Can You Be Addicted To Nyquil

What Is The Major Ingredient In Nyquil That Makes It Potentially Addictive

this is what happens when you chuck nyquil

As a general knowledge, kids cannot take NyQuil because of a major ingredient: alcohol.

When you take a look at the average NyQuil bottle, it says 10% alcohol. That amount might not seem like much to the average person, but it is enough to produce a strong reaction that feels like a high to a kid. And to an addict, its more than enough to give them a bump.

The amount of alcohol is there to help relieve the pain, fever, sore throat, minor aches, and pain. Because the manufacturers expect people to take this product in small amounts, which justifies the amount of alcohol in there to numbs those feelings.

Just like how alcohol removes emotional and physical pain, the internal damage is invincibly there. A person using Nyquil will abuse it to feel those relaxed effects.

One should drink plenty of fluids when taking NyQuil to reduce those uncomfortable effects. Additionally, one should measure the amount of NyQuil they are taking, in general, to ensure they are not taking too much. This reason is why many NyQuil bottles come with a measuring cup. A person who is addicted to NyQuil does not care about these recommended dose limitations.

What makes NyQuil so dangerous is the fact that there is no prescription required to purchase. Other highly addictive narcotics like oxycodone require a prescription and are usually locked in a container for this reason.

Is Nyquil Addictive

A person who uses NyQuil correctly almost certainly will not become addicted, but someone who misuses NyQuil may develop dependence on the medication. Someone can misuse NyQuil by taking too much of it or by taking it for the wrong reasons, such as to treat asthma or chronic bronchitis, or for recreation. NyQuil is only designed to treat short-term symptoms, not cure long-term health problems. NyQuil is not a cure for insomnia and it should not be used just to fall asleep.

Once someone is unable to sleep without NyQuil, even when theyre not sick, they have become dependent on NyQuil. When a person starts to experience withdrawal symptoms when they put NyQuil back in the medicine cabinet, NyQuil dependence has escalated into NyQuil addiction. Physical withdrawal symptoms most often characterize addictions to alcohol, opioids, and dangerous stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, but addictions to common medications can cause withdrawal symptoms as well. The symptoms of NyQuil withdrawal include:

Anxiety

What Are The Side

The most common side-effects of NyQuil, if any occur, are minor and do not require medical attention. NyQuil is not dangerous if it used properly. The most likely side-effects are:

Blurred vision
Nervousness and excitability
Stomach pain

It is important that people who use NyQuil follow the instructions on the bottle and avoid taking too much. Someone who regularly takes too much NyQuil could lose consciousness or suffer liver damage from the acetaminophen. Additionally, people should abstain from drinking alcohol while taking NyQuil and they should also avoid taking it together with an antidepressant or another medication which contains acetaminophen.

Moreover, it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction to NyQuil. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to NyQuil include rash, hives, itchiness, difficulty with swallowing and breathing, and swelling in the face, throat, and mouth.

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How Safe Is Nyquil

When taken according to instructions and not combined with alcohol or other medications, NyQuil is safe for use in adults and children over 12 years old. However, abusing NyQuil by taking more than the recommended dosage may cause the following side effects:

Anxiety

Hallucinations
Seizures

Overdosing on NyQuil demands emergency treatment but not because of doxylamine. Instead, the primary danger to overdosing on NyQuil is DXM and the pain reliever acetaminophen found in NyQuil. Unless counteracted by activated charcoal or a gastric lavage , an acetaminophen overdose can cause severe liver and kidney damage.

How To Take Nyquil

Ensure that you read and follow all instructions on the packaging label. Use it as directed by your pharmacist or doctor.

If you are taking Nyquil in liquid form, measure the dose using the given measuring spoon. Nyquil is also available as extended-release capsules.

The dosage recommendation you get from your doctor is based on your response to treatment, age, and medical condition. Avoid taking it more than prescribed, longer than prescribed, or increasing your dose. Improper use may lead to abuse and harm like brain damage or seizure.

If your condition continues for more than one week or worsens, let your doctor know as it may not be the right medication for you.

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While Using Nyquil As Directed Is Thought To Be Safe Taking It In Ways That Are Not Recommended Like As A Primary Sleep Aid Can Be Dangerous

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NyQuil is a common cold and flu relief medication that is sold over-the-counter in either liquid or pill form. It is usually used to relieve coughing, but it also produces a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness. Additionally, some people who have conditions with associated pain use NyQuil to help maintain a pain-free state of sleep.

Because NyQuil is thought to produce a deep and enduring state of sleep, people often ask, Can you take NyQuil just to sleep? or, Can I use NyQuil as a sleep aid? A few aspects of NyQuil need to be considered to answer these questions.

Can You Get Addicted To Tylenol

Did all the said information meet your experiences while using Tylenol? Certainly, no. It is because acetaminophen has neither any addictive properties nor the capability of altering brain chemicals. But prolonged use may still result in dependency.

