I used paregoric for several years. I found that over time I needed less of it to achieve the same thickening effect. Eventually I became very averse to using it b/c of the horrible taste, and when I had T3 after a root canal, I saw my GI shortly after and told her what a dream it was. Didn't need the paregoric-the T3 had the same effect. Since then, I switched from paregoric to 30mg codeine sulphate about 2-3x/day. It is a bigger hassle b/c of having to get a hard copy script every month (whereas could get 6 months of refills on paregoric), but much easier to carry around with me, take in public, and just pop with the rest of my other pills.
After the first few weeks on paregoric, I didn't notice any sedating effects, and on 30mg of codeine a couple times a day, I don't either.
Both paregoric and codeine are covered by my insurance.