"Poppy head" - this is how the name of the drug and the codeine drug sounds in Greek. The history of codeine began as early as 1832, 28 years after morphine was first isolated from opium. According to the World Health Organization, today codeine is the most commonly used opiate in the world. And in Russia this substance is included in the list of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, which are subject to control in the Russian Federation.
What is codeine?
Codeine( 3-methylmorphine) is one of the alkaloids of opium, the most dangerous drug, from which they receive both potent drugs( morphine) and the most dangerous drugs( heroin).
Immediately after the discovery of codeine, physicians discovered its excellent analgesic properties. And although the action of the "poppy head" is much weaker than morphine( morphine relieves pain 10 times more efficiently), scientists have long considered it to be the safest of all opiates. Allegedly, it is almost non-addictive and has a minimum of side-effects compared to the same morphine. Today these optimistic arguments are refuted.
In general, on the basis of 3-methylmorphine, the following groups of preparations containing codeine are made:
- from cough;
- for fighting migraines;
- antipyretics;
- analgesics.
In the video on the danger of codeine:
Exposure to the body
Codeine facilitates the condition in various types of pain - headache, dental, posttraumatic, pain syndrome in the treatment of cancer, etc. It is used to treat cough and relieve diarrhea.
Once ingested, codeine acts as a classic alkaloid. First of all, he finds opioid receptors responsible for susceptibility to pain( in the cells of the brain and spinal cord, GIT, etc.), and gently affects them. This reduces the emotional perception of pain.
Also codeine directly affects the cough center( in the medulla oblongata), relieves the excitement and thus alters the acute symptoms of coughing.
These codeine dignities in many ways provided the popularity of the drug and made it common, including for the treatment of severe pain and cough in babies from the first years of life.
But soon after euphoria about the "harmlessness" of codeine, scientists realized. Codeine is not in vain an opiate product - about 5-15% of it in the liver is processed into morphine, and at a high dose can cause symptoms of drug poisoning. Also, the mechanism of action of the substance is such that it is able to accumulate in tissues and provoke a complete opioid dependence, gradually destroying the body from within.
But codeine has one more, hidden danger, which indicates its immediate harm. On the basis of drugs with this drug, sometimes a stronger substance is made-dezomorfin, which has a very dangerous and very unpredictable effect.
Side effects of
Experts generally share the side effects of codeine preparations into 2 groups - heavier and less severe. The most dangerous action codeine drugs have on children.
In a growing organism, at times, insufficient enzymes are generated for the processing of a medicinal drug, and the analgesic effect of drugs can be much weaker than in adults. At the same time, the side effects of the children will manifest themselves to the fullest extent - sometimes down to poisoning.
Major( less severe) side effects of "codeine":
- drowsiness, absolute equanimity, indifference and other symptoms of sedation;
- nausea and vomiting;
- stool, pain and abdominal stiffness;
- dry mouth;
- rashes on the skin( minor);
- , dizziness, etc.
If the dose is exceeded or if the codeine combination is combined with others, the side effect may be much stronger:
- respiratory depression( classic consequence of opiate overdose);
- slowed heart rate and heart rate;
- low pressure;
- hallucinations;
- darkening of consciousness;
- problems with urination.
Consequences of the use of
Exceeding the dose of codeine drugs causes the same sensations as when using other opioid drugs. The feeling after using codeine is often called a "codeine parish".It begins with pleasant warmth( sometimes burning), a sense of universal calm and harmony, an upbeat mood.
During codeine intoxication, periodic memory dips and distortions of consciousness may occur.
It is difficult for a person to formulate a thought, he loses the ability to concentrate on the simplest things, etc.
If a person exceeds the authorized dose of codeine, acute poisoning can occur.
Symptoms of it are typical for any opioid poisoning:
- a sharp decrease in pressure;
- loss of consciousness( to the state of coma);
- pupillary narrowing;
- weak pulse;
- muscle cramps;
- is a rare irregular breathing.
The peculiarity of the codeine overdose and poisoning is that breathing disorders can easily develop into paralysis, while the person is in full consciousness.
