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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Codeine Phosphate

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: Hi, I have been taking prescribed codeine phosphate since 2006 for severe, idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome but I want to stop using it because the side effects are preventing me from sleeping. I never exceed my prescribed dose of 4 * 30mg/night and more often than not have only 2,even if I get no sleep. I hate the stuff and have tried to get away from it 4 times this last year without success; in the end I am forced back to it after > 7 days without sleep. Can you please tell me what kind of damage this drug may be doing ? I have tried ALL the other RLS medications and none of them work longer than a few days. Codeine just gives me a couple of hours RLS-free/night but has otherwise ruined my previously very positive and productive life.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I am Dr.Barani and I am pleased to assist you.

Codeine phosphate comes under opiate group of medications. So this medication can cause side effects like constipation, drowsiness, nausea, itching and addiction.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.Barani

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T