Drug:Codeine
| Codeine | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Codeine |
| Drug Class | Opioid |
| Aliases | Codeine |
| ROAs | Oral |
| Oral | |
| Threshold | 20 mg |
| Light | 30–60 mg |
| Common | 60–120 mg |
| Strong | 120–200 mg |
| Heavy | 200+ mg |
| Duration | 4–6 hours |
Codeine
Overview
Codeine is a naturally occurring opioid commonly prescribed for mild to moderate pain and as a cough suppressant. After ingestion, part of the dose is converted into morphine by the liver, although the amount varies significantly from person to person due to genetic differences.
Compared to stronger opioids, codeine generally produces milder sedation and euphoria. Common effects include relaxation, pain relief and drowsiness, although nausea and vomiting are also frequently reported, particularly in people with little or no opioid tolerance.
Subjective Effects
Physical Effects
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Pain relief
- Physical relaxation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Reduced coordination
- Itching (some users)
Cognitive Effects
- Mental slowing
- Emotional relaxation
- Reduced anxiety
- Mild euphoria
- Reduced motivation
Visual Effects
- Mild drowsiness
- Blurred vision
Auditory Effects
- None notable
After Effects
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
- Mental fog
- Headache
My Review
Overall Experience
My experience with codeine was honestly awful.
I took 120 mg of pharmaceutical codeine after performing a cold water extraction to remove the paracetamol from Lonalgal tablets. About an hour later the effects started. The best way I can describe them is feeling like I'd had a couple of beers together with a small dose of Xanax but somehow even less euphoric than either of those on their own. I started getting this weird feeling in my skin that made me feel like if I moved I'd get a cramp so I just stopped moving for a while.
The dizziness and sedation weren't particularly enjoyable, but the real problem was the nausea. It gradually became worse until I lay down in bed. My dog walked into my room, climbed onto my stomach and immediately started whining. Immediately I sprint to the bathroom where I start projectile vomiting continuously for like five minutes.
That wasn't the end of it either. For the rest of the day I continued vomiting roughly every forty-five minutes until I eventually passed out from exhaustion and sedation. Afterwards I couldn't eat for around a day and a half and needed antiemetic medication just to eat bread because the nausea simply wouldn't go away.
Personally, I think this experience was what sealed my promise to stay away from opioids, they aren't for me (thank god)
What I Enjoyed
- Mild relaxation.
- Slight reduction in anxiety.
What I Didn't Enjoy
- Severe nausea.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Very little euphoria.
- Couldn't eat for over a day.
- Needed medication to stop the nausea.
Would I Use It Again?
Yes / No / Maybe
Rating
| Category | Rating (/10) |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/10 |
| Euphoria | 2/10 |
| Sedation | 7/10 |
| Body Load | 8/10 |
| Nausea | 10/10 |
| Safety | 6/10 |
Tips & Harm Reduction
Practical Tips
- If using combination products containing paracetamol (acetaminophen), avoid exceeding the recommended daily amount of paracetamol. Cold water extraction is one method some people use to reduce paracetamol exposure, but it is not guaranteed to remove it completely.
- Nausea is a common side effect, particularly in people without opioid tolerance.
- Avoid alcohol or other sedatives, as combining them can increase the risk of dangerous respiratory depression.
Harm Reduction
- Never exceed prescribed doses without understanding the risks.
- Be aware that people metabolize codeine differently; some may experience much stronger effects than others.
- If someone becomes difficult to wake, has slowed breathing, or stops breathing after taking an opioid, seek emergency medical help immediately.
- If vomiting occurs while someone is very drowsy, placing them in the recovery position can help reduce the risk of choking.
