Codeine Research Paper

Anne is currently taking paracetamol for the pain in her wrist, within healthcare analgesia should always be monitored to assess whether it is achieving elimination of pain and should be adapted to the individual patient (Vargas-Schaffer, 2010). If paracetamol were not effective in eliminating Anne’s pain then practitioners should consider a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication [NSAIDS] or a mild opioid medication such as codeine as the next step (Vargas-Schaffer, 2010). However as Anne is asthmatic NSAID medication should be used with caution due to the risk of increased frequency of asthma attacks and breathlessness (Joint Formulary Committee, 2015); if Anne has taken NSAIDS before with no issue then this would be the next choice of analgesia followed by codeine if combined paracetamol and NSAID did not prove effective (Vargas-Schaffer,

      As well as killing pain, moderate doses of pure opioids produce a range of mild effects. They depress the activity of the nervous system, including such reflexes as coughing, breathing and heart rate. They also cause widening of the blood vessels, which gives a feeling of warmth and reduces bowel activity, which causes constipation.

Codeine is a narcotic, and this common opioid that has been administered for a long as we can remember. It is used for acute pain relief and could give a feeling of euphoria “a high” as well as a degree of sedation. With many prescription drugs, they carry some risk and they include side effects such as constipation and nausea and drowsiness (Canada, 2009) (Addiction.com, 2011).

Analgesics: i.e. Codeine, used for pain relief, side effects can be light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and sedation. Codeine can also cause allergic reactions, symptoms of which include constipation, abdominal pain, rash and itching.

For thousands of years, opiates have been used in the treatment of pain. Opium is believed to have been discovered 6000 BC, and since then, it has had a huge impact on both medicine and the recreations of those seeking euphoria. More recent than the ancient discovery of natural opium are the derivatives of opium, such as the alkaloids morphine, codeine, and thebaine. From these alkaloids, semi-synthetic opiates can by synthesized, such as hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Synthetic opioids are also quite prevalent, which include fentanyl and tramadol. Opium can also be processed into heroin, a morphine derivative. As advancements were made in science and engineering to allow for a wider distribution and usage of opiates, the problems of dependence and overdose also increased drastically. According to Hart and Ksir (2013, p. 302), the invention of the hypodermic needle for intravenous administration of morphine and other drugs allowed for a much faster and more potent dose of the drug. With this increased potency came an increase in the possibility of a recreational intravenous user to overdose. Hart also mentions that some of the wars surrounding the era of the synthesis of morphine may have contributed to the rise of morphine, seeing as a medic soldier’s motto was always “first provide relief” (2013). This relief-driven attitude and extensive use of opioid analgesics in medicine during the time, in addition to the large amount of patent medicines and remedies on the market may

The earliest form of painkillers was first created in the 16th century where people used laudanum or opium prepared in alcoholic solution as pain relivers. In the early 19th century, people extracted morphine from old opium poppy plants and this form of painkiller was most commonly used in the American Civil War. As Morphine was found to be very addictive, chemists in the 1870s produced heroin that did not turn out to be a success as it was proved to be more addictive than morphine. Many other synthetic opiates such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet were produced respectively in 1984, 1995 and 1999. However, these synthetic opiates could only be given if prescribed by a doctor as they could also be addictive. There were also other options of

Another pro of opioid based painkillers is a faster recovery after surgery. Individuals that come out of surgery with long term pain can take Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Diphenoxylate, Codeine, and Fentanyl just to name a few to help relieve their pain. Reducing

Pain is a common symptom that is associated with numerous medical issues, including musculoskeletal problems that physical therapist see on a day to day basis. There are several different ways to treat pain and one of them is to provide a means of releasing opioids in the body to alter the pain experience. In fact, there are three different types of opioids: naturally occurring (endogenous or exogenous substances such as natural endorphins or poppy), semisynthetic (exogenous substances that contain both natural and synthetic agents), and synthetic agents (man-made substances used to mimic the effect of natural substances) used to decrease the symptom of pain.1

Methaqualone, is also referred to as Disco Biscuits, Down And Dirties, Jekyll-and-Hyde, Joe Fridays, Lemmon 714, Lemons, Lennon's, Lovers, Ludes, Mandies, Mandrake, Q, Qua, Quack, Quad, Quaaludes, Soaper, Supper, Vitamin Q, The Love Drug, Wallbangers, Whore Pills, and Sopor. This list of street names for the drug goes on and on.

Higher-than-recommended doses of some over the counter (OTC) cough syrups produce psychoactive (mind altering) effects in which cause them to be abused. Two commonly abused cough syrups include dextromethorphan and promethazine-codeine. Several OTC cold medicines contain dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant and expectorant. When taken in amounts exceeding the recommended dose, it may produce euphoria, dissociation and/or hallucinations. Whereas, promethazine-codeine contains codeine, an opioid that serves a role in cough suppression, as well as promethazine HCl, an antihistamine that produces sedation. When taken in higher-than recommended doses, it may produce relaxation and euphoria.

Codeine or methyl morphine, an alkaloid, was first isolated in 1832 from raw opium. It concentration ranges from 0.2% to 0.8%. Mostly used for its analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrheal capabilities (Tremlett, Anderson and Wolf, 2010). Paracetamol also known as acetaminophen (n-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) on the other hand, is a useful non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is commonly

The management of postoperative pain has received much interest nowadays. The intensity of postoperative pain depends on many factors such as type and duration of the surgery, type of anesthesia and analgesia used, and the patient’s mental and emotional status (11).

This painkiller, often used to treat coughs and colds, has many side effects, including drowsiness, severe itchiness, delayed mental processes (slower reactions), vomiting, shortness of breath, etc. If overused for recreational purposes, this drug creates a severe psychological and physical dependence on the use of this drug. Overuse can also cause fainting, confusion, wheezing, fever, and has the potential to kill. Codeine itself is known to be a very mild opiate, therefore its benefits do not outweigh the negatives it may cause. The human body’s tolerance to codeine has been shown to increase quickly and easily, requiring a larger dose

These combination codeine medicines, which is a type of opioid, are produced to provide pain relief for headache, back pain, dental pain and post-surgical pain and for management of cold and flu symptoms. When taken in large dosages above the recommended amount, these drugs can affect the brain similarly to illegal drugs and hence produce relaxation and euphoria (National Institute on Drug abuse 2014). Therefore, there are now growing concerns over abuse and dependency due to increased access and availability of these drugs (Shaheed, Maher & McLachlan

Codeine is a narcotic and can slow your breathing if you are on the medication, medical assistance should be contacted immediately if any of the following occur.