In This Article
What is NyQuil?
Nyquil is an over-the-counter medication produced by Procter & Gamble that was first introduced in 1966. Nyquil treats nighttime cold and flu symptoms, including sneezing, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, and cough.
NyQuil has three active ingredients:
- Acetaminophen (a pain reliever/fever reducer)
- Dextromethorphan HBr (a cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine).
Doxylamine succinate, like many antihistamines, is a depressant and has a sedative effect.
NyQuil is produced as a liquid cough syrup as well as in liquicap (liquid inside capsule) form. There is also a severe formula of NyQuil available to treat advanced symptoms of the common cold and flu. Procter & Gamble also produces DayQuil, a daytime cold medicine containing a similar formula to NyQuil without the sedative effects.
Procter & Gamble recommends that adults and children over the age of 12 take one dose of Nyquil every 6 hours while symptoms last. Patients should not exceed four servings in 24 hours.
Another good option is to speak with your campus health center counselors or physicians. Many schools provide help for students who are suffering from alcohol use.
Is There Alcohol in NyQuil?
NyQuil Liquid contains 10 percent alcohol. According to Procter & Gamble, the alcohol in NyQuil is used as a solvent to keep the top three ingredients in liquid form.
Other ingredients in NyQuil include polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, sodium citrate, flavor, and high-fructose corn syrup.
Other varieties of NyQuil are alcohol-free, including NyQuil LiquiCaps and Alcohol-Free NyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid.
Is NyQuil Addictive?
One of NyQuil's main ingredients is dextromethorphan or DXM. DXM is an addictive drug and is often abused for the euphoric effects it produces. Cold medicine abuse involves taking DXM in its original form or mixing it with soda and candy for flavor. This is called "robo-tripping," "skittling," or "dexing." It can also be snorted or injected. Abusers of DXM often combine it with other drugs such as alcohol and marijuana.
DXM produces a similar effect to that of hallucinogenic drugs like PCP or ketamine when taken in high doses. It indirectly causes a pleasurable increase in the amount of dopamine in the brain's reward pathway. Users describe effects ranging from mild stimulation to alcohol or marijuana-like intoxication. At high doses, users report feeling sensations of physical distortion and hallucinations. Individuals develop an addiction when craving and repeatedly seeking to experience those feelings.
Even users who use NyQuil for its intended purpose may develop a dependency on the drug. If the user has developed a tolerance to the drug, they will need to take a larger amount or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect.
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 is resumed
- Increased tolerance
- Neglecting other areas of life due to NyQuil use
Misuse of NyQuil also includes taking too much of it or taking it for the wrong reasons, such as treating asthma, insomnia, or chronic bronchitis. NyQuil is meant to treat short-term symptoms and is not a cure for long-term health problems. NyQuil is not a safe treatment for insomnia and should not be used as a sleep aid.
Individuals can develop a dependency on NyQuil and may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back on use. Signs of a NyQuil dependency include being unable to sleep without NyQuil long after the cold or flu symptoms have passed.
Symptoms of NyQuil withdrawal may include:
- 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
Can You Mix NyQuil and Alcohol?
NyQuil and alcohol should never be consumed together. Procter & Gamble warns that severe liver damage may occur if NyQuil is taken with three or more alcoholic beverages. However, due to the many short-term side effects and long-term risks, consuming any amount of alcohol with NyQuil is not recommended.
NyQuil and Alcohol Side Effects
Mixing NyQuil with alcohol produces a variety of side effects (drug interactions). Because NyQuil and alcohol cause many of the same side effects, including sedation, coordination issues, and elevated heart rate. Combining the two substances can cause these side effects to be more substantial.
The short-term side effects of mixing NyQuil and alcohol include:
- Increased sedation and drowsiness
- Coordination issues
- Elevated heart rate
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
Alcohol also impairs the body's immune system, making it harder for the body to recover from illness. An impaired immune system can cause NyQuil to be ineffective at treating cold symptoms, leading to further infection.
Long-term consequences of mixing NyQuil and alcohol include liver damage and addiction.
At high doses, drinking alcohol with NyQuil is extremely dangerous and can lead to overdose and death.
NyQuil Overdose Symptoms
Combining NyQuil and one or two drinks usually won't cause any serious issues. However, if you take more than the recommended amount of NyQuil, or drink an excessive amount of alcohol, you may be at risk of overdosing.
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
Dangers of Mixing NyQuil and Alcohol
Mixing NyQuil and alcohol is very dangerous. The risks of mixing NyQuil and alcohol include:
- Addiction
- Impaired immune system
- Liver damage or failure
- Increased risk for overdose
- Increased risk of accidental death
NyQuil contains acetaminophen, which is hard on the liver. Alcohol is also toxic to the liver, and combining the two can cause severe damage or lead to overdose.
Other Medications to Avoid While Taking NyQuil
Besides alcohol, there are other medications that should not be mixed with NyQuil. These include:
Drugs with Acetaminophen
NyQuil already contains acetaminophen. Taking other medications that contain the same drug may cause you to take more than the recommended daily dose. This increases your chances of liver damage.
Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs have acetaminophen in them. Paracetamol is another name for acetaminophen. Tylenol is the most common brand name for acetaminophen in the United States.
Common medications that may include acetaminophen and should not be mixed with NyQuil include:
Be sure to read the labels carefully before taking any medication in addition to NyQuil. If you have any questions or concerns contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider
Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse & Addiction
- Inpatient Programs — Inpatient treatment is the option for alcohol addiction treatment. These intensive programs are usually 30, 60, or 90 days but can be longer in certain cases. Throughout the duration of your stay at an inpatient rehab facility, you will live on site is a safe, substance-free environment. You will go through medically supervised detoxification first, then behavioral therapy and other services will be added to your regimen. Most programs will will help you set up an aftercare program upon completion.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) — Partial hospitalization programs (also called intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs) are comparable to inpatient programs, but you return home after each session. Some PHPs provide food and transportation, but this varies by program. Their services may include detoxification, medical services, behavioral therapy, support groups, and other holistic or custom treatments. PHPs accept new patients, along with patients who have completed an inpatient treatment program and still require intensive care.
- Outpatient Programs — Outpatient programs are less intensive and offer a more flexible treatment schedule. They are best for people who have responsibilities at work, home, or school and are highly motivated to achieve sobriety. Outpatient treatment programs customize your treatment sessions around your personal schedule. Outpatient programs can help new patients achieve success, and may also be a part of aftercare program once a patient completes an inpatient or PHP.
- Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) — Certain patients with Alcohol Use Disorder will qualify for medication-assisted therapy. Medications can help you detoxify, reduce cravings, and normalize bodily functions. Disulfiram (Antabuse), acamprosate (Campral), and naltrexone (Revia and Vivitrol) are the most common medications used to treat Alcohol Use Disorder. MAT is most effective when combined with other treatment therapies.
- Support Groups — Support groups are peer-led groups that help people stay sober. They can be a first step in overcoming alcoholism or a component of an aftercare plan. Many of them follow the 12-step approach, however there are secular options that don't follow the 12-step approach as well.
