Dihydrocodeine Withdrawal — Timeline and Tapering
Like all opioids, regular daily use of dihydrocodeine for more than 2 to 3 weeks causes physical dependence. Stopping suddenly produces an unpleasant but rarely dangerous withdrawal syndrome.
Withdrawal timeline
- 8–24 hours after last dose: anxiety, restlessness, runny nose, watery eyes, yawning, sweating
- 24–48 hours: muscle aches, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhoea, goosebumps, dilated pupils
- 3–5 days: symptoms peak then begin to ease
- 7–10 days: physical symptoms mostly resolved
- Weeks to months: lingering low mood, poor sleep, and cravings can persist
How to taper instead
If you’ve been taking dihydrocodeine 30mg several times a day for weeks, taper rather than stopping cold:
- Week 1: reduce by one tablet per day from your usual total
- Week 2: reduce by another tablet per day
- Week 3 onwards: drop one more tablet every 3–7 days until you reach zero
For slow-release 60mg or 120mg, drop to the next strength down for 1–2 weeks before stopping.
What helps during taper
- Paracetamol + ibuprofen for breakthrough pain
- Loperamide for diarrhoea
- Anti-nausea tablets if needed
- Hot baths for muscle aches
- Good hydration and electrolytes
- Sleep hygiene — no caffeine after midday
When to get medical help
- Severe vomiting causing dehydration
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Suicidal thoughts
Withdrawal is uncomfortable but not life-threatening for most people. Call 111 if you need support.
See also
Order dihydrocodeine
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