Quick info
Benylin® with Codeine N, Codeine Knoll®, Codicalm®, Escotussin, Néo-Codion® N, Paracodin®, Resyl® plus, Gelonida® etc.
Codeine is a substance found in opium and belongs to the group of opiates. In medicine, codeine is used as a painkiller (mostly in combination with paracetamol) and as a cough suppressant.
The effect is individual and dose-dependent. It varies from sedative and analgesic effects, mild sedation to euphoria or excitement. In high doses (100-200 mg) codeine is strongly sedating.
Onset of effect
Varies with the form of application.
Swallowed: 15 - 90 minutes
Snorted and rectally (suppositories): after approx. 10 minutes
Injected: after a few seconds
Duration of action
Swallowed: 4 - 12 hours
Snorted 3 - 6 hours
light: 20 - 100 mg
medium: 100 - 150 mg
strong: 150 - max. 200 mg/day
The effect occurs more quickly when codeine is mixed with carbonic acid and sugar. From 100 mg, a strong sedative and depressant effect can already occur. Higher doses mainly increase the risk of side effects. An increase in effect at high doses is rarely seen, as the body can only absorb limited amounts of codeine.
Information on dosage in liquid form (e.g., syrup)
The information is usually given in %, which you can use to calculate the dosage as follows:
Examples:
0.1%: (1mg codeine in 1ml) = 100mg in 1dl
0.2%: (2mg codeine in 1ml) = 200mg in 1dl
0.3%: (3mg codeine in 1ml) = 300mg in 1dl
Appearances
Mono- and combination preparations in the form of tablets, capsules, pastilles, drops or syrup, rarely in suppositories.
A mixture of codeine, crushed candy in sweet drinks (often lemonade) is called Lean, Texas Tea, Purple Drank, or Sizzurp.
Risks
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, itching, sweating, constipation, feeling cold, dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, slowed pulse, sleep disturbances.
At higher doses (overdose or in combination with other downers), other severe side effects may also occur: Numbing sensation, slowing and attenuation of breathing to respiratory arrest, severe drowsiness to unconsciousness, life-threatening shock, visual disturbances.
Long-term risks/consequences
Tolerance development is the habituation to an opiate, whereby its effects diminish through repeated or chronic use over a period of time.
Dependence is accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms and can develop with regular use. Withdrawal symptoms in case of addiction could be: compulsive craving for opioids, anxiety or agitation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleep disturbance, runny nose, sneezing.
After opiate withdrawal, tolerance to opioids is lost, meaning that one becomes as sensitive to opioids as before dependence. The risk of intoxication is particularly high if the dose consumed again is not drastically reduced compared to the doses before withdrawal.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
In the case of codeine obtained from a legal source (doctor or pharmacy), we are not aware of any extenders. If medication is obtained on the black market or online and not from a pharmacy/medical facility, the contents are unclear. Have the medication tested for the exact ingredients in a drug check!
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.
