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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 of addiction.
Codeine Medications
The potency of codeine compared to morphine is about 10% and in pure form, codeine is a Schedule II narcotic, however most codeine products contain less than 90 mg of codeine and are classified as Schedule III drugs except in cough syrups containing less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters which are Schedule V drugs, according to the DEA.
Codeine products used to treat pain may be combined with other ingredients such as acetaminophen or aspirin to enhance the analgesic effects and reduce harmful risks including abuse. Codeine cough syrups are combined with expectorants and antihistamines and are a favorite pastime for some abusers.
Codeine Effects
Codeine acts as a central nervous system depressant to reduce pain and cough stimuli, but, it also depresses other functions and can decrease breathing or heart rate which can be significantly dangerous. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “Some people metabolize codeine much faster and more completely than others.” Codeine side effects may include relaxation, drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, constipation, nausea, impaired cognition, and declined motor functions. In higher doses, codeine can produce euphoria.
Physical Symptoms of Codeine Dependence
The more codeine a person takes the greater their tolerance will become as their bodies adapt to its use and tolerance is marked by decreased effectiveness. Codeine dependence increases with tolerance and is recognized when withdrawals occur after discontinuing use.
Physical withdrawal symptoms are usually minor compared to other opioids and produce symptoms of nausea, headache, chills, stomach pains, sweating, or fatigue.
Psychological Symptoms of Codeine Dependence
When you are dependent on codeine you’ll feel sick after a day or so without it.
Psychological dependence is much more complicated and can occur when the brain becomes adapted to the repeat codeine use. All opioids increase dopamine in the brain which helps to regulate behaviors and reinforce those that bear repeating such as eating, or having fun.
Evidence shows that drugs which increase dopamine levels above normal can cause the person to experience cravings for the drug and psychological withdrawals when they are discontinued.
Psychological withdrawals from codeine abuse may include agitation, restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Some behavioral changes from psychological dependence may include:
- Fear of running out of codeine
- Obsessing over next dose
- Denying or hiding the amounts used or frequency of doses
- Using fraudulent means to obtain more codeine
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Need to use codeine to feel normal
- Loss of interest in activities not involving codeine use
Dangers of Codeine Drug Abuse -
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, ... 
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 ... 
Dangers of Codeine Overdose -
Brain damage and fatality can occur from a Codeine overdose Codeine, on its own, is a prescribed pain killer Codeine will slow down a person’s respiratory and nervous system How Codeine works Codeine is typically found mixed with other drugs to help people alleviate pain in the body caused from different ailments or diseases. Codeine ... 
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 Cough Syrup Addiction -
It has become a popular trend in recent years to abuse codeine cough syrup by mixing it with soda or alcohol. This combination, according to the University of Texas, is sometimes called lean, “for the side effect causing users to lose their coordination.” This drug has many side effect of its use and, unbeknownst to ...