You may mistake addiction from dependency. They have different meanings even though they are often used interchangeably. As was mentioned before, addiction means you are already not able to stop yourself from further using a drug. On the other hand, a dependency is something you may develop due to the prolonged use of a certain drug.

They may be similar but addiction results to a more negative impact not only on the individual but also to his family and community. Intake of Tylenol leans more towards dependency rather than addiction.

What To Do During A Dextromethorphan Overdose

If a person is overdosing on DXM, they require emergency medical attention. Call 911 immediately. There are no drugs that counteract a DXM overdose the only way they can survive the condition is to get help in a hospital immediately.

In the hospital, a dextromethorphan overdose will be treated with several emergency procedures to stabilize the individual. Some of these may include:

Activated charcoal to absorb the remaining DXM
Blood and urine tests to understand how much has been consumed
Breathing support
Electrocardiogram to measure heart activity
IV fluids to maintain hydration and nutrients in the body
Laxatives to help the body expel DXM faster
Gastric lavage, or stomach pumping, to remove the drug

Is Nyquil Addictive Signs And Symptoms Of Abuse

TAKING NYQUIL SHOTS!

Nyquil is an over-the-counter drug used to treat symptoms caused by allergies, the common cold, the flu, and breathing illnesses like bronchitis and sinusitis. It contains three active ingredients:

Acetaminophen A non-aspirin fever reducer and pain reliever
Dextromethorphan A cough suppressant that alters part of the brain and thus reduces cough
Doxylamine succinate An antihistamine that relieves runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat and nose, and watery eyes

Do not use Nyquil to treat ongoing coughs from smoking, long-term breathing problems or asthma. Like other over-the-counter drugs, continuous use of Nyquil may cause serious side effects, dependence and, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms.

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What You Need To Know About Nyquil

Before knowing the answer to the question, Can you get addicted to Nyquil? Let us know first what Nyquil is and its nature.

Vicks, a well-known pharmaceutical firm in the United States, sells and manufactures NyQuil. According to the label, the medicine relieves headaches, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and fever. It provides brief symptomatic relief of the cold virus, but it is not a cure. Drowsiness is also a side effect of the medication, which can help sick people fall asleep. On the other hand, NyQuil is not a replacement for expert medical treatment or other sleeping pills. It is also not advised for children under the age of six.

NyQuil has three active components, namely:

Acetaminophen- a painkiller used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as aches and pains from a cold or the flu, headaches, and fever.
Dextromethorphan – a cough suppressor that acts by decreasing brain signals that cause coughing.
Antihistamine doxylamine- alleviates fever and allergen symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat.

Why Do Dextromethorphan Overdoses Occur

Many cases of DXM overdose involve people intentionally ingesting large amounts of cold or flu medications to get high. Recreational abuse of drugs is extremely dangerous, and it can lead to dependence, tolerance, addiction, acute and chronic side effects, and death.

However, some people are simply poor metabolizers. People who fall into this category do not metabolize medications as efficiently as the average person. Typically, these people should take smaller doses than recommended for over-the-counter or prescription medicines to avoid intoxication, addiction, and overdose. However, a person may not know that they fall into this category until it is too late. It is important to know the symptoms of overdose, and if they are experienced, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Can Nyquil Be Abused

Yes: Nyquil can be abused. Nyquil Cold & Flu is a combination of medicines: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan and doxylamine. According to Drugs.com it is used to treat headache, fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat caused by allergies, the common cold, or the fluit will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema. When used as directed, Nyquil can be highly effective and safe, with nominal side effects. However, when abused and/ or taken in large amounts it can lead to distorted awareness, altered perceptions of time and hallucinations. The abuse of cough syrup, including Nyquil, has been a growing problem in America for decades.

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Weight gain
Depression

People that regularly consume kava say that the herb induces a calming sensation similar to alcohol and benzodiazepines however, unlike that of alcohol, they are able to remain clear-headed while under the influence of the substance. The majority of people experience a kind of euphoria when taking kava and increased levels of relaxation. Kava essentially acts as a central nervous system depressant as it impacts the receptors of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid and stimulates dopamine in the brain. The calming and mood-boosting effects the substance induces can then cause some people to abuse kava in order to intensify these feelings.

Abuse constitutes any situation in which the substance is used not as explicitly directed, such as taking higher dosages or mixing it with other drugs and alcohol. Many individuals will take more of the herb than recommended to feel the effects faster or use it to intensify the sedation of other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol. Diverted use such as this increases the risk of serious complications such as abdominal cramping, troubled breathing, and slowed cognitive function.

Side Effects And Abuse

Almost every drug has side effects, including NyQuil. This drug will affect you, depending on its usage. Any addiction is dangerous, so you should not take it lightly.

The most common side effects include:

Stomach pain
Dry mouth
Drowsiness

If you are using NyQuil, you should always follow instructions and prescriptions from your doctor. Taking too much can lead to severe side effects. By using acetaminophen, you can damage your liver. You may also lose consciousness when you consume excessive amounts of it regularly. It can also trigger allergic reactions that pop up suddenly and include itching, difficulty in swallowing, hives, and swelling. If you think that your usage has led to an addiction and you cannot quit the habit of consuming it, join our rehab program.

Nyquil Abuse Is Serious

While many people suffer from the abuse of OTC medications, these stories arent often picked up. The news focuses on stories of alcoholism and opiate addiction, brushing aside countless instances of minor abuse. If you or a loved one is suffering from Nyquil abuse, its finally time to find some solace. Contact us today, and get yourself the help you deserve.

Can I Use Nyquil To Fall Asleep

If youre looking for a good nights sleep it might seem like a no-brainer to reach for the medications you take when you are sick and have to get rest. But what happens if youre not sick should you still be taking something like Nyquil as a sleep aid?

One of the concerns about using Nyquil, if youre not battling acold or flu, are the ingredients. Themain component is DoxylamineSuccinate, an antihistamine that induces drowsiness and also relieves a runnynose and sneezing. Nyquil also contains 10 percent alcohol. To compare, beer isabout 4-6 percent alcohol and wine can average about 12 percent. Since Nyquilalready contains those ingredients that are designed to put you to sleep itmight seem like it should be ok, but many experts say using the medication for sleeplessnights is not advised.

According to Dr. Neal Barnard of the Physicians Committeefor Responsible Medicine, Whenused as directed, Nyquil does not present substantial risks, even with repeateduse. It is better to stop using it for sleep-inducing purposes. So, whileusing Nyquil as directed is thought to be safe, taking it in ways that are notrecommended can be dangerous.

Keep Nyquil in your medicine cabinet for when youre dealing witha cold and know there are safer ways to deal with insomnia and other sleepissues.

What Are The Side Effects Of Nyquil

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As we just mentioned, NyQuil can also have a bad effect on your body if not taken properly. Thats right, Nyquil can have a number of side effects, such as:

Disrupted sleeping pattern
Vomiting
A sudden burst of energy in children

It is true that such a list of side effects can be pretty scary at first, but remember that these are pretty rare and that NyQuil is a soft medication. That said, if you have allergies, if you have a condition, or if you are going through a trauma, we strongly recommend consulting a doctor or a specialist before taking anything.

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What Makes Tylenol Addictive

We have talked about Tylenols contents, and acetaminophen seems like a typical chemical compound added to different drugs. Is there something about its chemical structure that makes it addictive? Will it make you compulsively crave it just like other drugs?

First, we have to know that drugs such as meth, cocaine, and heroin affect our brain in a different way. Compared to over-the-counter and prescription drugs, they do not just alter your brain activity but also destroy your body. Most of the drugs that cause addiction react to our brains reward system.

To add, it makes us feel pleasure every intake of it. This will cause you to crave for that euphoric sensation from your previous experience. As you continue to feed that craving, your brain will get the hang of it making you addicted.

Second, you have to continuously feed your addiction since your body craves it. Drugs may cost you a lot of money. Being an addict affects your body holistically, thus, affects your performance drastically at work and even at home.

Moreover, you will do such desperate measures regardless of the consequences that might come after. Actions that may even harm your family will not even cross your mind.

Lastly, prolonged consumption of addicting drugs will eventually make you unable to stop yourself from using it.

Nyquil Can Become Addictive

It’s also possible to develop an addiction to NyQuil, per The Recovery Village. If you get in the habit of taking it every night, it will stop having the same effect. When your tolerance increases, it will likely take longer to fall asleep and you may find yourself waking up rather than sleeping through the night. When people begin taking higher doses of NyQuil or taking it more often, it’s a sign that they’ve become dependent on it which can lead to addiction.

Per Shape, people who take NyQuil or other over-the-counter products containing antihistamines develop a high tolerance fairly quickly, sometimes even within days. Dr. Stephanie Stahl, a sleep medicine physician at Indiana University Health told the outlet that “hese medications can also worsen other medical problems and sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome.”

If you’re dealing with insomnia, it’s best to talk with your doctor about the best way to manage it. For example, Stahl told Shape that cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective way to treat insomnia without using medication. Per Verywell Health, other healthy and effective methods to treat insomnia include acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and diet adjustments.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Nyquil Addiction

If you or someone you know is addicted to Nyquil, there are several signs to be aware of. One of the most common symptoms of addiction is when you experience physical withdrawal from the medication.

Those who notice sudden, powerful cravings for more Nyquil or those who constantly rely on it to sleep may be addicted. Other telltale signs include a sudden onset of depression, anxiety, or restlessness.

Even though Nyquil can help you sleep, addicts may experience the opposite effect and suffer from insomnia. Serious signs of withdrawal include chills, shaking and tremors, blurred vision, stomach pain, and nausea.

While withdrawing from Nyquil might not be as dangerous as withdrawing from alcohol or opioids, it can still pose a serious health risk. In many cases, people need to seek professional help when overcoming Nyquil addiction.