Codeine is a type of narcotic medication. Narcotics are medicines that relieve pain and often make a person sleepy. They can also dull the senses and cause changes in both mood and behavior. Codeine is used to treat pain that ranges in intensity from mild to severe.
Like other types of narcotics, this drug can be addictive. This means that a person's body may begin to crave the drug after they have had it for a while. As such, it is a poor choice of medication for someone who has abused drugs in the past. It must be kept in a safe place, where it is not accessible to other people, especially children.
This medication should not be taken with alcohol. When alcohol is mixed with this narcotic medication, serious side effects can occur. In fact, a person can even die as a result of mixing it with alcohol. To stay safe, it's best to check medication labels to make sure they don't contain alcohol if they are to be taken with codeine.
When a person uses codeine, they must be careful when operating heavy machinery and driving a car. This medicine can make a person less alert than normal. Similarly, it can impair a person's ability to think clearly and react quickly. Therefore, a different type of pain relief may be a better option when you need to drive and operate complicated or heavy equipment.
Codeine may cause side effects. Common side effects of codeine include dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, and headache. A person may also sweat more than usual and have trouble sleeping. Some people have blurred vision and develop a mild skin rash. Some people even experience less interest in sex.
Some of the possible side effects of codeine are more serious. For example, a person could develop symptoms of an allergic reaction to the drug, such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue, throat, or mouth. These symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room. Also, a person should contact their doctor right away if they experience an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. Shallow breathing, strange behavior, difficulty urinating, and strange thoughts should also be reported to a doctor immediately.
A person should always take this medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The medicine should be taken with a full glass of water, and some people take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is best to avoid taking more than a doctor has recommended. Likewise, it's best to avoid stopping the drug suddenly if it has been in use for a significant period of time. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Although there are many warnings associated with the use of codeine, the drug does have some benefits. It offers good pain relief for a number of situations. For example, it may be prescribed to combat pain after a tooth extraction or even to deal with postpartum contractions. It can also be used for pain after certain types of injuries. However, it may be best used when not needed for long-term pain relief, as long-term use could lead to addiction.