Interactions with other drugs
Dihydrocodeine is a drug that acts in the central nervous system, so it may interact with other substances that act in the brain and spinal cord. If dihydrocodeine is taken simultaneously with central depressant medications such as sedatives, sleeping pills or psychotropic drugs, the respiratory depressive and sedative effect of dehydrocodeine is intensified. The same effects can be achieved by taking antihistamines and anihypertensive drugs combined with dihydrocodeine.
Dihydrocodeine should not be combined with tricyclic antidepressants either, as it increases respiratory depression. In general, the opioid should also not be combined with painkillers as it increases the effect of the painkillers. Another important interaction can occur when dihydrocodeine and MAO inhibitors are taken together. In this case high fever, agitation and changes in breathing and circulation may occur. Finally, alcohol should not be consumed during therapy with dihydrocodeine, as this combination reduces psychomotor activity.
Symptoms of poisoning
The symptoms are very broad. The most important one is pronounced respiratory depression. The respiratory depression can cause cyanosis, hypoxia and cold skin.
Furthermore the poisoning (intoxication) affects various organ systems. Urinary and stool retention occurs, vomiting is possible. A coma can also occur, with rigid pupils, in this case with miosis (narrowing of the pupils).
In addition, there may be loss of tone of the skeletal muscles, sometimes with non-response to refelex-inducing stimuli (areflexia). A drop in blood pressure with bradycardia (slower pulse rate) is also possible. Furthermore, cramps may occur.
