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>.