Codeine is a widely used natural narcotic primarily for the treatment of pain and suppressing cough. It’s an opiate often produced from morphine and is the starter substance for hydrocodone. Codeine effects increase pain tolerance by binding to receptors in your brain that transmit its sensation.
Compared to morphine, codeine is a weaker version. So to improve its pain relief effectiveness, codeine is frequently combined with acetaminophen or aspirin. Also, codeine is included in some liquid cough suppressants.
Codeine can cause side effects and initially being lightheaded, dizzy, drowsy or nauseated when you start taking this drug is common. However, you may also experience other drug side effects in the beginning, like:
- rash
- pruritus
- vomiting
- headache
- constipation
- stomach pain
- urine retention
- mood changes
If any of these side effects are severe or fail to subside, call your health care provider. And summon immediate help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling or breathing difficulty.
Typically, withdrawing from short term use of codeine causes little, if any, discomfort. Sudden withdrawal from prolonged use of this pain reliever may result in the development of symptoms similar to a serious case of influenza, which can last up to a week.
One indication your body is physically dependent on codeine is you’ll experience headaches and myalgia after your most recent dose wears off. If this is your case, tapering off the drug might be a more pleasant method for reducing your body’s dependency on this opiate.
