Is Codeine Bad For You?
Also Known As: 3-methylmorphine
Short answer
Codeine can be safe when taken as directed by a doctor. There is a high potential for abuse, thus it should be used with caution.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Codeine is a prescription narcotic of the opioid family. Codeine is used to treat pain, cough, and diarrhea. When being used to treat pain it is often combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Codeine was discovered in 1832 and since has become the most commonly prescribed opiates.
Codeine is derived from the opium poppy, a flowering plant. Codeine is derived from the unripe pads of the plant. It typically lasts between four and six hours, with a half-life of three to four hours. It is most effective approximately one hour after consumption.
Codeine affects everyone’s body differently. Some individuals can take the drug and feel no altered perception or ability; others are unable to function while on the medication and remain confined to their bed. In some individuals, it can also cause constipation, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, altered perception, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth and itching can occur. Long-term use can cause decreased sex drive and memory loss. Allergic reaction to codeine is possible, which results in swelling of the skin, rashes, or discomfort.
Codeine, as an opiate drug, runs the risk of causing dependency. After continued use, users have the potential to become addicted to the drug and require larger quantities to achieve the same level of euphoria. Opiate drugs cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including cravings, spasms, vomiting, nausea, cramps, anxiety, depression, irritability, tiredness, tremors, chills, weakness, and pain. Codeine is converted to morphine by the metabolic process in the liver. In rare cases, some individuals are unable to properly metabolize the drug. It is metabolized into morphine too quickly, causing a toxic reaction. It is important to determine how codeine affects you, prior to taking it alone or in a moderate dosage.
Codeine has also been known to be used recreationally. Heroin addicts can use codeine to keep from experiencing physical withdrawals.
Codeine should never be combined with alcohol, prescription or over the counter Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. It is also counter indicated with Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Benadryl, Dexamethasone, and other medications. Always inform your doctor of any medication you are taking prior to taking codeine.
Possible short-term side effects
- drowsiness
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constipation
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allergic reaction
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overdose
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shortness of breath
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nausea/vomiting
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increased heart rate
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altered perception
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dry mouth
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adverse reaction
Possible long-term side effects
- dependency and withdrawal
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overdose
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reduced sex drive
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memory loss
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- muscle pain
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nausea
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insomnia
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restless legs
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headaches
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sweating
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diarrhea
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vomiting
Benefits
- pain relief
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cough suppressant
Healthier alternatives
- over the counter, non-opioid pain relievers
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