what are the side effects of codeine?

Question

What are the side effects of taking codeine/cocodamol i know that cocodamol is the same but with paracetamol in but when i went to the doctors about my back they gave me oramorph which i have had before and codeine but when i took it it made me feel achey and tired any ideas?

Answer 1

I may be confused by your description in your question. The question is - what are the side effects of codeine? But then you say you were on CoCodamol but then you doctor put on Oramorph and codeine. Now you are having side effects.

The side effects of the oramorph are:
Nausea and vomiting.
Constipation.
Drowsiness.
Headache.
Disorientation.
Confusion.
Loss of appetite.
Dry mouth.
Rash or itching.
Sweating.
Feeling weak.
Muscle rigidity.
Increased blood flow to the skin on the face (facial flushing).
Problems with urinating.
Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm).
Changes in mood.
False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations).
Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression).
Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations).
Low blood pressure (hypotension).

The side effects from codeine are essentially the same. The most significant factor to be considered here are that codeine and morphine when taken together have a synergistic effect or increase the effect and the side effects of each other.

You may have noticed that drowsiness, weakness, and muscle rigidity are commonly listed side effects and match your complaints.

I would suggest you discuss this issue with your doctor.

I would also ask why they feel that you need to add CoCodamol to the Oramorph.

Studies have shown that CoCodamol has no significant increase in efficacy over paracetamol without codeine and Oramorph is indicated for severe pain by itself.

If you are having long-term or chronic pain, you need a long acting analgesic such as an extended release morphine (such as Kadian) and a short acting analgesic opioid for breakthru pain. This is standard in pain patients.

Answer 2

I take them and don't have any side effects although I do get constipated a bit only I make sure I eat the right things so not a problem, I take 2 at a time and depending on my pain I;m allowed a maximum of 8 in 24hrs. I was taken off the co-codamol as long term they can affect your liver. I know I take a lot only my GPs look after me and I have blood checks, they are addictive only as I said I'm checked and they are the only thing along with ibuprofen and 2 amitriptyline at night that get rid of the pain I have. You have pain in your back it's not nice only when I try to tell people what it's like all down the right side of my head and jaw they do not understand so if the codeine helps then so be it.

Answer 3

First I must admit a bias, I have been fighting to reduce the use of codeine for 15 years.Codeine is very addictive. It is an opiate like heroin. I chose many years ago not to prescribe this drug, mainly because of its addictive potential. It is however prescribed and purchased in gigantic quantities in UK, especially in the West of Scotland where I practise, I believe there is little excuse for its use since it is only 5% more potent than simple paracetamol plus or minus ibuprofen and loose the codeine neither of these is addictive. Although codeine is included in many pain killers recommended for headache one of its side effects is headache.

Answer 4

There are numerous possible side effect of codeine.
One that appears quite prevalent is its tendency to bind your bowels to such a degree that you could need quite strong laxatives before you can go again.
My mum took prescribed pain killers with codeine and an adverse reaction to them has caused liver problems over the past 2 years - although she was treated quickly and the worst of the symptoms appear to be manageable now.

Personally - I won't touch anything with codeine in no matter how bad the pain is.

Answer 5

I've been given oramorph before when I was admitted to hospital. The side affects I had were tiredness,I kept nodding off mid conversation! Constipation,common side effect of opiates, nausea,vomiting and itching.

The listed side effects are on the link....

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/oramorph-sr.html-Oramorph
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/codeine.html-Codeine

Answer 6

Common adverse drug reactions associated with the use of codeine include itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention and constipation.[10]

Tolerance to many of the effects of codeine develops with prolonged use, including therapeutic effects. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance.

A potentially serious adverse drug reaction, as with other opioids, is respiratory depression. This depression is dose-related and is the mechanism for the potentially fatal consequences of overdose.

Another side effect commonly noticed is the lack of sexual drive.[11]

Codeine has also been known to interact negatively with some psychiatric medications such as reboxetine and venlafaxine.[citation needed]

Some people may also have an allergic reaction to codeine, which may cause severe allergic reactions such as the swelling of skin and rashes. [12]

Answer 7

When I take it it's like smoking a really strong spliff and all pain go bye byes! Wonderful in moderation (only use with unbearable pains though.)

Answer 8

Headaches!!

Answer 9

if you take more than one it will make you tired , you are not supposed to drive on to many of them ..oh and constipation ...

Answer 10

Extreme drowsiness--do not drive.