Summary
Codeine is frequently sold over-the-counter in combination with paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen, or aspirin, which are dangerous or fatal at recreational codeine doses. A cold water extraction should be performed to separate codeine from these compounds. There is a metabolic ceiling dose around 400mg beyond which additional consumption increases side effects without enhancing euphoria. Genetic variations in CYP2D6 enzyme production cause some individuals to experience reduced effects (poor metabolizers) or dangerous hypersensitivity (ultra-rapid metabolizers). Codeine should not be used intravenously as it can cause severe mast-cell degranulation and anaphylactoid reactions.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 50-100mg | 100-150mg | 150-200mg | 200mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 20-45 min | 30-60 min | 1-2 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 4-12 hrs | 180-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops within days of regular use; analgesic tolerance faster than respiratory depression tolerance
Reset
7–14 days for partial reset; full reset may take weeks — tolerance loss greatly increases overdose risk
Cross-tolerance
Effects
Positive
- Physical Euphoria
- Pain Relief
- Cough Suppression
- Physical Relaxation
- Analgesia
Negative
- Respiratory Depression
- Nausea
- Dry Mouth
- Sedation
- Itchiness
- Pupil Constriction
- Difficulty Urinating
- Relaxant
Positive
- Cognitive Euphoria
- Anxiety Suppression
- Euphoria
- Mood lift
Negative
- Constipation
- Thought Deceleration
- Motor Control Loss
- Compulsive redosing
- Time Distortion
- Dream-like State
Positive
- Tracers
- Increased Music Appreciation
Negative
- Disinhibition
- Acuity Suppression
- Appetite suppression
- Dulled perception
- Metallic Taste
- Visual Drifting
- External Hallucinations
- Auditory Hallucinations