Harm Reduction Cyclizine and Dihydrocodeine - a Dangerous Combo For a First Time User?

[Smiggles14]

Hey all,

:hai:

I'm in the UK which means I can get cyclizine OTC pretty easy. In about a week or so, I plan on taking dihydrocodeine as my first ever experience with an opioid - I plan on taking around 120-150mg orally. My question is cyclizine safe to take with it or will increase my chance of an overdose (what do I do in that circumstance, by the way) I've read it's the best for reducing nausea and itchiness that could be potentially caused by the DHC but is safe to take the two substances at the same time, especially with someone with no opioid tolerance whatsoever. I've been told to avoid promethazine because Promethazine is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which is the enzyme responsible for metabolising DHC into the more potent dihydromorphine (although I believe it's only converted into tiny amounts). Cyclizine, however, has minimal interaction with CYP2D6 and isn't known at all to be a significant inhibitor of this enzyme. The other option I am looking at is cetirizine since it's a 2nd gen anti-histamine it dosen't interact with CYP2D6 at all but its anti-enemic effects are much less than that of cyclazine. Would cetirizine even help with feeling nauseated/itching?

Basically I'm just weighing up the pros and cons of cyclizine and cetirizine - safety wise. Cetirizine is certainly safer however I am not sure it would be that helpful if I were to experience some adverse affects from the DHC. Cyclizine, on the other hand, would certianly help with any adverse affects and mitigate any nausea/itching and even potentiate the DHC which would be a very nice added bonus! But, also, it could interact with the CYP2D6 enzyme slightly reducing the amount of dihydromorphine metabolised diminishing the high.

Sorry this post is a bit rambly but hopefully I got my point across. I just want to know if taking the cyclizine over the cetirizine is fine and safe wouldn't increase my chances of overdosing or anything. If anyone has tried this combination please do let me know what it was like, I'm taking the DHC for recreational purposes as I've never tried an opioid before so I'm expecting a body high like a warm euphoric hug completely surrounding you coupled with the physical euphoria of feeling innocent again and that all is right in the world. The only thing I can compare it to is MDMA but I'm sure they'll be completely different but hopefully the DHC much more euphoric.

 

[Quasimoto]

You'll be alright. There are no direct contraindications, other than increased drowsiness (which most find beneficial). It won't cause additional respiratory depression.

It's good to be cognizant of enzyme interactions, but this isn't a huge concern here. It generally takes several days of repeated dosages to achieve significant potentiation from a CYP inhibitor or inducer.

Anticholinergics do reduce some of the nausea and itching, mainly itching. People often combine them for this reason, and it helps you nod.

I'd keep your expectations small, definitely nothing like MDMA. I wouldn't consider opioids innately euphoric drugs. In fact, about 35% of people try heroin and don't like it, never do it again. 150mg of DHC would give me a very pleasant high, but that's because I love opioids.

 

[Jen X]

You should be fine. Just try not to make it a habit. Addiction happens quicker then we realize