- sedation
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- sweating
- constipation
- feeling lightheaded
Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction while taking codeine:
- hives
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Some side effects of codeine are not considered an emergency but should be discussed with your doctor. For instance, if you feel like you are going to pass out or you are very confused while taking codeine, you should speak with your doctor at once.
Additional side effects of codeine that warrant the need for a talk with your doctor include:
- slowed heart rate
- weak pulse or shallow breathing
- agitation or unusual thoughts or behaviors
- hallucinations
- extreme feelings of happiness or depression
- seizures
- difficulty urinating
Codeine also has many side effects that may be bothersome or difficult for you to deal with but are not dangerous or harmful to your health and do not require doctor’s notice.
Some of the most common, but least serious side effects of codeine include:
- dizziness or drowsiness
- nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps
- constipation
- sweating
- itching
- mood swings
- headaches
- feeling lightheaded
Symptoms of Codeine Dependence -
Codeine is an opioid narcotic analgesic that is recommended in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and coughs. In short term treatments, codeine may cause a relatively minor physical dependence. However, in long term use or abuse, it can cause a harsher physical dependence as well as psychological dependence which may increase the risk ...
5 Short-Term Effects of Codeine -
Codeine is one of the few opiate-type drugs that’s marketed in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Codeine produces pain-relieving effects and also acts as an effective cough suppressant agent. In spite of its wide range of medicinal uses, the effects of codeine can be detrimental when used for nonmedical purposes. When ingested, the initial experience ...
Potentially Serious Long-Term Effects of Codeine -
Codeine is a narcotic, an opiate-based drug used to relieve a patient’s moderate or mild pain. It is a prescription drug and can also be found in combination with other medications to reduce coughing. Codeine is a very beneficial medication for treating a variety of pain symptoms, but it can have many serious effects in the ...
Causes Effects & Dangers of Codeine Dependence -
Codeine medications are safe to use as directed with a low to moderate risk of dependence. In most cases, they are prescribed to treat short term conditions and should not be used for longer periods or in abusive ways. Codeine Uses While codeine has had a number of historical uses, it is most commonly used today ...