The long and short-term side effects of co-codamol

Easily accessible and affordable, the number of people abusing co-codamol has risen in recent years, especially among teenagers and young adults. People have become susceptible to co-codamol addiction due to unsupervised and long-term prescribing, poor access to non-pharmacological pain treatments, barriers to accessing information on the risks of harm and the availability of over-the-counter co-codamol (1). This medication’s ability to directly impact the body’s central nervous system carries both short- and long-term side effects.

Short-term side effects of co-codamol

Like all medicines, co-codamol comes with a list of common side effects, such as nausea and constipation, but these can be compounded if it is taken in high doses. Codeine, the opioid in co-codamol, is a CNS depressant which directly impacts the body’s central nervous system. It significantly slows down the brain’s activity causing feelings of relaxation and drowsiness which can help alleviate anxiety, panic, stress and sleep disorders. However, abusing this type of drug can slow down your heart rate, affect breathing, cause hallucinations and even cause cardiac arrest. The paracetamol in codeine is also linked to liver damage, which is why taking too much co-codamol can be very dangerous.

Long-term side effects of co-codamol

Co-codamol is considered safe at the correct dose, but prolonged use of the drug can result in unpleasant side effects. Even if your pain isn’t going away, you should never take co-co-codamol for a long period as the tolerance you build up will leave you craving for more. This is the beginning of co-codamol addiction.

Chronic abuse of co-codamol doesn’t just cause damage your health in the short-term, it can cause long-lasting physical and psychological harm. Long-term side effects of co-codamol include damage to the liver, kidneys, brain and eyes, life-threatening intestinal blockages, memory loss, permanent brain damage, impaired cognitive function, loss of vision and insomnia.

Taking too much co-codamol can also result in an overdose. Signs to look out for include difficulty breathing, blue tinged lips or nails, constricted pupils, loss of consciousness or extreme drowsiness, slow pulse, chest pain and vomiting.

The Delamere approach to co-codamol addiction

If you’re suffering from the side effects of taking too much co-codamol and are worried about co-codamol addiction, it’s important to get help. At Delamere, we take a person centric approach to treating addiction at our purpose-built retreat in Cheshire. We can help you stop cravings with a medically assisted drug detox which will help you to withdraw from co-codamol safely with minimum discomfort.

Our holistic therapists will then work with you to establish the root cause of your co-codamol addiction through a range of advanced therapeutic practices, from one-to-one counselling to somatic healing experiences. Every residential rehab programme is uniquely designed around you. You will be given all the help you need to find your own path to recovery and the strength to grow beyond addiction.

References

1. Kinnaird E, Kimergård A, Jennings S, et alFrom pain treatment to opioid dependence: a qualitative study of the environmental influence on codeine use in UK adultsBMJ Open 2019;9:e025331. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025331.