Tylenol with Codeine, or Tylenol No. 3, is a tablet used to treat moderate to severe pain. According to RxList.com, each tablet contains acetaminophen and codeine phosphate. This narcotic medication is only available with a physician's prescription. The typical prescription allows one to two pills every four hours, as needed for pain. According to Drugs.com, the medicine is safe for adults and children to use under a doctor's supervision.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects from using Tylenol with Codeine include sleepiness, dizziness and vomiting. The person taking the medicine may feel short of breath or nauseated. The medicine may cause feelings of euphoria, a rash, skin itching or abdominal pain. These side effects are mild and usually decrease with the use of the medicine. If adverse reactions continue, worsen or become bothersome, they should be reported to the doctor for a decrease in the dose or a change in medicine.
Dependence and Abuse
Because codeine is a controlled substance, there is potential for abusing the medication or becoming physically or psychologically dependent on the medication, creating an addiction. One sign of a dependence is a tolerance to the medicine and a need for a higher dose to get pain relief. People with a dependence on narcotics need medical attention when coming off the medicine.
Overdose
Taking more than the prescribed amount of Tylenol No. 3 may result in an overdose. An overdose may cause severe physical harm or death. Symptoms of an overdose of Tylenol with Codeine include sweating, nausea and vomiting, severe fatigue, unconsciousness, a general feeling of uneasiness, a coma, a blue tint to the skin, shallow breathing and muscle weakness. The overdose may also cause a heart attack, kidney failure, liver failure and low blood pressure. Any signs or symptoms of an overdose need immediate medical attention.
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