Codeine

Codeine is part of a group of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body, from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment. Codeine is used to provide relief from a number of conditions, including:

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Severe pain (when combined with aspirin or paracetamol)
  • Dry irritating cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Cold and flu (when combined with antihistamines and decongestants)
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Common Names:

  • Captain Cody
  • Cody
  • Little C
  • Schoolboy
  • Codeine Syrup includes:
  • Act
  • Lean
  • Purple Drank
  • Sizzurp
  • Texas Tea

How is it used?

Some people misuse codeine by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose to get high, or as an act of self-harm.

Codeine is usually swallowed and comes in different forms, including:
  • Tablets
  • Capsules
  • Suppositories
  • Soluble powders and tablets
  • Liquids

Overdose & Mixing with Other Drugs

Dangerous Signs

If the dose is too high, you might overdose. If you experience any of the below symptoms, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:

  • Inability to pass urine
  • Severe constipation and obstructed bowel
  • Agitation
  • Cold clammy skin with a bluish tinge
  • Mental numbness
  • Very slow, shallow breathing
  • Hallucinations and sometimes seizures
  • Coma and death

Mixing Codeine with other drugs

CODEINE + ALCOHOL

Mental clouding, reduced coordination and slow breathing.

Side Effects of
Codeine

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk – even medications can produce unwanted side effects.

The effects of taking Codeine with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Codeine affects everyone differently, based on:

  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The amount taken

The most common side effects of codeine are:

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion, difficulty concentrating
  • Euphoria, restlessness
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Limbs feeling heavy or muscles feeling stiff
  • Sweating
  • Mild allergic rash, itching and hives
  • Decreased heart rate, palpitations
  • Stomach-ache, nausea, vomiting, constipation
  • Difficulty urinating

Long-term effects:

Regular use of codeine may eventually cause:
  • Constipation
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Irregular periods
  • Tension and muscle twitches
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect
  • Dependence on codeine
  • Financial, work and social problems