Codeine is a less potent opioid drug, but it can still cause severe side effects, physical dependence, and addiction to develop.
Codeine is aprescription opioid medicationused to treat pain and cough. Codeine is a commonly prescribed drug, but it still creates a variety of risks and side effects. As part of the opioid drug class, it’s also a contributor to the nationwide opioid epidemic.
Codeine isless potent than other opioids, such as hydrocodone and morphine. Although codeine also has a lower potential for abuse and addiction, these risks still exist when using the drug.
How Does Codeine Work?
When someone takes codeine, a portion of the drug converts tomorphinewhen it reaches their brain. It then binds to opioid receptors found throughout the central nervous system and creates certain effects in the brain. Higher doses can create a flood of feel-good brain neurotransmitters, which is why some people feel high when using codeine and other opioids.
These effects also change how a person feels sensations of pain. Opioids like codeine increase pain tolerance, so a person feels less pain when using them. Opioids also slow the activity of the central nervous system when they bind to opioid receptors.
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Codeine is often combined withacetaminophento provide extra pain relief and reduce the amount of codeine needed. It can also be prescribed as a cough suppressant.
Codeine Side Effects and Health Risks
Codeine is acontrolled substancein the U.S., meaning it can only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. Using codeine in ways other than prescribed is illegal.
Because codeine is one of the less potent opioids, people can tend to get lulled into a false sense of comfort about its use. However, codeine still carries a number of risks and related side effects.
Common Codeine Side Effects
Some of thecommon side effectsof codeine can include:
- Slow heart rate
- Fainting
- Abnormal dreams
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
It is normal to experience some of these side effects, even when taking codeine as prescribed.
Severe Codeine Side Effects
Less common butsevere side effectsof codeine include:
- Shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Extreme drowsiness
- Seizures
- Urination problems
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Death
Over time, codeine use can also cause addiction and dependence to develop. All opioids, including codeine, have a high risk for abuse and addiction. This is because codeine and other opioids can cause people to feel high, which triggers a cycle of rewarded behavior that leads to drug addiction.
Physical dependence occurs when someone’s brain and body become used to the presence of drugs like codeine. If the person suddenly stops taking the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms as their body adjusts to its absence. Dependence can occur even when someone takes opioids exactly as prescribed. As a result, physicians will often advise patients to follow a taper schedule when stopping the medication.
When codeine is combined with other drugs, such as acetaminophen, additional side effects are possible. Acetaminophencan causeliver damage and acute liver failure if taken in large amounts.
Codeine should never be combined with alcohol because itcan causefurther respiratory depression, which can lead to a fatal overdose. Additionally, mixing a codeine-acetaminophen combination with alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems.
If codeine is takenwith sedativeslike Xanax, it can cause confusion and additional sedative effects. These effects can be dangerous or deadly. You should always let your physician know about any other substances you use before taking codeine.
Is Codeine Bad For You?
If you use it exactly as directed by your doctor, codeine is considered safe but not entirely risk-free. If you abuse it, however, codeine can lead to health problems. For example:
- You can overdose on codeine due to extreme respiratory depression.
- You can develop dependence and addiction.
- You can experience severe side effects, such as seizures.
Before taking codeine, the best thing to do is make sure you have a complete conversation with your physician about possible side effects. Your doctor can discuss codeine with you and determine whether it’ll be a safe medication for you to use.
