Codeine

the 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

Chemical Names

Empirin compound with

Methylmorphine

codeine
Tylenol with codeine
Codeine in cough medicine

 Brontex
Capital and Codeine
Cheracol with Codeine

Common Brand
Names
Often combined with other
acetaminophen, aspirin, and other
cold and cough medicines

Syrup
Robitussin A-C Syrup
Tussi-Organidin-S NR
Guituss AC Syrup
HaNew Riversin AC

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

Constipation

Lightheadedness

Stomach Pain

Drowsiness

Difficulty urinating

Mood changed

*Some symptoms can be very

serious, so if experienced,
call doctor immediately

Nausea
Vomiting

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/codeineaddiction-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>.