That's a tough question: codeine vs Motofen. Funny, but I've never really compared the two - and I've taken a lot of both of them...and they both work great. I guess I have never compared them because most doctors won't prescribe codeine. And, until Motofen went off the market, it was a blessing and solved everything for me. Codeine became my choice and worked well for me after Motofen was no longer available, After 50 years, I was completely normal again with Motofen. But, also, because I am an old guy, I found it easier to get codeine when Motofen went away. The doctors are all so young, I basically say, "Look, my friend, I'm an old guy, I know how my body works - don't lecture me. I'll lecture you, if that's what you want. I'll bring you my history of everything I have taken for my IBS for the last 50 years - and I have the RX receipts to prove it...not just a list. And this was a long time before they even knew what IBS was! At first, it was considered a woman's psychological disease. Not so good for me as a young man at the time! About 2 years ago, I truly announced in the lobby of a doctor that I demanded my co-pay back because his advice was worthless and he knew nothing about the subject of IBS. I completely understand that we are all ignorant of many things (I certainly am), but the "doctor syndrome", where they think their words and thoughts come from a special magical place, is ridiculous. I told him if he was ignorant about IBS, to not be ashamed and to simply refer me to someone who was more knowledgable. (I don't think doctors are used to being 'brought down' to our level.)
But, interestingly, I actually think Motofen works better than codeine. And, again, as I've said before, it's not the cure for everyone. Everyone's solution will be different. Something that kills me is when someone starts a thread with "I've found the cure!!" Not, "I've found what works for me." Believe me, there are as many different solutions to IBS as there are people that are stuck with it.