How long after taking robitussin can you drink alcohol?

Again, just because DayQuil is an over-the-counter medication does not mean it doesn’t come with risks. Again, just because DayQuil is an over-the-counter medication does not mean it doesn’t come with risks. Dextromethorphan is an active ingredient found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medications like DayQuil.

Liver warning

Even one drink can have a stronger impact on your body when combined with dextromethorphan. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while you have Delsym in your system to prevent any adverse effects. It is not advisable to consume alcohol on the same day you take dextromethorphan.

• No, alcohol should not be taken with any cold medication without consulting a healthcare professional first.
• Regular dextromethorphan or alcohol abuse can weaken the body’s ability to function without them.
• Alcohol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.
• Alcohol is a depressant that can cause physical dependence in some people who use it regularly.
• At higher doses, DXM acts on the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain.
• Preventing hangxiety requires a level of insight into your own emotions.

How Long Should You Wait Before Consuming Alcohol?

Let’s look at how these two drugs work in the body and talk about why mixing DXM and alcohol makes for a particularly dangerous cocktail. The packages for dextromethorphan-containing drugs state how much of the medication can safely be taken in a 24-hour period. This amount is calibrated to produce the best possible effects without getting the consumer intoxicated or putting them at risk of overdose. If a dextromethorphan cough suppressant does not reduce your cough, do not take more than recommended; how long after taking dextromethorphan can i drink alcohol see a doctor instead. Abusing these drugs can result in intoxication, overdose, and addiction.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Robitussin?

Similar to any other substance that is abused, chronic DXM substance abuse can lead to addiction. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause physical dependence in some people who use it regularly. When a person chooses to stop drinking after prolonged use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, or seizures. It’s not uncommon that users mix DXM with other substances like alcohol and marijuana. Just because DayQuil is sold over the counter (OTC) does not mean that is completely safe. It is also one of the two most abused OTC medicines as reported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Side Effects of Dextromethorphan

If you lie about the amount of alcohol you consume on a regular basis, your doctor can’t accurately judge the risks and benefits of prescribing a particular medication. Co-use can increase the common side effects of both, like becoming dizzy or drowsy, and increased heart rate. The drug is sometimes mixed with soda or candy to mask the unpleasant taste of cough syrup. Read to learn how DXM and alcohol can affect the body and why you should avoid mixing them.

Although DXM is structurally similar to opioids, it works on different receptors in the brain than opioids. Nonetheless, about 1.5 million Americans misuse DXM and other cough medications to get high. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking dextromethorphan with other medications to ensure there are no potential interactions. Additionally, discuss your use of alcohol with a healthcare provider or mental health professional who can screen you for alcohol use disorder and help guide you to appropriate treatment.

• Further, consuming alcohol can cause these same side effects (see a list in the next section).
• Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dextromethorphan products they stock.
• In fact, mixing DXM with alcohol can lead to serious health risks due to the synergistic depressant effects both drugs will have on the central nervous system.
• You may experience anxiety-related emotions while under the influence of alcohol and/or as the effects of alcohol begin to wear off.
• Under the suggested dosage and without alcohol, NAPQI is broken down further by an antioxidant called glutathione made by your liver.

Concerns of Mixing Alcohol with Other Drugs

For those seeking addiction or mental health treatment, The Recovery Village Indianapolis Drug and Alcohol Rehab stands as a beacon of hope. Located within the heart of Indy, we offer an array of treatment options, including medical detox and inpatient rehab for substance abuse and a residential rehab program for mental health disorders. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an active ingredient in many cough, cold and flu medicines. Initially approved by the FDA in 1958, the drug is one of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter medications for cough. Experts think the drug acts on the brain to suppress the cough reflex but are unsure exactly how it works.

If you take prescription medication or use a specific medication every day, ask your doctor if it is okay for you to drink alcohol. You may be able to consume a limited amount safely, as long as you follow certain rules (for example, waiting at least four hours after taking your daily dose before having an alcoholic drink). Here is what you need to know about the possible unsafe interactions between alcohol and common prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you take any medication—even over-the-counter (OTC) products—drinking alcohol might affect how your meds work.