Side Effects of Codeine You Should Seek Help For

Get Help Now 800-934-1582 Sponsored

As one of a handful of natural opiate-based compounds, codeine produces fast effects that treat a range of pain symptoms. Unlike other opiate drugs, codeine is sold as an over-the-counter product, the first of its kind to be made available without a prescription.

In general, opiate drugs interact with brain chemical processes, predisposing users to certain side effects. When used for prolonged periods, side effects appear quickly, leaving users vulnerable to health complications, abuse and addiction.

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

Codeine’s Mechanism of Action

The chemical properties of opiates bear a strong resemblance to the human brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals. As a result, the brain interacts with codeine and other opiates in the same way it does its own chemicals.

This degree of leeway allows codeine to alter nearly every major bodily process. Consequently, side effects of codeine develop out of the drug’s ability to change your brain chemical processes.

Along with pain-relieving effects, codeine also produces other initial effects, such as total feelings of calm and euphoria. The National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that cocaine powerfully activates the brain’s reward and reinforcement center, leading to the classic “high” and a desire to take the drug again. These factors contribute to the addiction and abuse potential. As addiction progresses, serious side effects develop.

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

Side Effects of Codeine

Tolerance Level Increases

Anxiety and depression are signs of codeine dependency.

When taking codeine frequently, the brain automatically adjusts to the drug’s ongoing effects by cutting back on the level of neurotransmitter chemicals it produces. When this happens, users experience a weakened drug effect that is called tolerance. Pain reduction and the “high” effect are lower.

Unfortunately, when a person increases the dose to override this effect, tolerance continues to increase with ongoing drug use. This means you have to keep increasing the drug amount to experience the desired effects.

Physical Dependency

The most obvious side effect of codeine takes the form of withdrawal. A person starts to experience withdrawal after the brain becomes physically dependent on codeine to regulate bodily functions, and the drug is withdrawn.

Physical dependency happens when brain cell structures deteriorate from overwork. When this happens, brain chemical imbalances develop, which in turn offset many of the brain’s regulatory functions. Withdrawal-type side effects of codeine may include:

• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiousness

Addiction

With frequent, long-term use, a physical dependency on codeine morphs into a psychological dependence and addiction. This side effect of codeine has grave implications in terms of the level of control the drug exerts over a person’s will, priorities and motivations.

At this point, a person’s lifestyle undergoes noticeable changes as he or she starts to organize daily routines around getting and using drugs.

Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll free to find help today.

Considerations

Codeine’s ability to interfere with essential brain chemical processes sets a vicious cycle of abuse and addiction in motion when used frequently. As codeine continues to impair overall brain and body functions, users place themselves at increasing risk of toxicity and overdose once brain tolerance levels rise.

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