What are the side effects of long term use of tossex cough syrup?

Answer 1

I afraid you question cannot be answered fully but I will try to share the knowledge I have. This is not professional advice. It all depends on the amount consumed and which cough syrup is consumed and the actual brand that is confused. Each cough syrup brand is different as the ingredients are different except for codeine phosphate which is the actual ingredient that makes you addictive. Further some of the cough syrups have ingredients like dextromethorphan and acetaminophen which make them more dangerous.

If you are consuming one or two bottles (100 ml each) a day then there are no visible health side affects. If you consume one or two bottles for more than 5 years there would consequences. However, it is rare that people are addicted to one or two bottles of cough syrup a day. Either the individual graduates to drinking more or giving up.

However, if you consume more than 2 bottles a day some of the known side affects are

1. Short term memory loss
2. Inability to concentrate on one thing
3. Restlessness
4. Urination problem (in extreme cases the kidney can get damaged)
5. Liver damage when used over a long period of time
6. Epilepsy can happen as well (depends on the ingredients of the cough syrup

In the end I would like to add that the advice should not be construed as medical advise. Consult a doctor for actual advice.

I would like to add that the individual who is addicted should be treated with compassion. Though we tend to believe otherwise, most of the addicts also want to give up their habit and would, in most cases, need help from everyone.