Suboxone Detox:
Breaking the Chains of Addiction

Codeine Drug Facts

What is Codeine and how is it used?
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.

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 is generally administered in one of four ways; orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or rectally.

Codeine cannot be safely administered intravenously 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" which is similar to smoking heroin.

What are some of the common effects of Codeine addiction?
Codeine is absorbed quickly from the GI tract and it's first pass through the liver results in very little of the drug is metabolized. This contrasts with morphine in which over 90% of the drug is lost 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 and incite:

• agitation
• blurred vision
• constipation
• convulsions
• depression
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• hangover
• impair driving ability
• "itchies"
• kidney damage
• liver damage
• lowered heart rate, blood pressure and breathing
• nausea
• poor night vision
• seizures
• sexual problems
• stomach bleeding
• tiny pupils
• tremors

What are some Codeine symptoms and side effects of withdrawl from Codeine?
The worst symptoms pass within a few days, but it can take months to feel normal.

• dehydration
• fever
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle pain
• muscle twitching
• nausea and vomiting
• runny nose
• stomach cramps
• sweating
• weakness
• yawning