Codeine Preparations

Codeine affects the central nervous system, reducing sensitivity to pain. It's most often available in combination with 325 mg of acetaminophen and 32 mg of caffeine (Tylenol 1, 2 and 3, or Exdol-8, -15, 30 or Atasol-8, -15, -30). The codeine in these preparations (regardless of brand) ranges from 8 mg per tablet (nonprescription) to 15 and 30 mg per tablet (prescription needed). Codeine is a narcotic, but the biggest problem associated with daily use isn't physical addiction but constipation, because it slows down the digestive tract. Six to eight tall glasses of water throughout the day will help alleviate constipation.

Many people are worried that taking a narcotic in any quantity could lead to physical addiction, but clinical research shows that those who take a narcotic at an appropriate dose for their level of pain are at very low risk of becoming addicted. Why? Addiction is fuelled by psychological cravings for the euphoric effects of certain narcotics, such as the opiates. Although codeine is a narcotic, when it's used solely for pain relief, it rarely produces the 'high' that drug users crave. If anything, codeine tends to make life seem a little dull and colourless. In fact, codeine is the weakest of all the narcotic agents and can be taken for relatively long periods of time without fear of addiction, particularly if you decrease your daily dose as your pain decreases over time.

If you still need convincing, ask yourself these questions:

• If you're not in pain and you don't take the codeine, do you still feel a need for it?
• Do you require rapidly increasing doses to control the same level of pain?
• Do you get 'high' when you take codeine?

Chances are, you answered 'no' to all these questions. If so, relax. You're not addicted.

Finally, remember that pain medications with codeine only make the pain more bearable: they're pain-relievers, not disease-modifying medications. Make sure you seek treatment for the real source of the pain.

If you haven't already, make sure you visit Pain Relievers: General Indications.

This page was last reviewed/updated on : 02/23/2008