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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.
Dangers of Snorting Codeine -
People who use codeine on a regular basis often find themselves ingesting increasingly larger doses of the drug over time. Like all opiate-type drugs, the brain develops an ongoing tolerance of codeine’s effects, so more of the drug is needed to produce the desired “high” effects. After a certain point, codeine in pill form can ...
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 ...
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As a Schedule II class narcotic, codeine’s medicinal benefits can quickly become harmful when it’s not taken as prescribed. Whether used for recreational purposes or pain treatment, excess amounts can cause codeine side effects, many of which can be dangerous. Codeine affects the body’s ability to carry out normal functions in general. These effects play ...
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