Codeine Overdose Symptoms To Look Out For

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Codeine, one of several opiate drugs on the market, works well at relieving pain symptoms or for cough suppression, but poses a considerable risk of abuse, especially when taken for long periods of time. Codeine is derived from the opium poppy plant and is closely related to morphine.  When taken in large enough doses, codeine overdose quickly overpowers the brain’s ability to maintain normal bodily functions.

Anyone who abuses codeine is at risk of an overdose. Understanding how the drug works and getting treatment for codeine addiction goes a long way towards preventing a codeine overdose from occurring.

We can help you find addiction treatment. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll-free for help today.

Codeine’s Effects

Codeine’s pain-relieving effects result from the drug’s ability to intercept nerve signal transmissions and slow the rate at which pain sensations reach the brain. Codeine does this by stimulating the release of certain neurotransmitters throughout the brain and central nervous system.

Unfortunately, these same neurotransmitters play central roles in regulating almost every major body system, some of which include:

• Respiratory
• Digestive
• Cardiovascular
• Cognitive processes

With codeine abuse, excess amounts of the drug impair brain and central nervous system function. Codeine overdose symptoms develop once one or more of these systems start to break down as a result of the drug’s overpowering effects.

Codeine Overdose Symptoms

Initial Symptoms

Impaired vision and disorientation are common symptoms of codeine overdose.

Like most opiates, codeine has a cumulative effect on brain cells, which accounts for the drug’s high abuse potential. Codeine works on individual brain cell sites, forcing cells to secrete large amounts of dopamine, the body’s “feel good” neurotransmitter.

Initial signs of codeine overdose include:

• Impaired vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Disorientation

After using the drug for so long, warning signs of codeine overdose indicate one or more bodily systems have undergone considerable damage from the drug’s continued effects.

For help finding codeine rehab, call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll free today.

Has My Codeine Abuse Gotten Out of Control?

Codeine is a dangerous drug that, recently, has been abused most often by adolescents in the form of cough syrup. This is because it can “produce relaxation and euphoria when consumed in sufficient quantities,” but because the medication is not meant to be taken for this purpose, its use can be dangerous (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Still, how can you know if your codeine abuse has gotten out of control? Signs of Problematic Codeine Abuse Someone who takes codeine cough syrup––or any form of the narcotic––in high enough doses to cause euphoria even one time could potentially overdose, causing …

Overdose Symptoms

The larger the dose, the greater the risk of developing a codeine overdose. This is especially the case for long-time drug users.

Symptoms of Codeine overdose include:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness
• Severe Respiratory depression
• Blue/grey lips or skin
• Cold clammy skin
• Limp muscles
• Slow or weak pulse
• Low blood pressure

Risk Factors

Several factors increase an individual’s risk of codeine overdose, including:

• Mixing substances, especially mixing codeine with other central nervous system depressants
• Reduced tolerance
• Misuse and High Doses
• Underlying health conditions, including physical and mental health issues
• Age
• History of substance abuse

We can help you find treatment for codeine addiction. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll-free today.

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