Codeine
What is codeine?
- Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 percent.
- It is produced from morphine.
- It is medically prescribed for the relief of moderate pain.
- Codeine products found on the illicit market are often combined with glutethimide (Doriden) and carisoprodol (Soma).
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How is it taken?
- Codeine is taken orally in pill or tablet form.
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What are the effects?
- Analgesia, or pain relief.
- Sedation and respiratory depression.
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What are the dangers?
- Overdose can cause: bluish tinge to skin, cold and clammy skin, extreme sleepiness progressing to a possible state of no responsiveness or coma, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, and vomiting.
- As with all narcotic analgesics, can be habit forming---causing dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms if not used as it is prescribed.
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Is it addictive?
As with all narcotic analgesics, can be habit forming---causing dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms if not used as it is prescribed.
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Sources:
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed February 2008.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Codeine. In DEA Briefs and Background. Accessed February 2008.
streetdrugs.org. Hydrocodone. Accessed February 2008.
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed February 2008.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Codeine. In DEA Briefs and Background. Accessed February 2008.
streetdrugs.org. Hydrocodone. Accessed February 2008.