What is the difference between Codeine and Hydrocodone?

One of the many crises the U.S. is facing now is the abuse of opioids. This has caused thousands of deaths every year thus individuals must also be aware of the effects of this drug. Two of the most bought and abused opioids are codeine and hydrocodone. Codeine is a prescription opioid that is used to alleviate pain and can also be used as a cough suppressant.

Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is a pain reliever for certain receptors in the central nervous system. Codeine is considered to be one of the mildest opioids but if overdosed as it can change the pain sensation experienced by the user. This does not mean that it removes the pain but it increases the user’s pain tolerance making it addicting. Since hydrocodone is intended for more severe pain, when taken beyond the recommended dosage, the user may experience shallow breathing as well as other side effects similar to codeine.