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
Commonly Overlooked Codeine Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms -
Codeine addiction withdrawal is a common problem for those who attempt to get sober following extended use of codeine. Some people will not realize that they are actually suffering from withdrawal because they may have been taking codeine for legitimate pain and then stopped when the pain stopped or the problem healed. If you are ...
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 ...
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 ...
5 Effects Codeine Addiction Can Have on Your Life -
1. Codeine Overdose Codeine overdose can be deadly. If a person can be treated early enough, the symptoms can be reversed, but this is not always possible. According to the NIDA, “codeine-promethazine cough syrup has been linked to the overdose deaths of some prominent musicians.” Codeine overdose causes extreme respiratory depression. The risk of respiratory failure ...
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 ...