Is Codeine Narcotic?

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Opiate medications like codeine include drugs such as Percocet, Oxycodone, Vicodin and many others. Opiates are synthetic versions of opium, which comes from the poppy plant. It has been used in its original form as an anesthetic and as a treatment for many different ailments, including pain relief, for centuries. Codeine is an opiate medication that is prescribed for pain relief. It’s also used to treat persistent coughs and diarrhea that can’t be controlled by over-the-counter medications.

Is Codeine a Narcotic?

Opiate medications are sometimes referred to as narcotics. Codeine is a member of the opiate family and is considered to be a narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and is classified as a Schedule II narcotic. Although typically our minds envision something illegal when we hear the word narcotic, it has no connection to illegal or illicit use of a drug.

Narcotic merely means that the drug is strictly prohibited without a prescription, and using it in a way other than prescribed or abused violates strict governmental regulation. The classification of a drug as a narcotic can mean steeper punishment for drug violations as well. Codeine can actually carry steeper penalties than cocaine because cocaine is not classified as a narcotic drug.

Side Effects

The commonly experienced side effects of codeine are dizziness or extreme drowsiness, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting. Other side effects might include seizures, constipation, abdominal cramping, and allergic reactions such as an itchy rash and hives. Allergic reactions can also lead to respiratory distress.

Abuse of Codeine

Codeine is an addictive narcotic.

Young people may use codeine cough syrup to get high. When taken in large quantities, it can have similar psychedelic effects to ketamine and acid. If you ever hear someone talking about “syrup” or “leaning on syrup,” they are referring to getting high with codeine cough syrup. It’s referred to as “leaning on syrup” because it makes someone so intoxicated that they have to lean on something to hold themselves up.

It can also make someone feel like they are detached from their body or floating. Parents and teachers should be aware of what this means if they hear it and be on the lookout for any unusual behavior or indicators that teens may be using the drug.

Is Codeine Addictive?

When used as directed, codeine is safe for short-term treatment. However, codeine is a Schedule II narcotic, and although it is not as strong as other opiates, it can be addictive if taken for extended periods of time or if it is abused and taken in large doses.

If someone stops taking codeine after an extended period of time, painful withdrawal symptoms can occur. Professional treatment is recommended for people with opiate addictions and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) might be necessary to control or alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower relapse risk.

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