High on Cheap Drugs

As a young pharmacist, I can take a loan from a bank now, open a community pharmacy stock it with Benylin with codeine and I am set for life.



What is it with this drug?



Some people use it because they feel it gives them the strength to go the extra mile. In this part of the world, due to a lot of factors, most men are not sexually active, and when they find anything that can assist them, they will abuse it. That is why Viagra was abused when it came. And this one is cheaper than Viagra, so it is easier to take.

(Excerpts Culled from http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/20110/2012/03/24/benylin_codeine_alternative_viagra_dr_nwanedo.html). This is just tells you how far the misconception has gone.



Benylin is a trademark of a company; it has several products for cough. Many companies have jumped the wagon and have started producing drugs with codeine. In my line of work i have seen different categories of codeine addicts, some in suits, some "bad guys" in swag clothing, older women. People are getting a high from these cough syrups that i can not even understand.



I am just going to state here what codeine is used for and its side effects.



Codeine is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also used, usually in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing. Combination products that contain codeine and promethazine should not be used in children younger than 16 years of age. Codeine will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to treat pain, it works by changing the way the body senses pain. When codeine is used to reduce coughing, it works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.



Possible Side Effects

Codeine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness

lightheadedness

headache

drowsiness

mood changes

nausea

vomiting

constipation

stomach pain

difficulty urinating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

difficulty breathing or swallowing

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

rash

itching

hives

changes in vision

seizures



Misuse can lead to dulling type effect, a lack of co ordination.

Dependence: this can occur within two to three weeks of use.

Respiratory depression.



On a lighter note: How to spot a codeine addict?



He/she always claims to have cough.

He/ She is not a health care professional yet knows all the different brands.

Does not mind spending any amount on it.

Will have more than 2 bottles at home.

Starts to sound sluggish after a while.



What do you use Codeine for?



If you think you know an addict, please help them seek medical attention.