Codeine Addiction, Abuse & Effects.

                         Codeine Addiction, Abuse & Effects.

   Most of the chemist are supplying the codeine syrups to the addicts without any fear of the Narcotics control bureau and Drug Controller General of India. Statistics of the various states reveal that the use of addictive ingredient is much higher than actual demand of the states which clearly shows that the substance (Codeine phosphate) is going to the addicts. Chemist is free to dispense the cough syrups in bulk quantity without proper prescriptions. In this backdrop, it is essential to start a crackdown against the improper practices going on in this field. Concerning bureaus & department should chalk out strategy to suspend the licenses of the chemist shops across the states for illegally selling the cough syrups to the addicts. Whosoever, whether chemist or the distributor found indulged in the malpractices should no longer be ignored & perpetrators of the crime should be brought to the book.Cough syrups addiction is especially rise among the youth as its easy availability is the preferred source of addiction. Most of the doctors are of the view that this affects the all age group people.

Parents should be vigilant on their school going kids who may take this drug under these circumstances:-

1-Poor performance, dipping grades, absenteeism, ignoring home work, overlooking major exams & sudden change in peer group.

2- Moods swings, irritability, fatigue & loneliness.

3- Secretiveness is a vital sign and those dependent on drugs, tend to work overtime to hide bottles.

Besides this the side effects of this drug are as follows:-

1-   Prolonged use causes breathing problems,.

2-   Swelling of throat, lips & Face.

3-   Anxiety attacks, hallucination, dizziness, high blood pressure, impaired judgement and trembling of hands.

4-Codeine may cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes this medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine. Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use codeine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

There are particular many girls & housewives among the addicts who use it either for euphoric purposes or to tranquilize their anxiety for longer days. So the girls & housewives are advised not to use it as recreational or anti-depressant because it has serious side effects.

   So be careful, before you gulp down it.