Lidocaine sold as codeine
Risk assessment
This liquid, sold as codeine, does not contain codeine but lidocaine.
Lidocaineis a topical anesthetic that is normally used in dentistry or for minor procedures. It is not intended for oral administration and can cause serious side effects if taken orally.
In contrast to codeine, which is used as a cough suppressant and mild painkiller, lidocaine has no central depressant or analgesic effect when ingested. However, if it is consumed in a dose typical of codeine (e.g. 20-60 mg or more), it can cause severe side effects: Numbness, dizziness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmia - in the worst case heart failure. This is particularly dangerous with repeated use or in people without tolerance.
As the expected effect (e.g. calming or cough-relieving) does not materialize, there is a risk of topping up - which further increases the amount of lidocaine ingested and massively increases the risk of a harmful overdose. Side effects such as nausea, restlessness, headaches, confusion or circulatory problems can also occur in smaller quantities.
Drugs from non-medical sources are often misrepresented - so it is essential to have substances tested.
If drug checking is not available, start with a very low dose on first use and look out for warning signs such as unexpected effects.
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Safer Use
Analysis
Have your substance tested in a drug check if you bought it on the black market or on the internet. Counterfeit blisters may look identical to the original packaging.
Mixed use
Do not mix any depressant substances such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB/GBL or opioids. Risk of unconsciousness or respiratory paralysis!
Dosage
Feel your way to the dosage and do not rely on dosage information from friends. Various factors such as habituation or dependence can contribute to a greatly increased dosage!
Testing
If you do not have the possibility to have substances analyzed, first test a maximum of one third of the pill. Some counterfeit drugs contain a more potent substance than the original.
Wait and see
Wait at least 2 hours after taking the drug. With some drugs, the onset of the intoxicating effect is very slow or it is difficult to perceive.
Disclaimer
If you are in possession of a substance that does not appear on this page, this in no way means that it contains the expected ingredient or that it should be safe. The warnings we publish only refer to the substances listed in our Drug Checking offers, these substances pose a high risk of consumption and should not be consumed. A substance may have the same visual appearance (shape, size, colour, etc.) and yet have different ingredients or a different composition. There is no drug use without risk! Only a complete renunciation of drugs is risk-free! If you still decide to use drugs, you should at least follow the safer use rules.