If you use codeine-based medicines for a long time, you may develop classic symptoms( as with strong drug dependence):
- has regular digestive problems;
- gastric and duodenal ulcer;
- absent-mindedness, reduced efficiency;
- lowered intelligence, personality disorders;
- partial loss of vision;
- internal bleeding;
- dramatic decrease in body defenses;
- early aging;
- psychosis and development of depression;
- erectile dysfunction.
The video codeine dependent tells about the consequences of using drugs on its basis:
The development of dependence
As an effective and multifunctional drug codeine has been used for a long time, and experts have long proven that if you apply it strictly to the intended purpose and do not exceed the rate, the dependence will not appear.
But if you increase the dose and mix the therapeutic alkaloid with other strong agents, a typical opioid dependence can develop. It includes 3 stages, the periods of each of these periods vary significantly - depending on the dose of the codeine drug and the frequency of use:
- Initial. Often appears after 30 regular receptions of codeine. At this time, psychological dependence is formed. The patient experiences euphoria and a feeling of complete rest after taking the medication, at the usual time is scattered and depressed.
- Average. It develops on average six months after the initiation of codeine treatment. Psychological dependence is complemented by the physiological dependence, the patient no longer feels euphoria after the codeine dose, but without the drug is absolutely broken and sluggish. With the refusal of the medication on the 5th-6th day, codeine breakage appears: acute dissatisfaction( it would be desirable to "climb against the wall"), tension, pain in all muscles, toothache, runny nose, tears, diarrhea and constipation.
- The last one. It develops after 5-15 years of continuous "treatment".The effectiveness of the usual dose of codeine is reduced by a third - tolerance develops. Without a drug, the patient is absolutely passive, sometimes even unable to move( muscle pain goes away, strong weakness comes).The codeine dose is required 3-5 times a day, the breakdown occurs within 24 hours without medication.
Signs of the use of
Although most of the drugs on codeine basis are currently prohibited for free sale and are issued only by prescription, it is not possible to purchase such labor aids. This is what novice drug addicts use.
The most important thing is to confirm the fact of taking codeine medicines. Packages from tablets, powders, antitussive syrups - already a dangerous signal. With codeine dependence, a close person is very distracted, reacts slowly to words and deeds, constantly wants to sleep, his eyes water and his muscles ache. Under the drug, behavior becomes inadequate, signs of depression appear.
Treatment of
Treatment of codeine dependence traditionally includes 3 sets of measures:
- Detoxication of the body. At this stage, it is important to remove all traces of opiates from the body, remove the fragility, remove toxins. If the patient has acute codeine poisoning, gastric lavage, dropper, antidote therapy( based on the Naloxone drug) is necessary. For traditional treatment, glutamic acid, insulin injections are recommended. Separately, treatment of concomitant diseases is required.
- Rehabilitation. It is best if the treatment is carried out in a hospital, under the supervision of a doctor. Work is carried out with a therapist, classes in groups, apply special techniques designed to bring the addict back to life.
- Resocialization. Here the final return of the codeine drug addict to the former full life. Particularly important is the work with the patient's family, support of loved ones, occupational therapy, etc.
What should you remember when taking codeine-based medicines?
Today, codeine preparations are gradually being withdrawn from sale and use. A striking example is the situation in India in the summer of 2015, when, under the pressure of market regulators, local pharmaceutical companies reduced sales of codeine syrups from cough that provoke dependence. And although codeine is practically banned in Russia today, many medications on its basis are still in pharmacies( often they are prescribed by doctors).
In order not to fall into the trap of codeine dependence, it is very important to take these medications correctly. First, many substances can enhance or reduce the effects of codeine, so you should consult a doctor about the composition of the main drug and related drugs. In chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys, even the recommended dose of codeine must be reduced.
And most importantly - do not exceed the dosage and artificially not increase the course of treatment. After codeine, accumulating in the body, not only gives an anesthetic effect. It causes a gradual intoxication and provokes dependence.