Can You Mix Nyquil and Alcohol?
Thinking about mixing alcohol with NyQuil to help you sleep off a cold? This seemingly harmless combination can have dangerous, even life-threatening consequences.
From short-term risks to the potential for long-term damage and addiction, the dangers are real. Let's discuss why mixing these two substances can be harmful.
Should You Mix Alcohol and NyQuil?
The short answer is no, you shouldn’t. NyQuil and alcohol can have dangerous side effects that may result in long-term health problems or injury.
For example, it can increase the side effects of both substances, leading to excessive sleepiness, dizziness, and even breathing difficulties. These effects can increase the risk of accidental injury, especially if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery.
When mixing alcohol and NyQuil, there’s also a risk of severe liver damage because one of NyQuil’s main components is acetaminophen, which can induce liver damage in toxic doses.
NyQuil and Alcohol Side Effects
Aside from the side effects mentioned before, NyQuil and alcohol can result in other harmful side effects, including:
- Over sedation
- Elevated heart rate
- Upset stomach
Alcohol impairs the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to recover from illness while making NyQuil ineffective.
Mixing NyQuil and alcohol can also increase the risk of long-term consequences such as liver damage, addiction, overdose, and even death.
NyQuil Overdose Symptoms
Combining NyQuil and one or two drinks usually won’t cause serious issues. But if you take more than the recommended amount of NyQuil or drink a lot of alcohol, you may overdose.
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact 911 immediately for emergency help:
- Rapid heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Severe agitation or irritability
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Yellow color in your eyes or skin
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Is NyQuil Addictive?
Yes, because one of NyQuil’s main ingredients is dextromethorphan (DXM) which is an addictive drug that users often abuse for its euphoric effects. High doses of DXM produce a similar effect to hallucinogenic drugs like PCP or ketamine.
It causes a pleasurable increase in dopamine in the brain’s reward pathway, and users describe effects ranging from mild stimulation to alcohol or marijuana-like intoxication. At high doses, it can result in physical distortion and hallucinations.
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NyQuil Addiction Symptoms
People develop an addiction over time and start to crave DXM. Even users who use NyQuil for its intended purpose may develop a dependency or tolerance.
If you develop a tolerance, you’ll need a larger amount or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect. The symptoms of NyQuil addiction include:
- A strong desire or compulsion to take NyQuil
- Reduced ability to control the use of the drug
- Physical withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce the use of NyQuil, which resolves when NyQuil use resumes
- Increased tolerance
- Neglecting other areas of life due to NyQuil use
- Difficulty sleeping without the drug’s help
NyQuil Withdrawal Symptoms
Those who are dependent on NyQuil may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Overactive reflexes
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Severe cravings for NyQuil or other medications with similar ingredients
NyQuil and alcohol should never mix. The risks far outweigh any potential benefits. If you're struggling with a cold or flu, we strongly suggest prioritizing rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications used as directed.
If you suspect you or someone you know is struggling with NyQuil addiction, seek professional help immediately.
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- Agrawal S. & Khazaeni B. “Acetaminophen Toxicity.” Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2024.
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- Martinak et al. “Dextromethorphan in Cough Syrup: The Poor Man’s Psychosis.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 2017.
- May, M. “Dextromethorphan Abuse.” National Capital Poison Center.
- Mutschler et al. “Dextromethorphan Withdrawal and Dependence Syndrome.” Deutsches Arzteblatt International, 2010.
- “Over-the-Counter Medicines DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2017.
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