Does Digesic Make You Sleepy? Understanding This Common Side Effect

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to multiple sources, including product information sheets, drowsiness is a commonly reported side effect of the pain reliever Digesic. This sedative effect is primarily caused by one of its active ingredients, an opioid, and understanding its mechanism is crucial for safe use.

Quick Summary

Digesic often causes drowsiness because it contains an opioid, which acts as a central nervous system depressant. The sedative effect can be more noticeable when first starting the medication or when the dosage is increased and is worsened by alcohol use.

Key Points

Opioid Content Causes Drowsiness: Digesic contains an opioid (e.g., dihydrocodeine or codeine), which is a central nervous system depressant and causes sedation.
Drowsiness Can Lessen with Tolerance: The sedative effect may be most noticeable when you first start taking Digesic, but can decrease as your body builds a tolerance.
Avoid Alcohol and Other Depressants: Combining Digesic with alcohol or other CNS depressants can dangerously increase the level of sedation, dizziness, and risk of overdose.
Exercise Caution While Driving: Because of the risk of drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are aware of how the medication affects you.
Seek Immediate Help for Severe Symptoms: If you experience extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, or confusion, seek emergency medical attention immediately as these are signs of a severe reaction or overdose.

Digesic is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Its formulation typically includes an opioid, such as dihydrocodeine or codeine, combined with acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) and sometimes caffeine. While the acetaminophen/paracetamol addresses pain and fever, the opioid component is the main contributor to the sedative and pain-relieving effects. Because of this, patients are routinely advised to exercise caution and to be aware of how the medication affects them before driving or operating machinery.

Why Digesic Causes Sleepiness

The sedative properties of Digesic are a direct result of its opioid ingredient. Opioids are a class of drugs that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body to block the transmission of pain signals.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression: The primary reason for drowsiness is the opioid's effect as a CNS depressant. This means it slows down the activity of the nervous system, leading to a relaxed and calm feeling, which can transition into sleepiness or sedation.
Tolerance Development: When you first start taking Digesic, the sedative effect is often more pronounced. As your body becomes accustomed to the medication, you may develop a tolerance, and the drowsiness can wear off over a few days. However, this does not mean the risk is gone, and increasing the dosage can reintroduce or intensify the sedative effects.

Factors That Influence Drowsiness

Several factors can influence the degree of drowsiness experienced while taking Digesic. Being aware of these can help you manage your treatment more safely.

The Role of Dihydrocodeine or Codeine

The potency and concentration of the opioid component directly correlate with the level of sedation experienced. Dihydrocodeine and codeine are both classified as moderate-strength opioids, and their effects are centrally acting, meaning they work on the brain to produce a calming effect. For some individuals, genetic factors can cause higher blood levels of the medicine, increasing the risk of serious side effects, including excessive sleepiness and breathing problems.

Additive Effects of Other Substances

Combining Digesic with other substances that also depress the CNS can significantly and dangerously increase sedation. This includes:

Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while on Digesic can be dangerous, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, overdose and death.
Other CNS Depressants: Examples include antihistamines, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, other narcotics, muscle relaxants, and certain anesthetics.

Managing Drowsiness When Taking Digesic

Time Your Doses: If possible, take your dose of Digesic at a time when you can relax and do not need to be fully alert, such as in the evening before bed.
Avoid Driving and Operating Machinery: Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any other activities that require mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Avoid or significantly limit alcohol intake while taking this medication to reduce the risk of dangerous side effects.
Communicate with Your Doctor: If the drowsiness is severe or interferes with your daily life, speak to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dose or suggest an alternative medication.

Digesic vs. Other Painkillers: A Comparison of Drowsiness Potential


Medication Type	Active Ingredient(s)	Potential for Drowsiness	Reason for Drowsiness
Digesic	Dihydrocodeine (opioid) + Acetaminophen + Caffeine	High	Opioid component is a CNS depressant.
OTC Painkillers (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen)	NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)	Very Low	Works peripherally to block pain signals; no CNS depressant effect.
OTC Nighttime Painkillers	Acetaminophen + Antihistamine (e.g., Diphenhydramine)	High	Contains an antihistamine, which causes sleepiness.
Other Opioid Painkillers	Various opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Morphine)	High	Opioids are potent CNS depressants.

When to Be Concerned

While drowsiness is a common side effect, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Call for emergency help if you experience any of the following:

Severe sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
Bluish skin, especially on the lips and fingernails
Extreme dizziness or fainting
Confusion or hallucinations
Severe muscle weakness

Conclusion

Does Digesic make you sleepy? Yes, it is a very common side effect due to the presence of an opioid in its formulation. The level of drowsiness can vary based on individual sensitivity, dosage, and interactions with other substances like alcohol. By understanding why it happens and following necessary safety precautions, patients can effectively manage their pain while minimizing the risks associated with this sedative effect. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns or experience severe drowsiness.

For more detailed information on specific Digesic formulations, you can consult reliable resources like the NPS MedicineWise website for product leaflets.

Note: The specific ingredients in 'Digesic' can vary depending on the country and formulation. Always read the product information or consult your pharmacist for the exact components of your medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digesic contains an opioid, such as dihydrocodeine or codeine, which is a central nervous system depressant. This ingredient slows down brain activity, leading to a feeling of calmness, relaxation, and ultimately, sleepiness.

The duration of drowsiness can vary based on the dosage and your individual metabolism. For many people, the most intense sedation occurs in the hours following the dose. As your body builds a tolerance to the medication, the sleepy feeling may lessen over a few days.

No, you should not drive or operate any heavy machinery until you know exactly how Digesic affects you. Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects that can impair your ability to drive safely and are a direct risk factor for accidents.

Yes, combining alcohol with Digesic is highly dangerous. Both substances are CNS depressants, and their combined effect can lead to severe drowsiness, confusion, respiratory distress, overdose, and even death.

If you experience severe or unusual drowsiness, especially if accompanied by slow breathing, confusion, or dizziness, you should seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of an adverse reaction or an overdose.

Drowsiness, or sedation, is a very common side effect of Digesic due to its opioid content. It is one of the most frequently reported adverse effects associated with the medication.

You should not take Digesic with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as antihistamines, sedatives, or sleeping pills, unless specifically instructed by your doctor. This can dangerously increase the sedative effect.