logo
logo
Sign in

Codeine and Respiratory Depression: Understanding the Risks

avatar
Anjali Pawar
Codeine and Respiratory Depression: Understanding the Risks

Codeine is a powerful pain reliever that belongs to the opioid family of medications. While it is effective at reducing pain, it can also cause respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening side effect. Respiratory depression occurs when the body's breathing rate slows down to dangerous levels, which can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the body. For chronic pain management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological therapies can be effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life. These therapies help people develop coping skills and strategies for managing pain. It's important to talk to your doctor about the best options for managing your pain. They can help you find the right combination of treatments that work for you and minimize the risk of side effects.


Codeine can cause respiratory depression by acting on the brainstem, which controls breathing. The drug can slow down the body's breathing rate, making it more difficult to take in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. This can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can cause a range of symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.


It's important to note that respiratory depression can occur even in people who take codeine as prescribed by their doctor. However, the risk is higher in people who misuse the drug or take it in higher doses than recommended. It's also important to avoid taking Codeine with other medications or substances that can cause respiratory depression, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. If you experience symptoms of respiratory depression while taking codeine, such as shallow or slow breathing, blue lips or fingernails, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.


Read more @ https://influentialblogging.blogspot.com/2023/05/codeine-is-usually-used-for-treating.html


collect
0
avatar
Anjali Pawar
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more