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Codeine is an opioid analgesic that is often provided to patients for the treatment of pain associated with surgical procedure, injury or certain types of illness. This medication is a Schedule II Controlled Substance according to the DEA. This means that there is a substantial risk for abuse of the drug and that such use can be dangerous. Recognizing the signs of a Codeine high can help you to determine whether someone you love may be in some sort of trouble.
Confusion
Confusion is one of the more common signs of a codeine high that is noticed by outsiders. The individual may not realize what he or she is doing. He may act out of place or do something that doesn’t quite seem to fit in with what’s going on. If you notice a loved one who is acting confused, confront him or her about whether a drug may have been taken.
Lethargy and Fatigue

Someone who is high on codeine may show drowsiness and confusion.
Codeine, like other opiates, can cause strong lethargy in the user and will often result in fatigue. The individual may seem like he or she has very heavy limbs that are difficult to pick up. They may slouch or walk very slowly as if they are not in a hurry to get very far.
Labored Breathing
According to Medline Plus, Codeine use can lead to shallow or labored breathing that is dangerous for the user. If you suspect that someone you love has taken Codeine, and you notice that the individual is having trouble breathing, contact 911 immediately. Shallow or slow breathing can lead to reduced oxygen in the body, primarily to the brain, and may cause stroke, seizures or death. Look for bluish lips, fingernails or bluing to the skin to determine if someone you love may be suffering from a potential overdose on Codeine.
Mood Changes
Codeine use can cause an array of mood changes. Significant, inexplicable mood changes are common when an individual is high on codeine. The mood changes may be more noticeable when the individual does not have codeine; this is a sign that the individual is developing a dependence on the drug and that further help should be sought.
Itching
Codeine, heroin, and other opiates are notorious for causing the user to scratch and itch. If you notice an individual chronically acting as if he or she is itchy all over, opiates may be to blame. Often times, the itching sensation is reduced with time and tolerance but in early use, itching is one of the more common signs of a codeine high.
Codeine Withdrawal Timeline -
Long term codeine use takes a toll on the body leaving it dependent on the drug’s effects to function normally. For someone who stops using, the body requires a certain amount of time to repair and restore normal functions. Codeine withdrawal symptoms result from this repair process. With ongoing use, a person’s tolerance level and overall ...
Telltale Codeine Overdose Symptoms -
Codeine is a narcotic pain-reliever, much like hydrocodone but in liquid form. This drug numbs the receptors to the brain that initiate pain signals when you are hurt. Codeine slows down your entire system including breathing and the process of thinking. Codeine must be prescribed by a doctor. If the medication is used when not ...
Codeine & Nursing Mothers -
Very small amounts of codeine can be excreted in human breast mil which can pose a risk to a nursing infant. The Food & Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory pertaining to a severe (but very rare) side effect that can occur in nursing infants whose mothers take codeine. Because codeine is metabolized as ...
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 ...
Codeine and Pregnancy -
As with many other drugs that are passed on from the mother to unborn fetus, Codeine use should generally be avoided during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both mother and child. At this time, the actual safety of codeine use by pregnant women has not yet been determined and therefore should be avoided whenever ...