Codeine phosphate Category: Opioids

Also called: Solpadeine, Nurofen Plus, Feminax, Migraleve, Panadeine, Syndol, Tylex. Although sometimes called DF118s, DFs, Difene these do not contain codeine. Difene is a totally different drug. DFs contain dihydrocodeine which is related to codeine but is a different drug.

How it’s used

Codeine is a painkiller which you can get in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Codeine is in many medicines which you can buy over the counter or be prescribed by your doctor for pain. It is an opiate drug, from the same family as morphine and heroin.

Short-term effects

Pain relief
You may feel warm, relaxed and detached
You may feel confused and light headed
Dry mouth, itchiness and pinpoint pupils
Your body temperature and heart rate go down
You may feel drowsy and sick
Larger doses can slow your breathing and lower blood pressure

Long-term effects

Constipation
Liver damage if drug also contains paracetamol, such as Solpadeine
Breathing problems
Irregular periods for women

Other dangers

Your risk of overdose goes up if you mix codeine with other drugs, such as other painkillers or alcohol

If you are pregnant

It can be dangerous for your baby if you withdraw from codeine when pregnant. It is better to reduce your dose very slowly. Codeine may cause your baby to be born small and have withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Addictive

Codeine is both physically and psychologically addictive, so your body craves it and you find it hard to cope without it. Your tolerance increases over time so you have to keep taking more to get the same buzz.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal is less severe if you reduce the dose first. If you stop using suddenly, you will get opiate withdrawal symptoms such as aches, tremor, diarrhoea, sweating and chills, sneezing, yawning and muscular spasms. These symptoms start within 8 to 24 hours after your last dose, peak around the third day and fade after 5 to 10 days. You may have sleep problems, cravings and mood swings for weeks.

How long does it stay in your system?

Codeine will show up in a urine testfor2-10 days depending on the dose and how well your liver functions. (The length of time depends on the test used, the amount you take, if you have other medical conditions and your own metabolism. Please use this figure as a guide only)

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Support from your doctor to reduce withdraw, detox or keep off codeine
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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