Side effects of nyquil cold and flu

Nyquil is a medicine that can be used for treating cold and flu symptoms and cough. It is sold over the counter, which means it does not require a prescription by a doctor. It comes in pill or liquid form.

What is Nyquil?

Nyquil contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, and pseudoephedrine.

Acetaminophen is the ingredient of this medicine that aims to relieve pain and reduce fever, which is commonly present in persons who have cold or flu.

Dextromethorphan fights coughs by suppressing the cough triggers in the brain.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant commonly found in cold medications. DXM is often abused in high doses by adolescents to generate euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations. Illicit use of DXM is referred to on the street as “Robotripping” or "skittling." These terms are derived from the most commonly abused products, Robitussin and Coricidin.

When taken as directed, side-effects are rarely observed. For 2017, IQVIA™ reported a total of 12.3 million DXM products sold to individuals. In 2018 and 2019, reporting indicated an increase of 13.0 million and 13.4 million products sold, respectively (IQVIA™). Several states have implemented and/or passed legislation prohibiting the sale or purchase of DXM products to persons under the age of 18.
Dextromethorphan (DXM) (d-3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan) is the dextro isomer of levomethorphan, a semisynthetic morphine derivative. Although structurally similar to other narcotics, DXM does not act as a mureceptor opioid (e.g. morphine, heroin). DXM and its metabolite, dextrorphan, act as potent blockers of the Nmethyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor
At high doses, the pharmacology of DXM is similar to the controlled substances phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine that also antagonize the NMDA receptor. High doses of DXM produce PCP-like behavioral effects. DXM may cause a false-positive test result with some urine immunoassays for PCP. Approximately 5-10% of individuals are poor DXM metabolizers which increases their risk for overdoses and deaths. DXM should not be taken with antidepressants due to the risk of inducing a life-threatening serotonergic syndrome.
DXM is abused by individuals of all ages but its abuse by teenagers and young adults is of particular concern. This abuse is fueled by DXM’s OTC availability and extensive “how to” abuse information on various web sites. The sale of the powdered form of DXM over the Internet poses additional risks due to the uncertainty of composition and dose.
The typical clinical presentation of DXM intoxication involves hyper excitability, lethargy, ataxia, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and/or nystagmus.
The 2017 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey indicated that the annual prevalence of non-medical use of OTC cough and cold medicines among students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades was 2.1%, 3.6%, and 3.2%, respectively. In 2018, MTF survey outcomes for past year use prevalence was 2.8%, 3.3%, and 3.4% for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, respectively; with no significant increases in prevalence for 8th and 12th graders or decreases for 10th graders.

✓ Fact confirmed: DEXTROMETHORPHAN Drug Enforcement Administration; December 2019

Doxylamine is an antihistamine, which means it helps with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose that are responsible for congestion (stuffy nose).

Even though it is sold over-the-counter, Nyquil should not be taken lightly because it may have serious side effects. It is recommended to consult a medical professional, especially if taking different medications or if another condition or disease is present.

Nyquil can be very dangerous and even fatal for children, just like any other cold and cough medicine.

Nyquil is contraindicated for some medications, illnesses, and allergies. Persons who are allergic to any of its components or substances used for its production should not take this medicine. Nyquil comes with an extensive list of factors and conditions that may cause serious health risks in combination with the medicine.

This drug should not be combined with other cold and cough drugs or with diet pills and caffeine.

Signs of Overdose

If the medicine is taken in amounts larger than recommended on the fact sheet inside the package, there is a risk of overdose. Acetaminophen overdose may cause dizziness, sweating, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and weakness. These symptoms may progress into more severe stomach pain, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (skin and eyes turn yellowish). The most severe consequences of this overdose are seizures and coma.

Possible Side Effects

Emergency help is required if Nyquil causes side effects like hives, trouble breathing, tingling, and swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat. These may be signs of allergy that can be potentially life-threatening.

It is recommended to stop using Nyquil if side effects include a fast or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, nervousness or anxiety, confusion and disorientation, shallow breathing, bruising, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sleep problems and problems with vision, poor memory or concentration, rash and ringing in the ear.