What will codeine do to me

If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Even if your ability to drive is not affected, the police have the right to request a saliva sample to check how much codeine is in your body. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking codeine.

Codeine doesn't affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception. But, if you are taking codeine because you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.

Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin while you're taking codeine, you're more likely to get the serious side effects of codeine including breathing difficulties, heart problems, seizures and even go into a coma. Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, will also increase codeine side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness.

Taking heroin while you're on prescribed codeine is especially dangerous. You're more likely to get all the side effects of codeine, including addiction. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on codeine. Page last reviewed: 27 November Next review due: 27 November Codeine On this page About codeine Key facts Who can and can't take codeine How and when to take it Taking codeine with other painkillers Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About codeine Codeine is a painkiller. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Codeine works by stopping pain signals from travelling along the nerves to the brain.

The most common side effects of codeine are constipation, feeling sick nausea and feeling sleepy. It's possible to become addicted to codeine, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted. If you need to take codeine for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine. It may be best not to drink alcohol while taking codeine as you're more likely to get side effects like feeling sleepy.

Do not give codeine to children under 12 years old. Only give codeine to children aged 12 to 18 years if everyday painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen haven't worked. Codeine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and older. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have: had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicines in the past a lung problem a head injury adrenal gland problems an illness which causes seizures an addiction to alcohol an underactive thyroid gland kidney or liver problems gallstones an enlarged prostate low blood pressure myasthenia gravis a rare illness that causes muscle weakness symptoms of ulcerative colitis a bowel condition Do not give codeine to children who are under 18 years old and have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea.

Different types of codeine Codeine comes as: tablets - these contain 15mg, 30mg or 60mg of codeine a liquid that you swallow - this contains 25mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful cough syrup - this contains 15mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful an injection usually given in hospital If you're taking codeine as a liquid, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount.

Dosage The usual dose of codeine is 15mg to 60mg. The usual dose for treating pain: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets mg in 24 hours children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid every 6 hours elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet every 4 hours The usual dose for treating diarrhoea: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet You can take this dose 3 or 4 times a day.

The usual dose for treating a cough: adults and children usually take one or two 5ml spoonfuls of cough syrup 3 or 4 times a day. Important: Overdose warning It's important not to take more than your prescribed dose. Do not take more than 4 doses of codeine in 24 hours if you're: a child aged 12 to 17 years taking a 60mg dose. Will my dose go up or down? If you get side effects your dose may go down.

How long will I take it for? You might only need to take codeine for a few days. What if I forget to take it? Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. What will happen if I stop taking it? If you stop taking it suddenly it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as: feeling agitated feeling anxious shaking sweating. Important If you have been taking codeine for more than a few weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.

What if I take too much? Taking too much codeine can be dangerous. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Storing codeine If you've been prescribed codeine, it's particularly important that you: store it properly and safely at home keep it out of the sight and reach of children never give your medicine to anyone else Return any unused codeine to your pharmacist.

They will dispose of it. Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or don't go away: constipation feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting feeling sleepy confusion, feeling dizzy and vertigo a sensation of spinning dry mouth headaches Serious side effects Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in people.

Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to codeine. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: constipation - try to get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Updated by: Jacob L. Editorial team. Codeine overdose. Poisonous Ingredient. Symptoms of a codeine overdose include: Bluish fingernails and lips Breathing problems, such as slow and labored breathing, shallow breathing, no breathing Cold, clammy skin Confusion Constipation Drowsiness, fatigue, weakness Flushing of the skin Itching Lightheadedness, dizziness Loss of consciousness, coma Low blood pressure, weak pulse Muscle twitches Nausea and vomiting Tiny pupils Spasms of the stomach and intestines Some of these symptoms may occur even when a person takes the correct amount of codeine.

Before Calling Emergency. Have this information ready: Person's age, weight, and condition The name of the product ingredients and strength, if known When it was swallowed The amount swallowed If the medicine was prescribed for the person.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room. Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.

Codeine on its own is only available on prescription, unauthorised possession is illegal. Small amounts of codeine are in some medicines which can be bought without prescription but only in pharmacies. These medicines include cough syrups, and tablets or capsules where the codeine is combined with other medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, for treating headaches, period pain etc.

Codeine containing medicines carry warnings on the packs about the risk of addiction and advise that the non-prescription medicines should only be used for up to three days at a time without medical advice. If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or drinking, call for an ambulance. Tell the crew everything you know. It could save their life. How it looks, tastes and smells What does it look like?

Small white pills or tablets A syrup — like a cough syrup A solution — for injecting. How do people take it? Codeine is used to treat mild to moderate pain and diarrhea. If you think someone you love is abusing Codeine, contact a treatment provider today. This creates a particularly disarming attitude toward Codeine, which can lead to addiction or abuse of more potent Opiates. At large doses, this may cause a person to stop breathing entirely and can be potentially fatal.

Other dangerous results of an overdose on Codeine include seizures and coma. The immediate side effects of Codeine vary based on the individual user and the amount of the drug taken. These side effects can range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the possible short-term side effects include:. Make a Call Prolonged and frequent Codeine abuse can lead to maladaptive behaviors and health problems.

Some of the long-term effects of Codeine abuse include:. Galloway, NJ. View Center. Boca Raton, FL. Once a Codeine user becomes tolerant of the drug, they will require more of it to achieve the previous high.

In cases of prolonged use, the drug is needed just to feel normal. Because Codeine is an easily obtained legal substance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between use, abuse, and addiction. However, there are a few telltale signs that something may be amiss, such as increasing doses and ignoring personal responsibilities.

Clinicians and addiction specialists can diagnose Codeine addiction by following a specific set of criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Having a tolerance to Codeine and experiencing cravings are some examples of these criteria.

A person who regularly abuses Codeine may be diagnosed with a mild, moderate, or severe addiction, which helps determine the right course of treatment. Learn More.

The most effective way to persuade someone to get help for their Codeine addiction is to stage an intervention. Because of the legality and accessibility of Codeine, some people have a hard time recognizing they have a problem.