Dangers Of Codeine Abuse: Uses, Side Effects And Warnings Associated With Codeine

Codeine is a naturally occurring phenanthrene alkaloid and opioid agonist with analgesic, antidiarrheal and antitussive activities. Codeine mimics the actions of endogenous opioids by binding to the opioid receptors at many sites within the central nervous system (CNS).

Research have shown that codeine abuse may sustain addiction or increase the risk of relapse in patients addicted to other drugs.

In this article, we shed more light on the uses, side effects and warnings associated with codeine usage. 

What kind of drug is codeine?

Codeine is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine and hydrocodone but is much less potent as an analgesic and has only mild sedative effects. Its primary site of action is at the mu opioid receptors distributed throughout the central nervous system

What are the side effects of codeine?

Common codeine side effects include:

• feeling dizzy or drowsy;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• constipation;
• sweating; or.
• mild itching or rash.

Warnings

Codeine can impair thinking and physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery.

Alcohol and other sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) can produce further brain impairment and even confusion when combined with codeine. Therefore, alcohol and other sedatives should not be used when taking codeine.

Codeine should not be used in patients taking MAOIs Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs.