No, alcohol should not be taken with any cold medication without consulting a healthcare professional first. Many cold medications, such as cough syrups and decongestants, contain ingredients that can interact with alcohol and lead to dangerous side effects. For example, mixing alcohol with some cold medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and difficulty breathing. In addition, drinking alcohol while taking certain cold medications can increase the risk of liver failure. It is important to read medication labels carefully and talk to a healthcare professional before combining any medication with alcohol to avoid potential interactions or harm. When you take cough and cold medication, one of the ingredients is likely dextromethorphan.
Tips for safe alcohol use while taking cough drops
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
- However, it is never a good idea to mix cough medicine and alcohol.
- In the consultation of patients with addiction, the possibility of various addictive drugs must be kept in mind.
- A 2018 report found 1 in 30 teens misuse DXM, and 6 in 10 teens misuse alcohol.
- Because it takes five half-lives for a drug to be removed entirely from your system, DXM may sometimes stay in your body for almost four days.
When misused at doses high enough to produce psychoactive effects, the central nervous system action of DXM can lead to significantly slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening. DXM suppresses coughing by reducing the activity of our central nervous system — the part of our brain responsible for breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Because it acts on such a critical part of our body, DXM has a wide range of side effects. Some people intentionally mix dextromethorphan and alcohol to get high. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is found in over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications like Robitussin and is widely available in pharmacies.
Conditions
DayQuil also contains phenylephrine, a decongestant, and acetaminophen which is a pain reliever that helps alleviate mild aches and pains. Each of these active ingredients interacts with alcohol in a way that produces harmful effects on the user. In fact, DayQuil should not be mixed with any other substances like alcohol without first consulting with a doctor. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an active ingredient in many cough, cold and flu medicines.
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Taking DayQuil with alcohol can cause unconsciousness when taken together due to their combined effects on the central nervous system. Both alcohol and DayQuil can cause drowsiness, sedation, and impaired coordination, making it difficult to perform tasks that require alertness or attention. When taken together, these effects can be intensified, leading to a greater risk of loss of consciousness.
Developing a Dependency on either Substance
Every year in the U.S., around 6000 people go to the emergency room because of misusing DXM with other substances like antihistamines, alcohol, acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine. While these products are safe and effective when used as directed, they can be extremely dangerous in high doses. Some extract the DXM via simple chemical processes described online. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your alcohol and dextromethorphan life. Dextromethorphan is largely considered safe for most healthy adults when used as indicated.
Side effects of DXM and alcohol can last for several days, depending on the person and the drug mix. But binge drinking, which means having too many drinks in one sitting, can harm your body in many ways. Immediate reactions can include problems with balance, movement, and judgment.
- After the transfusion, all his symptoms were ameliorated, and he returned home.
- However, he could not bear the environment and group living, and was discharged from the hospital without completing the program.
- There are a few factors to consider when determining whether this combination is safe or could potentially cause negative side effects.
- Alcohol also interacts with NMDA receptors in the brain, which is why you should avoid drinking while taking dextromethorphan.
- The maximum recommended dose and frequency of use depends on the specific active ingredient.
- Any drugs that suppress the central nervous system are dangerous to mix with dextromethorphan.
Alcohol also interacts with NMDA receptors in the brain, which is why you should avoid drinking while taking dextromethorphan. Combining two substances that affect the body in a similar manner can greatly increase the risk of overdose and exacerbate the negative effects these substances have on the body. Dextromethorphan is also considered an opioid however it does not affect pain reduction and does act on opioid receptors the most opioid pain medications do.