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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
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 ... 
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 ... 
Telltale Codeine Overdose Symptoms -
Codeine is a narcotic pain-reliever, much like hydrocodone but in liquid form. This drug numbs the receptors to the brain that initiate pain signals when you are hurt. Codeine slows down your entire system including breathing and the process of thinking. Codeine must be prescribed by a doctor. If the medication is used when not ... 
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, ... 
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 ...