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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sleeplessness And Breathlessness While Taking Dihydracodein For Pains?

Hi I have taken 4 30mgs of dihydracodein tablets for pains down my leg I usually take two but tonight it s really bad and I really need to be up early for work so need to get to sleep, I have noticed my breathing is shallow and feel as though I need to remind myself to breath? I want to go to sleep but very worried I might stop breathing in my sleep is this possible and if so what should I do? I really need to get to sleep? Thank you Donna.
Mon, 25 May 2015
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Though I am based in the US, I looked up Dihydrocodeine and this type of medicine is in the opioid family. All opioids have side effects of reducing respiratory drive so if you feel like you having breathing issues you need to stop this medicine and call your doctor. It's very possible that you may already have a sleep problem such as sleep apnea and this opioid medicine is making it worse.

While opioids can make people tired or drowsy, they can also cause sleeplessness.

Please do not take more medicine than what has been prescribed to you.
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What Causes Sleeplessness And Breathlessness While Taking Dihydracodein For Pains?

Though I am based in the US, I looked up Dihydrocodeine and this type of medicine is in the opioid family. All opioids have side effects of reducing respiratory drive so if you feel like you having breathing issues you need to stop this medicine and call your doctor. It s very possible that you may already have a sleep problem such as sleep apnea and this opioid medicine is making it worse. While opioids can make people tired or drowsy, they can also cause sleeplessness. Please do not take more medicine than what has been prescribed to you.