What Is Codeine: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police is preparing to expand the scope of investigation into the codeine-based cough syrup diversion racket worth crores of rupees. In this, three pharmaceutical manufacturing firms have been made accused, who are accused of helping smugglers in making illegal supplies in large quantities.
In the meantime, let us know what codeine is, what are its side effects and risks.
What is codeine? (What is Codeine?)
Codeine is an opiate commonly prescribed to relieve mild to moderate pain when over-the-counter pain relievers cannot be used or are not effective enough. It can also be used to manage diarrhea and suppress cough, although scientific evidence is lacking to prove its efficacy for cough relief.
Codeine addiction
Codeine is also used as a combination medication, with the most popular combination being codeine/acetaminophen (Panadeine Forte®, Vopac®, and Tylenol® #3). Other common combinations include codeine/ibuprofen (Nurofen Plus®, Solpadeine®) and codeine/aspirin (Aspalgin®). Some street names of codeine are Schoolboy, Captain Cody and Lean.
Codeine is available as tablets (immediate or controlled-release), oral liquid, and injectable solution.
It binds to opioid receptors present in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby blocking the transmission of pain signals between the body and brain. Although it provides pain relief, codeine can also cause euphoria by increasing dopamine levels, increasing the potential for addiction.
Side effects of codeine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- stomach pain
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- itchy skin
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- Tiredness
- muscle stiffness
- low blood pressure
- change in heartbeat
- difficulty urinating
- Additionally, long-term use of codeine increases the risk of:
- Tolerance
- dependency
- Addiction
Codeine overdose
- stomach and intestinal problems
- Liver and kidney damage
- difficulty breathing
If you get any side effects (not mentioned above), tell your doctor. If serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, occur, seek medical help immediately.
Can codeine be addictive?
Despite being a relatively weak opioid, codeine can be addictive. Like most opioids—morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl—it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. This means it can only be taken on prescription, whether to relieve pain or suppress coughs.
Codeine not only causes euphoria and relaxation, but it also increases the production of opioid receptors. In such a situation, it is common for people to take excessive amounts of this medicine, especially when they become addicted to it. This is the misuse of codeine, which significantly increases the risk of codeine addiction and overdose.
codeine abuse statistics
In 2021, 26.4% (2.3 million) of prescription pain reliever abusers over the age of 12 specifically abused codeine products, making codeine the third most abused prescription painkiller in the United States.
More than 11,700 Americans died in 2021 from drug overdoses involving codeine and other natural and semi-synthetic opioids.
In 2020, acetaminophen/codeine was the 187th most prescribed drug in the United States, with approximately 2.8 million prescriptions issued to more than 1.3 million patients.
Opioids like codeine are involved in 72% of drug overdose deaths.
Symptoms of Codeine Addiction
If you or a loved one has opioid cravings, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, and other withdrawal symptoms after quitting codeine, consider it a sign of codeine dependence and seek medical help.
In addition to opioid withdrawal symptoms, some physical symptoms that may indicate codeine abuse and addiction include:
- muscle cramps
- skin rashes and itching
- seizures
- difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- unconsciousness
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- shrinking of pupils of the eyes
Apart from physical symptoms, people addicted to codeine may also suffer from frequent mood swings, depression, anxiety, hallucinations and similar psychological symptoms.
Risks of codeine overdose
Although codeine is less potent than many other opioids, it can still cause a potentially life-threatening overdose. Especially if you misuse the medicine or take it after abstinence for some time, that is, you get addicted again. Sometimes, even an extra dose taken by mistake can be enough to cause an overdose. For this reason, you should always monitor your codeine intake carefully.