|
Q) What is Codeine?
A) Codeine is a member of the drug class
opiates. Opiates include all naturally occurring drugs with
morphine-like effects such as codeine and all semi and fully
synthetic drugs with morphine-like effects such as heroin and
meperidine (Demerol).
Codeine was first discovered as a natural
constituent of opium in very small concentrations, in the
range of 0.7% - 2.5% by weight. Most codeine found in
pharmaceutical products today is synthetically produced via
the methylation of morphine.
|
Q) How is Codeine used?
A) Codeine can be administered orally
(PO), subcutaneously (SC), intramuscularly
(IM) and rectally (PR). Codeine cannot be safely administered by an
intravenous (IV) injection as it may result in pulmonary oedema,
facial swelling, dangerous release of histamines, and various
cardiovascular effects. It cannot be administered intranasally
(snorting). Codeine free base can be smoked on the aluminum foil
("chasing the dragon") similarly to smoking heroin.
Q) What are the effects of Codeine
addiction?
A) Codeine is absorbed quickly from the GI tract and
it's first pass through the liver results in very little loss of the
drug. This contrasts with morphine in which over 90% of the drug is
metabolized in the first pass through the liver resulting in a
considerable loss of potency when administered orally.
Narcotics induce an "opioid analgesia" by altering the
perception of pain at the spinal cord and brain. They also affect
emotional responses to pain. Opioids have stimulating effects as
well because they block inhibitory neurotransmitters. Repeated use
of these drugs can cause long-term changes in the way the nervous
system functions.
- stomach bleeding
- kidney damage
- liver damage
- "itchies"
- constipation
- nausea
- hangover
- tiny pupils
- blurred vision
- poor night vision
- impair your ability to drive
- lowered heart rate, blood pressure and
breathing
- disorientation
- convulsions
- hallucinations
- depression
- sexual problems
- agitation
- ,tremors
- seizures
Q) What are the symptoms of
withdrawal?
A) The worst symptoms pass within a few days, but it
can take months to feel normal.
- runny nose
- sweating
- muscle twitching
- muscle pain
- headaches
- irregular heartbeat
- nausea and vomiting
- high blood pressure
- fever
- insomnia
- dehydration
- yawning
- weakness
- stomach cramps
Q) What is Codeine
addiction?
A) Addiction is a major risk with prolonged use
(over 2-3 weeks) of narcotics. Even moderate doses of some narcotics
can result in a fatal overdose. When increasing doses of narcotics,
the person may first feel restless and nauseous and then progress to
loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other risks include
withdrawal symptoms that may last for months.
Addictive drugs activate the brain’s reward systems.
The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to
crave the drug and to focus his or her activities around taking the
drug. The ability of addictive drugs to strongly activate brain
reward mechanisms and their ability to chemically alter the normal
functioning of these systems can produce an addiction. Drugs also
reduce a person’s level of consciousness, harming the ability to
think or be fully aware of present
surroundings. | 
