Like all medicines, dihydrocodeine can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.
You’re more likely to have side effects if you take the higher strengths of dihydrocodeine.
Common side effects
These common side effects of dihydrocodeine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Constipation
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Feeling sleepy
Confusion, feeling dizzy and vertigo (a sensation of spinning)
Dry mouth
Headaches
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 100 people