Search

Codeine is widely prescribed in clinical practice with over the counter (OTC) preparations of codeine freely available for consumption typically as a component of remedies for the common cold/cough. We describe the first reported case of acute confusional state in a previously healthy 14-year-old girl ultimately attributed to inappropriate codeine use. The usage of codeine in the paediatric setting has been highlighted in recent years with many reported deaths--mostly due to respiratory depression. The risks associated with codeine usage may be particularly unnecessary with OTC cough suppressants as evidence of efficacy is absent. Finally, codeine dependence is a common problem among adults and has been reported locally and internationally among adolescents. The combination of lack of efficacy, risk of acute intoxication and dependence, suggests that the use of OTC codeine preparations may be unwarranted., (2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

The objective of the study was to assess what differences exist between individuals who are dependent on opiates and benzodiazepines and compare to those who are dependent on opiates. A questionnaire was compiled and administered to patients who had been consecutively admitted to an inpatient drug treatment unit. The prevalence of benzodiazepine dependency was 54 per cent [n = 34]. Patients dependent on benzodiazepines and opiates were significantly older, had been admitted for methadone stabilisation and were more likely to have been prescribed a methadone maintenance programme prior to admission. They had used heroin longer, benzodiazepines more frequently, at larger doses for a longer duration of time and tended to use more drugs in general. They were found to be more psychologically vulnerable than those not dependent on benzodiazepines as they were significantly more likely to have described a past experience of depression and a past episode of deliberate self harm.