Codeine Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments
Although codeine is a prescription drug, it can still be highly addictive. It is usually used as a painkiller or a sleep inducer, but its harmful effects should also be kept in mind. People take codeine in the amounts suggested by their physician, which makes our body develop a tolerance. However, it makes our body crave the drug when we don’t have it and the withdrawal symptoms set in. So, before using codeine you need to take extra care for your health.
Codeine has been listed by the US government as a Schedule 2 narcotic, meaning it belongs to the same category as Oxytocin. Monitoring the Future Report in 2018 revealed that 2.8% of eighth-graders, 3.3% of 10th-graders, and 3.4% of 12th graders overdose on cough medications to get high.
Therefore, codeine must be consumed with care. Although it is illegal to consume it outside of a doctor’s prescription, people consuming it legally can also develop a high tolerance for it.
The extent to which one feels withdrawal symptoms depends upon different factors, such as how long they have been consuming it, etc.
Common Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Irritability or anxiety
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Faster heartbeat
- Sleeping troubles
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Chills or goosebumps
- Nausea & vomiting
The problem is that they don’t want to face these withdrawal symptoms, which prolongs their dependence on codeine. However, extending the consumption of codeine only worsens the symptoms later. So, let’s learn the withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline
Symptoms can last from a week to a few months. However, a generic timeline can be created for the withdrawal, as described below:
Day 1 to 4: During the first few days, the user may feel flu symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, cramps, etc. Other symptoms might include headache, dilated pupils, etc. There is also a slight chance of suffering from restless leg syndrome and depression.
Day 5 to 7: The physical symptoms wear off after the first four days. However, the user might feel dehydrated, so water intake is particularly important at this stage. Besides that, the user might feel depression, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.
Day 8 & Onwards: The physical symptoms disappear in one week, but the mental challenges still trouble the user and keep lingering. Codeine cravings are a common occurrence in the ensuing months and even years. In extreme cases, users are likely to suffer from anxiety, guilt, shame, and feelings of suicide. In such cases, it is vital to seek professional medical help to salvage the situation.
This timeline helps us understand the scale of the users might be facing if they withdraw. But unfortunately, most users are afraid of them and keep delaying them, which makes the problem worse down the line.
Withdrawal Treatment:
Usually, a doctor will advise you to withdraw slowly instead of suddenly stopping it. When you reduce its usage gradually, your body adjusts to the changes in a better way until it no longer needs the drug. Your doctor can also refer you to behavioral therapy or counseling to avoid the chances of any relapse.
Mild symptoms don’t necessarily require narcotic drugs, so your doctor would most probably suggest some non-narcotic ones. Some examples are:
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for reducing pain
- Loperamide for controlling diarrhea
- Hydroxyzine for anxiety and nausea
Moderate symptoms require slightly stronger medications such as Clonidine which can reduce anxiety, high blood pressure, runny nose, muscle aches, agitation, etc. In addition, drugs like diazepam can be used for treating muscle cramps and for a better night’s sleep.
Severe withdrawal symptoms mean your doctor will have to try something different. For example, they might recommend you a different opiate or one of the following three medications which are commonly used for addiction treatments:
Naltrexone is an effective medication that can block the effect of codeine on your brain. By taking away the pleasurable effects of the drug on your brain, it helps you avoid relapse. However, you might still feel some cravings.
Methadone helps with controlling cravings and supports your body function properly.
Buprenorphine gives you effects like a weak euphoria which can reduce the risk of dependence on codeine and its misuse in the long term.
Delamere Codeine Addiction Recovery
If you want to get rid of Codeine addiction, Delamere’s purpose-built facility in Cheshire is the place to be. Doctors and nurses are always present to help you detox effectively. One-to-one and group therapy sessions help you with the mental issues you might be facing.
Delamere’s unique transformational program involves equine therapy, art, yoga, meditation, fire ceremonies, etc., to help you overcome your addiction and become a much more refined person.
