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What are the Symptoms of Codeine Addiction?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Some of the most obvious symptoms of codeine addiction include a compulsion to use the drug as well as the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the affected person is deprived of it. An individual who is addicted to codeine may become preoccupied with the drug and use it more frequently than expected or required. A person who has a codeine addiction may also exhibit a range of symptoms that are associated with repeated use. These symptoms include sexual problems, tremors, and a lowered heart rate. Additionally, a person may develop itchy skin, depression, anxiety, or hallucinations because of chronic use.

When a person has a codeine addiction, he usually has an abnormal need for the drug. His body may crave codeine, even when he isn’t having symptoms that would require him to use it. In fact, the affected person may feel so compelled to use codeine that he cannot control his desire for it or seems less in control of the actions he takes to obtain it. Often, a person with this type of addiction becomes preoccupied with the medication; much of his thought process is focused on obtaining the medication, which may interfere with his activities and relationships. In some cases, a person with this addiction may actually begin thinking about his next dose of codeine right after he takes a dose.

Patients can become addicted to Codeine after prolonged usage.
Patients can become addicted to Codeine after prolonged usage.

Withdrawal symptoms may also occur as a sign of codeine addiction. For example, a person who has become addicted to this drug may develop nausea and vomiting if he stops taking it abruptly. Other symptoms of codeine withdrawal include a runny nose, excessive sweating, headaches, irregular heart rhythms, and changes in blood pressure. An individual who is going through withdrawal may also become dehydrated, feel weak, or have muscle twitches. Some people even develop a fever as a symptom of codeine withdrawal.

Regular therapy is often necessary to help a recovering opiate addict stay off the drug.
Regular therapy is often necessary to help a recovering opiate addict stay off the drug.

Often, a person with a codeine addiction also develops symptoms that are related to chronic use of the drug. Among these signs are damage to the kidneys or liver, abnormally itchy skin, nausea, and difficulty producing a bowel movement. Sometimes a person’s vision may be affected because of long-term codeine use. For example, he may have notice that his night vision deteriorates or that his vision is blurry. Decreased desire for sex, changes in heart rhythm, hallucinations, anxiety, seizures, and depression may also develop in a person who uses codeine over a long period of time because of a codeine addiction.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

My cousin had a drug abuse problem and he abused codeine for a while. He would tell me that if he doesn't take it, he has no energy and he feels extremely depressed and suicidal. He's in a addiction recovery center now.

ddljohn
@alisha-- I experienced the same symptoms when I was withdrawing from codeine. Many people confuse codeine withdrawal with the flu. Headaches, sweating, shaking and fever are the most common symptoms. Codeine is very addictive and it does sound like you are experiencing addiction.

If you are no longer in need of the medication, you need to speak with your doctor and slowly reduce the dose. You will experience symptoms of addiction throughout withdrawal but that's the only way to quit.

discographer

I forgot to take my codeine medication for a few days when I was traveling last week. I started experiencing cold sweats and headaches. I thought I was coming down with the flu.

When I got back, I took my medications as usual and these symptoms disappeared. Does this mean that I'm addicted to codeine?

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    • Patients can become addicted to Codeine after prolonged usage.
      By: Johan Larson
      Patients can become addicted to Codeine after prolonged usage.
    • Regular therapy is often necessary to help a recovering opiate addict stay off the drug.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Regular therapy is often necessary to help a recovering opiate addict stay off the drug.
    • Codeine addicts may search out other opioids not prescribed to them.
      By: kmiragaya
      Codeine addicts may search out other opioids not prescribed to them.
    • Agitation and depression are common side effects of codeine abuse.
      By: Monkey Business
      Agitation and depression are common side effects of codeine abuse.