In addition to being an opioid pain medication, codeine can also be used for purposes other than those stated in this medication guide. A mild to moderately severe pain may be treated with codeine. If you experience frequent asthma attacks or hyperventilation, you should not use codeine. A child or other person who uses codeine without a prescription may buy codeine online, become addicted, or overdose on the medication, leading to death. Codeine can cause profound sedation and habit formation.
Because of its withdrawal effects on a newborn, pregnant women should avoid using codeine during pregnancy. If you buy codeine online and combine codeine with alcohol, other drugs that make you drowsy or sedated, or that slow your breathing, you may experience fatal side effects. The liver breaks down codeine quickly in some people, causing abnormally high levels in the body. This may cause dangerously slow breathing in a child and result in death.
A serious condition known as serotonin syndrome can occur from certain drugs and codeine interactions. When taking this medication during pregnancy, your baby may become dependent on the drug if you change how or when you take it. Ensure your doctor is aware if you also take stimulant medicines, herbal products, medicines for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, serious infections, or preventing nausea and vomiting.
Ask your doctor before making any changes to your medication schedule to avoid this risk. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should tell your doctor if you take a habit-forming medicine. Symptoms of withdrawal can be life-threatening to your baby after birth. Several weeks of treatment may be required for newborns born dependent on habit-forming medicines.
If you’re taking codeine while breastfeeding, your baby could become drowsy, have breathing problems, or even die. Codeine can slow or stop your breathing if you take it in quantities higher than prescribed. Your doctor may tell you not to take it for an extended period. Follow all directions on your prescription label. You should contact your doctor if the medicine ceases to relieve your pain. Even at regular doses, codeine may become habit-forming.
Do not share this medication with others, especially those with a history of addiction or addiction to drugs. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medicine to prevent constipation. Before using a stool softener, consult your doctor first. Make sure you keep track of your drug. Codeine is a drug of abuse, so you should know if your medicine is misused or without a prescription.
