What Does Codeine Do?

Codeine is a prescription painkiller used to treat mild to moderate pain, as well as diarrhoea and persistent coughs. As an opioid medication, codeine works by affecting pain receptors in the brain, helping to reduce discomfort. While it is effective for pain relief, codeine is also known to be habit-forming, meaning it should only be taken under medical supervision.

Key Takeaways

Codeine is a painkiller that can also stop coughs and diarrhoea.

It works by blocking pain signals in the brain but can make you feel sleepy and dizzy.

Too much codeine can be dangerous.

It can cause breathing problems, confusion, and even overdose. It should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.

Codeine can be addictive.

Taking it too often can lead to dependence, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms like sweating, cramps, and trouble sleeping.

How Does Codeine Work?

Codeine is classified as an opioid analgesic, which means it interacts with the body's opioid receptors to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Once ingested, the liver converts a portion of the codeine into morphine, which then binds to pain receptors, producing a sense of relief.

In addition to pain relief, codeine can also suppress coughs and reduce diarrhoea by slowing down activity in the nervous system and digestive tract.

What Does Codeine Look Like?

Codeine is available in multiple forms, including:

• Tablets: Small, white or off-white pills that are taken orally.

• Syrup: A liquid formulation, often used for cough relief.

• Injection: A liquid solution for intravenous administration (used in medical settings).

• Combination Medicines: Codeine is sometimes combined with other pain relievers, such as paracetamol (co-codamol), aspirin, or ibuprofen.

How Does Codeine Make You Feel?

When taken correctly, codeine helps to relieve pain and may produce a sense of relaxation and drowsiness. However, at higher doses or with long-term use, it can cause euphoria, which increases the risk of addiction.

Common effects of codeine include:

• Pain relief

• Feeling drowsy or sleepy

• A mild sense of well-being or relaxation

• Nausea or dizziness

• Constipation

Taking too much codeine can result in serious side effects, including confusion, difficulty breathing, or even overdose.

Health Risks and Side Effects of Codeine

As with any medication, codeine can cause side effects, which can range from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Constipation

• Dry mouth

• Itchiness

Serious Side Effects:

Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Breathing difficulties or slow breathing

• Severe drowsiness or confusion

• Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing

• Seizures or convulsions

• Severe abdominal pain or liver issues (especially if taken with paracetamol)

Is Codeine Addictive?

Yes, codeine is a controlled substance because of its addictive potential. Regular use can lead to tolerance, meaning the body requires higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can then lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

Signs of Codeine Dependence:

• Needing higher doses to feel relief

• Feeling anxious or restless when not taking it

• Using codeine even when not in pain

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping

Common Withdrawal Symptoms:

If a person becomes dependent on codeine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. These can include:

• Restlessness and irritability

• Sweating and chills

• Muscle cramps or spasms

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

• Runny nose and yawning

If you think you may be dependent on codeine, speak to a doctor about gradual tapering to safely reduce your intake.

Can You Buy Codeine Over the Counter?

In the UK, low doses of codeine (such as those found in co-codamol) are available over the counter, but stronger doses require a prescription. Over-the-counter codeine products usually contain small amounts of codeine combined with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Prescription-only codeine includes higher-dose tablets, syrups, and injectable forms used for more severe pain management.

Who Should Avoid Codeine?

Codeine is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid codeine if:

• You have severe breathing problems (e.g., asthma or COPD)

• You have a history of opioid addiction

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless advised by a doctor)

• You have liver or kidney disease

• You are taking other sedatives, alcohol, or medications that slow breathing

What Happens if You Take Too Much Codeine?

Taking too much codeine can cause an overdose, which is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Codeine Overdose:

• Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness

• Slow or shallow breathing

• Cold, clammy skin

• Blue lips or fingertips

• Seizures or loss of consciousness

If you suspect an overdose, call 999 immediately and seek urgent medical help.

Final Thoughts

• Codeine is an opioid painkiller used to treat mild to moderate pain, diarrhoea, and coughs.

• It works by blocking pain signals and providing a sense of relaxation.

• Codeine can cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and constipation.

• Long-term use can lead to dependence and addiction.

• Never take more than the prescribed dose, and avoid combining codeine with alcohol or sedatives.

• If you think you may have a dependency on codeine, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

For more information or to explore safe, medically approved pain relief options, speak to your GP or visit a trusted online pharmacy.