Codeinethe basics
The History
What is codeine?•Group of drugs
•narcotic pain medicines
Narcotics Morphine and codeine
natural narcotic compounds that are contained in opium
Used in prescription medications to help reduce severe pain
Leads to dependence, loss of appetite, and drowsiness
Street Names
Streets Names
Empirin compound with codeine
Tylenol with codeine
Codeine in cough medicine
Chemical Names
Methylmorphine
Common Brand Names
Brontex
Capital and Codeine
Cheracol with Codeine Syrup
Robitussin A-C Syrup
Tussi-Organidin-S NR
Guituss AC Syrup
HaNew Riversin AC
Often combined with other acetaminophen, aspirin, and other cold and cough medicines
Schedule Ratings
Taken by itself: Schedule II
In combination with aspirin or acetaminophen: Schedule III - V, depending on formula
The Purpose
Forms of Use
Tablet
Capsule
Liquid by mouth
Common Uses of Codeine
Found in many cough medicines
Can be used to reduce coughing
Will treat cause but not speed recovery
Can be given to assist with severe pain
Codeine Addiction
Highly addictive
Prolonged use (2-3 weeks)
Activates body reward system
Promise of reward intense craving addiction
Activates physiological and psychological addiction
Effects of Codeine
Physiological Effects
Induces an "opioid analgesia” – or painkiller
Alters perception of pain at spinal cord and brain
Stimulating because they block inhibitory neurotransmitters
Alters nervous system functioning
Psychological Effects
Strong psychological effects
Treats pain by altering the way that body senses pain
Reduces coughing by decreasing activity in part of the brain that causes coughing
Stops production of endorphins
After taking, person may have trouble relaxing or sleeping
Codeine abusers will just "not feel good" psychologically as the brain readjusts to producing its own endorphins
Opiate induced euphoria
Possible Side Effects
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Drowsiness
Mood changed
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach Pain
Difficulty urinating
*Some symptoms can be very serious, so if experienced, call doctor immediately
Questions?
Works Cited
”Codeine.” Drugs Information Online. 2009. 25 Oct. 2009. <http://www.drugs.com/codeine.html>.
“Codeine Addictions, Effects and Treatments.” Addiction Search. 2009. 25 Oct. 2009 <http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/article/codeine-addiction-effects-and-treatment_46.html>.
“Codeine.” Medline Plus. 2009. 25 Oct. 2009. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682065.html>
“Medications and Drugs.” Medicine Net. 2009. 25 Oct 2009. <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=44745>
“Codeine Facts.” The Vaults of Erowid. 2009. 25 Oct. 2009. <http://www.erowid.org/pharms/codeine/codeine_faq.shtml>.
Top Related