Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms You May Experience

Get Help Now 800-934-1582 Sponsored

Codeine is a substance derived from the opium poppy plant that is used to treat mild to moderate pain and for cough suppression. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration classifies codeine as a Schedule II controlled substance when used alone, and as a  Schedule III or V substance when combined with other medications, depending on the concentration. It is often combined with other medications, including acetaminophen, aspirin, guaifenesin, promethazine or pseudoephedrine. 

Codeine reduces pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and also suppresses activity in the medulla oblongata to control coughing. While it has important medical uses, it can also produce feelings of euphoria, which increases its potential for misuse.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tolerance to codeine can develop quickly, within a few days to a couple of weeks, with regular use.  When taken for extended periods, individuals may begin to experience side effects that can lead to serious long-term consequences.  With continued use, these symptoms often intensify, increasing the likelihood that dependence and addiction will develop. 

We can help you find codeine rehab. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll free to get help today.

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Agitation

Agitation is one symptom of codeine withdrawal. It affects the brain by altering activity in neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. With continued use, these changes can disrupt the brain’s natural chemical balance.  As this imbalance progresses, withdrawal symptoms begin to emerge when the drug is reduced or stopped. Agitation is common, as the brain struggles to stabilize fluctuating levels of dopamine and serotinin, often leading to a state of heightened arousal and restlessness.  

Muddled Thinking

Codeine’s depressant effects on the brain can significantly impair the areas responsible for cognition and clear thinking. As brain activity slows, a person’s ability to reason, make sound decisions, and use good judgment becomes increasingly compromised. Over time, these cognitive impairments can interfere with everyday responsibilities and routine tasks. In general, the longer codeine misuse continues, the more pronounced the confusion and mental clouding become. 

Insomnia

The brain’s sleep center relies on a delicate balance of chemicals to function normally. Codeine’s effects on neurotransmitters soon disrupt normal sleep cycles, leaving users unable to get to sleep, sleep restfully or sleep through the night. This codeine withdrawal symptom, in particular, only works to aggravate and intensify the other withdrawal symptoms.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; get treatment today. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll free.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Codeine withdrawal is often said to feel like a bad flu.

Codeine acts on certain key cell receptor sites located in the brain, central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. This means a person’s digestive system stands to experience its own version of codeine withdrawal symptoms.

With frequent drug use, codeine’s effects on digestive functions become more and more pronounced.

Gastrointestinal symptoms may take the form of:

• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Recognizing the 10 Most Common Codeine Addiction Symptoms

Codeine is commonly found in cough syrups and other medications. The drug has abuse and addiction potential, which can lead to many problems in a person’s life.

Drug Cravings

In essence, codeine withdrawal symptoms indicate that a physical dependency on the drug’s effects has taken shape. Drug cravings tend to emerge once psychological dependence has developed. At this stage, a person may come to believe the drug is necessary to cope with stress, emotions or even routine daily functioning.

These urges are not just habits; they are driven by changes in the brain’s reward system, where codeine use becomes strongly linked to relief or pleasure. Over time, cravings feel intense and persistent, sometimes resembling basic survival urges like hunger or thirst.

Furthermore, environmental cues, stress or reminders of past use can easily trigger them, making it difficult to resist without support or intervention. 

Considerations

Codeine has a cumulative effect on the brain and central nervous system. As a result, a person will experience increasingly frequent bouts of codeine withdrawal symptoms that worsen in intensity over time when the drug is reduced or stopped.  With long-term drug use, codeine’s effects take a considerable toll on a person’s physical and psychological well-being. Together, these factors drive codeine’s high potential for misuse and addiction, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that persists and often intensifies for as long as use continues. 

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

Narcotics.com is user supported. We receive a commission fee from purchases made through BetterHelp links. Learn More