What are the long term effects of taking codeine?

Question

Have been on them for back pain for 2 years and i take 8 per day.

Answer 1

Earlier answers cited constipation, addiction and liver / kidney damage... these answers are only partially correct but as you don't state the dosage in Mg. definitive answers aren't possible. Mild constipation is a short term effect and is offset by a diet with plenty of fruit and veg etc. and anyway to a point the body gets used to the dose (you probably know that already). Addiction is not clear cut but obviously dosage and the length of use are key factors. Codeine is moderately addictive but therapeutic use of all opiates is possible without addiction although addiction is a complex subject. Presuming you use 8x30mg then you should expect some uncomfortable symptoms if the drug were suddenly withdrawn. However, of all the opiates it is possible to slowly reduce codeine (over say 3/4 months) after which there aren't likely to be any discernible symptoms. Understand though that dependence does have a long term effect on self esteem. Most drugs have the potential to cause liver, kidney or other damage and codeine is no exception but compared to say alcohol or even paracetamol it isn't particularly harmful. So long as you are otherwise healthy, live well and as much as possible avoid other drugs in combination (especially alcohol) your liver and kidneys will probably tolerate it without complaint, pretty much for ever. I don't suggest taking it for longer than necessary but I wouldn't worry too much, just don't let the dose creep up because then it gets less manageable. There are of course other ways to deal with pain but codeine is effective. Strangely, some studies have shown that opiates may help to counteract the natural ageing process. You also need to ask what are the long term effects of chronic pain - misery, depression, suicide? Hope this helps.

Answer 2

the drug reacts with the body and mind of the person . overtime a person needs more of this drug to have the same effect. that part one. the drug addiction is both physical and mental as a result the withdrawal from the drug becomes more difficult with each increase in dose and increase in length of usage. the drug affects the thinking of a person a person who has taken this drug is intoxicated and as such can be a danger to himself or others. this type of intoxication is different from that of beer or other liquor's since there is no smell and a person could be a the point of being a real hazzard to others say while driving yet the person may seem fine to the untrained eye. the drug changes the appitight of a person so a person may not eat really anything near to what is needed to be healthy. this drug reacts with others such as alcohol in a very powerfull way . the drug reduces the persons ability to feel pain and so if misused a person could go without complaining of a new or increase in pain and delay treatment. the drug must be processed by the body and as such enters the liver the drug causes harm to the liver over time and liver failure leads to death. the stomach is also taking a beating with this drug so ulcers come along and again without the pain the person just does not know or care about the pain so leaves that . the drug even when used as it is intended can make a person have very confussing thoughts . the person will have trouble keeping dream and imagination from the awake world. this can lead to terrible thoughts fearfull thoughts and or dangerous thoughts . most often at first the thoughts are not of fearfull things but instead are rather pleasent and one remembers them and wishes to feel that same way and remember in such a vivid way . the rest of the problems with the drug when misused are the pretty much the same as any drug addiction. one more thing is that a single dose or a combinded dose of this drug can be fatal and this is not rare .

Answer 3

Addiction & Constipation

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

As long as you stick to stated dose you should be ok but ,in the long term i think you can develope stomach bleds and kidney problems .

Answer 6

As with most long term use of pharmicuticals your kidneys and liver take the most punishment.

Answer 7

Addiction, respiratory depression

Answer 8

Besides addiction, having your poop backed up all the way to your nose. (That is called constipation, for you non med types.)

Answer 9

I got long term headaches on it so has to come off, and my headaches went away pretty quickly.

Answer 10

Addiction and constipation.