Codeine
By: Zachary D. Carpenter
What is Codeine?
Drug Class
How is Codeine Taken?
Cough syrup with codeine.
Codeine mixed with Tylenol.
Codeine pills.
Slang/Street Names for Codeine
purple drank
texas tea
cody
schoolboy
sizzurp
when mixed with other drugs:
loads
pancakes and syrup
fours and doors
empi
With Tylenol: (number based on strength of codeine)
T-One
T-Two
T-Three
T-Four
How Does Codeine Affect the Body? (Short Term)
Common: drowsiness, incomplete or infrequent bowel movements, inducing a relaxed and easy state, stomach cramps
Rare: blocked bowels with no movement, pancreatitis, seizures, slow heartbeat, anxious, chronic trouble sleeping, diarrhea, involuntary quivering, irritation of the stomach or intestines, low energy, spasm of bile duct tract, temporary redness of face and neck
How Does Codeine Affect the Body? (Long Term)
Signs of Abuse
Mood symptoms: depression, anxiety, emotional numbing, euphoria, sense of well being and calmness, mood swings
Behavioral Symptoms: withdrawing from loved ones, social isolation, forging codeine prescriptions, visiting more than one doctor to obtain more codeine, vague complaints of pain, stealing and borrowing codeine, financial problems, codeine fixation, apathy, indifference towards social aspects of life, ordering codeine online, faking sickness, lying, social problems, sleepiness, poor performance at work or school, “nodding off” while talking
Physical Symptoms: dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, constipation, itching, rashes, urinary retention, low blood pressure, decreased libido, respiratory depression, seizures
Psychological Symptoms: psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, worsening of mental health, worse memory, lack of emotion
The Type of Addiction/Dependence Codeine Can Cause
Physical and psychological- Codeine gives the user a sense of calmness and well being, and also causes the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain’s reward center. This effect leads to a physical and psychological addiction to the drug.