2007-03-22 11:51:52 · 4 answers · asked by MaryBeth 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Codeine is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain by blocking signals to neuro-sensors.
It is also addictive and has many side effects.
2007-03-22 12:35:24 · answer #1 · answered by Mary Beth's Ex 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Codeine itself is pretty mild shouldn’t produce negative affects on the CNS. Codeine is usually paired with acitimetaphen (SP?), which is basically Tylenol. With even the recommended dosage interval, I found the Tylenol would have a tendency to tear up my stomach. Codeine dependence leads to a depressed level of endorphins, which can cause a slew of temporary side-effects. Dope sickness is the street name referring to these.
The immediate side effects of codeine starts with a sort of depressing euphoria, the user feels sedated as well as elevated. The user will have a tendency to nod off from time to time: imagine a blank fantasy. Music becomes more vibrant, user’s feels as if they can separate and discriminate every detail in the sound. Mild hallucinations may occur, usually associated with closed eye visuals.
2007-03-22 12:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by Green Leaves 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A complicated question. Codeine itself is essentially inactive. It is metabolized by the liver into morphine (or possibley other similar molecule), which then has actions on these CNS.
Morphine, codeines metabolite has numerous actions on the CNS by activating a class of membrane proteins called opioid receptors. Morphine dulls the sensation or pain by activating Mu-opioid and delta opioid receptors. It is via this receptor that it can cause euphoria and in certain cases, it is through the activity of this receptor that morphine can be addictive.
Through the kappa opioid receptor reduces pain transmission in the spine, and it is also activated by morphine. Kappa opioid receptor activation can induce the depression often associated with clinical use of opioids.
The actual physiological mechanism of opioid receptor activation is complex, but generally involves the reduction of neurotransmitter release, via opening of channels in the membrane surface that allow the flow of potassium ions; reducing the excitability of neurons.
2007-03-22 13:48:10 · answer #3 · answered by Bill C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It slows it down.
2007-03-22 11:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Eisbär 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