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If a person becomes addicted to codeine, there is a good chance that this will have a negative impact on his or her body. The same often times holds true when somebody is using the drug in the appropriate manner, such as when prescribed by a medical professional.
There are many dangers of codeine abuse, including both short and long term effects. For those who are prescribed the drug, these will be discussed by the prescribing doctor. For those who are taking the drug without medical supervision, it is often times more difficult to understand the risks.
As an opiate, codeine suppresses breathing. For this reason, those who abuse the drug often times run into issues with catching their breath or slowed breathing. Either way, this can have a big impact.
There are other dangers of codeine drug abuse, including but not limited to the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Faintness
- Slowed heart rate
To go along with the physical impact of codeine abuse, this drug can also alter a person’s mental state. Some of the most common mental effects of abuse include:
- Irritation
- Confusion
- Agitation
In serious cases, somebody who takes too much codeine at one time could be faced with convulsions or hallucinations, both of which are extremely dangerous. Along with this, overdosing is not out of the question and has claimed the lives of many in the past.
Addiction

The effects of codeine abuse are very serious!
The more often a person takes codeine the better chance there is that he or she will run into a variety of side effects, both mental and physical. At the same time, there is always the chance that the person could develop an addiction.
The length of time that it takes to develop a codeine addiction is based on many factors, including how much of the drug they have been taking, how often, and their overall level of health.
Some people become addicted to codeine after a few weeks of taking the drug. Others, however, may find that they don’t feel addicted for a longer period of time, such as several months. And then there are those who never develop an addiction, despite long term use.
For many people, codeine is a drug that helps them better deal with pain. For others, this drug is abused for all the wrong reasons. Either way, it is important to realize that there are dangers associated with the substance. Furthermore, these dangers can sneak up on a person without notice.
The dangers of codeine abuse are well known. Those who abuse this drug often times deal with a variety of mental and physical side effects, some of which can be extremely serious.
Overdose Symptoms -
In rare but potential cases, codeine overdose can occur. The symptoms of codeine overdose may include: difficulty breathing excessive drowsiness or sleepiness losing consciousness losing muscle tone cold & clammy skin fainting or passing out reduced heartbeat bluish lips weakness weak pulse gastrointestinal problems including spasms low blood pressure seizures Before You Call 911 If ...
Health Risks of Codeine Abuse -
Contrary to popular belief codeine can be dangerous if it is abused. Codeine abuse has been on the rise in the United States and is widely used by teenagers and young people because it is so easily accessible. Codeine is prescribed for pain but it may also be prescribed to treat diarrhea and coughs that ...
Signs of Codeine Overdose -
Codeine exists as a powerful narcotic drug and an over-the-counter pain relief medication. This apparent versatility in usage purposes does not discount the potentially dangerous effects of codeine when used for nonmedical purposes. Codeine’s classification as an opiate drug puts it in the same class of drugs as morphine and heroin. Though it’s less potent ...
Signs of Codeine Tolerance -
Codeine is a narcotic analgesic that can be obtained directly from opium or though a methylation of morphine. It’s most common uses are for treatment of mild to moderate pain and to relieve persistent and painful coughs. Like its counterpart, morphine, codeine has the potential to produce tolerance after only a few uses. Codeine for Pain ...
Side Effects of Codeine that Need Medical Attention -
Codeine exists as one of many opiate-based pain relief drugs. Unlike many prescription pain medications, codeine comes directly from the opium poppy seed plant. As one of the less potent opiate drugs, codeine became the first opiate-based medication to be sold as an over-the-counter product. In spite of its widespread availability, codeine carries the same ...