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