Tylenol 3 & 4 Insufflation - Snorting Codeine - Addiction Resource

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answered by Treatment X Evidence Based Snorting Codeine | Tylenol 3 & 4 Insufflation Written by Elise Altonen, LLPC Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on September 9, 2025

People who snort codeine are at risk for developing chemical dependency and addiction. This medication should only be taken with a short-term prescription from a qualified physician.

ON THIS PAGE:
  • Side Effects
  • Addiction
  • Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Overdose
  • Treatment Options
  • Show More
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Tylenol 3 and Tylenol 4 are opioid-containing analgesics that contain codeine and acetaminophen. Codeine is an opiate that is a common drug in many different prescription pain medications. These medications expose a patient to the risk of developing an opioid addiction. Someone who abuses codeine may crush the tablets into a fine powder to snort. Insufflation is the process of snorting a medication in order for the drug to directly enter the bloodstream through the blood vessels of the sinus and nasal cavity.

Once the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream it causes a high faster than when ingested orally. Codeine is known as being a weak pain reliever, however, this is misleading. When the medication is ingested, it converts to a chemical form of morphine in the body. All prescription opioids are central nervous system depressants and can lead to fatal overdose, especially when combined with similar medications.

Side Effects Of Snorting Codeine

A person who snorts codeine may be seeking the euphoric and relaxant effects of the medication, but they are at higher risk for developing dangerous side effects and overdose. These dangers are due to absorbing unsafe levels of the drug into the body. Snorting this medication bypasses several phases of digestion that occur when consuming the tablet orally.

Instead, the medication is absorbed into the mucus membranes in the upper respiratory tract and system to produce fast effects.

Codeine Abuse Effects

Abusing codeine comes with a range of negative side effects.

Some side effects of codeine abuse include:

  • blood pressure changes
  • drowsiness
  • sedation
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • confusion
  • blurry vision
  • seizures
  • depression
  • mental impairment
  • anxiety
  • increased heart rate
  • muscle spasms
  • kidney and liver damage
  • death

Snorting codeine causes serious damage to the nasal passages, throat, and lungs, along with numerous other health complications that can be life-threatening. This method of drug abuse can lead to liver damage, chronic sinus infections, erosion of the roof of the mouth, loss of smell, frequent nosebleeds, bone loss in the nasal cavity, upper respiratory and lung infections, collapsed nasal passages, and increased risk of overdose.

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These health consequences make snorting codeine extremely dangerous, and anyone engaging in codeine abuse should seek medical help and professional addiction treatment.

Snorting Codeine Can Lead To Addiction

Snorting codeine is a sign of opioid addiction. Abusing codeine-containing medications can quickly lead to tolerance and physical dependence. When the body becomes chemically dependent on the drug, withdrawal symptoms will occur when the medication is stopped. When chemical tolerance occurs, a person will need to increase the dose of medication to gain the same effects. Chemical tolerance raises a person’s risk of overdose, especially when abused recreationally.

People who become addicted to and dependent on codeine medications may struggle to stop taking the drug. They may try to avoid withdrawal symptoms that occur when the medication is stopped. Without substance abuse treatment, a person who has become addicted to codeine may find themselves unable to stop taking the medication without assistance from a qualified rehab center.

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone becomes physically dependent on codeine-containing medications like Tylenol 3 or 4, stopping these drugs will cause withdrawal symptoms as the brain and body struggle to adjust to functioning without the medication. These withdrawal symptoms are similar to severe flu-like symptoms and can range from mild discomfort to serious medical complications.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • muscle aches
  • indigestion
  • sweating
  • nausea
  • nasal congestion
  • anxiety
  • agitation
  • drug cravings

Due to the fact that codeine withdrawal can cause significant physical and emotional distress, it’s recommended to work with a professional when stopping these medications rather than trying to quit unaided. Medical professionals can provide safe detox, monitor for complications, and offer medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

Snorting May Lead To Codeine Overdose

People who abuse codeine or are addicted to the medication are at high risk of overdose. Codeine-containing medications can cause respiratory depression and lead to fatal outcomes.

Symptoms of codeine overdose include:

  • unresponsiveness
  • cold, clammy skin
  • fainting
  • seizures
  • difficulty breathing

When codeine is combined with other central nervous system depressants, the drug’s sedative effects are amplified. Consuming codeine with alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the drug’s side effects and may lead to overdose.

Getting Help For Codeine Addiction

Since Tylenol 3 and 4 are widely prescribed pain medications, it often takes a medical professional to diagnose addiction and recommend treatment options. Addiction can develop quickly when people abuse these medications recreationally or use them in ways other than prescribed, such as snorting codeine. This method of abuse can lead to a host of health issues, increased tolerance, and even overdose death.

When someone is unable to stop using codeine on their own despite negative consequences, professional intervention is necessary. Treatment options often include medically supervised detox, counseling, support groups, and aftercare services to maintain sobriety.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

This page does not provide medical advice. See more Article resources

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • National Center for Biotechnology Information — Codeine Addictionhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1560969/
  • National Center for Biotechnology Information — From pain treatment to opioid dependence: a qualitative study of the environmental influence on codeine use in UK adultshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6500317/
  • National Center for Biotechnology Information — Oxycodone Combinations For Pain Reliefhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4046166/
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