Can Nurofen Plus Get You High? Effects, Risks & Legal Implications

Nurofen Plus is a pain relief medication that combines ibuprofen and codeine. The question “Can Nurofen Plus get you high?” arises because codeine is an opioid, which can produce euphoric effects when taken in higher doses than recommended. This potential for misuse and the risk of addiction make it a topic of concern.

Composition of Nurofen Plus

Nurofen Plus contains two main active ingredients: Ibuprofen and Codeine Phosphate.

• Ibuprofen: This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.
• Codeine Phosphate: This is an opioid painkiller that can relieve moderate pain and may cause sedation (sleepiness).

Regarding the question “can Nurofen Plus get you high?”:

• Codeine: As an opioid, codeine can produce euphoria or a “high” feeling, especially if taken in higher doses than recommended. However, misuse can lead to addiction, dependence, and serious health risks.
• Ibuprofen: This component does not contribute to any euphoric effects.

It’s important to use Nurofen Plus only as directed to avoid potential misuse and health risks. If you have concerns about its effects, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Mechanism of Action

Nurofen Plus combines ibuprofen and codeine. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting certain hormones in the body. Codeine, an opiate, works on the central nervous system (CNS) by blocking pain signals and reducing anxiety and stress associated with pain.

Codeine can affect the CNS by producing analgesic and sedative effects. It reduces the excitability of neurons by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters like substance P, GABA, dopamine, and noradrenaline. This can lead to feelings of euphoria or a “high,” especially if taken in higher doses than prescribed. However, misuse can lead to dependency and serious health risks.

Potential for Euphoria

Nurofen Plus contains ibuprofen and codeine. Codeine is an opioid, and opioids can cause euphoria or a ‘high’ due to their effect on the brain’s reward system. When codeine is metabolized, it converts into morphine, which can produce feelings of euphoria. However, the extent of this effect varies between individuals due to differences in metabolism.

Misuse of Nurofen Plus for its euphoric effects can lead to dependence and addiction. Regular use can result in tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, which increases the risk of harmful side effects and overdose. Experts warn against using Nurofen Plus for non-medical purposes due to these risks.

Risks and Side Effects

Misusing Nurofen Plus, especially to get high, poses significant risks and side effects:

1. Addiction and Dependency: The codeine in Nurofen Plus can lead to addiction and dependency, making it difficult to stop using the drug.
2. Kidney Damage: Prolonged misuse can cause acute kidney injury, renal tubular acidosis, and even renal failure.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues: Misuse can result in peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal perforations, and internal bleeding.
4. Severe Hypokalaemia: This condition, characterized by dangerously low potassium levels, can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac issues.
5. Respiratory Problems: High doses can cause respiratory depression, making it difficult to breathe.
6. Neurological Effects: Misuse can lead to symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.
7. Anemia: Misuse can cause severe anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Attempting to get high from Nurofen Plus is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening complications. If you or someone you know is struggling with misuse, seeking professional help is crucial.

Legal and Medical Perspectives

Legal Perspective

• Regulations: Nurofen Plus contains codeine, a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for misuse and addiction. Regulations often require it to be sold only in limited quantities and sometimes only with a prescription. There are ongoing discussions about further restricting its availability to prevent misuse.

Medical Perspective

• Health Advisories: Misuse of Nurofen Plus can lead to serious health issues, including acute kidney injury, peptic ulcers, and dependency. The codeine component can cause euphoria, leading to its misuse as a recreational drug. Health advisories emphasize the risks of dependency and the potential for life-threatening complications.

Nurofen Plus: A Pain Relief Medication with Potential Risks

Nurofen Plus is a pain relief medication that combines ibuprofen and codeine, an opioid that can produce euphoric effects when taken in higher doses than recommended. The potential for misuse and addiction makes it a topic of concern.

Ibuprofen does not contribute to any euphoric effects, while codeine can lead to feelings of euphoria or a ‘high’ due to its effect on the brain’s reward system.

Misuse of Nurofen Plus can lead to dependence, addiction, and serious health risks such as kidney damage, gastrointestinal issues, severe hypokalaemia, respiratory problems, neurological effects, and anemia.

It is essential to use Nurofen Plus only as directed and consult a healthcare professional if concerns arise.

The legal perspective emphasizes regulations on the sale of codeine-containing medications due to its potential for misuse, while the medical perspective highlights health advisories warning against the risks of dependency and life-threatening complications.