Codeine sulfate is a prescription medication that’s most commonly used to treat pain and falls under the drug class of narcotics or opioid analgesics. It can come in the form of a tablet or as the active ingredient in cough syrups. Tylenol 3 is a commonly used painkiller that contains codeine and acetaminophen. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Palm Beach is aware that codeine abuse has become more popular. It’s become a trend to mix codeine cough syrup with candy, soda, and alcohol to create a drink known as lean and purple drank. Amid the experimentation with drug abuse, people don’t realize how damaging the side effects of codeine are.
What Are the Side Effects of Codeine?
Codeine abuse often begins recreationally and slowly spirals out of control as the person’s tolerance and dependence develop. Although codeine is one of the less potent opioids, it’s also less regulated, making it just as dangerous. Because many people have access to over-the-counter medications that contain codeine, using it in large doses is easy and common. While it may be less potent than other opioids like heroin, morphine, and hydrocodone, the side effects of taking codeine are just as dangerous. BHOPB offers pain pills detox in Palm Beach that helps individuals who are addicted to prescription medications like codeine begin the recovery process. Detox at our facility is medically monitored and helps patients safely get through withdrawals.
Short-Term Side Effects of Codeine
The short-term side effects of codeine vary based on how often the person uses codeine and the dose they ingested. These side effects may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Some of the immediate side effects of codeine include:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Stomach pains
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Seizures
- Rash
Long-Term Side Effects of Codeine
The side effects of long-term use of codeine are usually severe and sometimes chronic. The longer a person uses codeine, the higher their risk of developing a health condition or experiencing organ damage and failure. Some of the most common long-term effects of codeine include:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Problems with memory
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Muscle spasms and pains
The effects of drugs on the immune system and other parts of the body can also leave a codeine user more vulnerable to illness and disease. The most common of these side effects is addiction. Most individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol for a long period of time develop an addiction to them. Substance abuse disorders require professional and comprehensive treatment to ensure the health, safety, and recovery of the individual. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we offer an opioid addiction treatment that helps individuals who are addicted to drugs like codeine get sober.
Attempting to quit drugs or alcohol without medical assistance or professional addiction treatment is dangerous and not advised. If you or someone you know needs help with their drug or alcohol problem, call us now at 561-220-3981 for more information about the safe and effective addiction treatment programs in Palm Beach.
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