Parents, Know the Facts! – Codeine

CODEINE IS AN OPIOID. OPIOIDS INTERACT WITH OPIOID RECEPTORS IN THE BRAIN AND BRING ABOUT A RANGE OF RESPONSES, FROM FEELINGS OF PAIN RELIEF TO RELAXATION, PLEASURE AND CONTENTMENT.

This substance is broken down by the liver and reverts to morphine. It’s a naturally occurring substance that makes up about 2 percent of opium and is the most commonly ingested opiate.

Forms of codeine: tablets, capsules, suppositories, soluble powders and tablets, liquids.

EFFECTS OF CODEINE

There is no safe level of substance use/misuse. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of substance. The following effects may be experienced:

Drowsiness, itching or rash, constipation and stomach cramps, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, low blood pressure, dizziness, and seizures.

WITHDRAWAL

Symptoms vary in intensity depending on the individual’s tolerance, overall health and metabolism, as well as the frequency and duration of substance misuse. These symptoms can include:

Insomnia, intense drug cravings, runny eyes and nose, chills and goosebumps, stomach cramps, psychosis, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, irritability, agitation, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, racing thoughts, hallucinations, delusions.

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Depression, anxiety, fatigue, impaired memory, liver damage, kidney damage, muscle spasms, acute pancreatitis, increased sensitivity to pain, muscle twitches, cramps, spasms and pain, respiratory depression, and death.