NyQuil is one of the most popular medications in the United States, and it is used to relieve common cold and flu symptoms. Although it’s safe when taken correctly, NyQuil can be misused, and in severe cases, become addicting, habit-forming, and even life-threatening.
Read on to learn more about NyQuil addiction, how it begins, and common signs and symptoms to look out for. We’ll also discuss withdrawal side effects and treatment options to help people struggling with the misuse of this medication.
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What Is NyQuil?
NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication that provides temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, and minor aches and pains. It’s manufactured by Vicks and sold in most drugstores across the country.
Many people take NyQuil to help them manage their sickness and sleep through the night. Its ingredients can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it’s important to avoid driving vehicles, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require alertness when taking NyQuil.
Active Ingredients and Safe Dosage for NyQuil
NyQuil is a combination medication that contains three active ingredients:
- Acetaminophen: an analgesic that acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer
- Dextromethorphan (DXM): a cough suppressant that calms your body’s cough reflex
- Doxylamine succinate: an antihistamine that relieves allergy and cold symptoms
When taken correctly, this medicine is generally safe for short-term use in adults and children aged 12 and above. It’s available in both capsule and liquid form. You can experience symptom relief within 30 minutes, with effects lasting for up to 6 hours.
The typical dose for adults and kids 12 years and older is 30 mL of oral liquid every 6 hours. For kids aged 6 to 11 years old taking Children’s NyQuil, it’s best to ask your child’s medical provider for the correct dosage. Always read the instructions and use as directed by your doctor.
Is NyQuil Addicting?
Yes, the improper use of NyQuil may lead to dependency and drug addiction, resulting in serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms. A person can misuse NyQuil by taking excessively high doses over long periods of time and for the wrong reasons, without consulting a medical professional.
NyQuil is intended to relieve short-term symptoms, and not treat long-term issues like asthma, chronic bronchitis, or insomnia. It shouldn’t be used as a sleep aid or for recreational use. If too much is ingested, an individual can overdose on NyQuil.
Understanding NyQuil Addiction
One of NyQuil’s active ingredients, dextromethorphan (DXM), can have mind-altering effects, especially when consumed repeatedly in large amounts. A person who abuses this medication can experience feelings of euphoria and hallucinations similar to that of getting “high.”
Dangers of Robotripping
Since NyQuil is legal, affordable, and easily accessible without a prescription, people suffering from addiction resort to it as an alternative to illegal substances. The act of abusing NyQuil for recreation is often called “robotripping” or “skittling” and the consequences can be serious.
Despite being an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, the effects of high doses of NyQuil are close to those of illegal and hazardous hallucinogens. The DXM content can weaken judgment and coordination, and in some cases, has even killed several people.
Sleep Disorders
Additionally, people who struggle with sleep-related problems may attempt to take NyQuil to help them fall asleep quickly and get some rest at night. They might fall into the habit of ingesting too much and too often, rather than consulting their doctor to find healthy ways to improve sleep.
It should be noted that NyQuil isn’t an approved sleep aid. Individuals who misuse NyQuil for recreation and to fall asleep are at risk of developing an addiction to the medication.
Risk Factors for NyQuil Addiction
Individuals who have a personal or family history of substance abuse, trauma, and mental illness are especially at risk of developing a NyQuil addiction.
Adolescents and young adults who are around people who use the medication for recreation are also vulnerable to its misuse. Lack of parental monitoring and support as well as growing up in a dysfunctional household can also increase a person’s tendency to abuse NyQuil.
Additional risk factors for NyQuil addiction include having easy access to the drug, misconception of its safety, having a risk-taking personality, and being of the male gender.
Signs and Symptoms of NyQuil Addiction
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms to be aware of in cases of NyQuil abuse and addiction:
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Confusion and dissociation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Dry mouth or slurred speech
- Constipation, vomiting, diarrhea
- Cravings for NyQuil or DXM
- Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure
- Mental health challenges, like anxiety and depression
You may also notice the following behavioral changes in someone suffering from abuse or addiction to NyQuil:
- Intense urges and difficulty controlling NyQuil use
- Needing to use higher doses of NyQuil or in combination with other drugs
- Anger, agitation, or mood swings connected to NyQuil use
- Social withdrawal and not telling loved ones about the amount or frequency of use
- Cognitive decline or injuries from diminishing coordination and perception
- Neglecting to meet personal or family responsibilities due to NyQuil use
- Poor performance resulting in academic failure or job loss
Withdrawal Side Effects of NyQuil
NyQuil withdrawal symptoms may appear within just a few hours of the last use of medication and typically peak within three days.
They can include stomach pain, nausea, chills, excessive sweating, hot and cold flashes, restlessness, moodiness, shaking, tremors, insomnia, blurred vision, cravings, and weight loss.
Factors that affect the withdrawal process include how long a person has misused NyQuil, how much they consume, use of other medications, and if they are polydrug abusers. Individual differences in age, weight, metabolism, and mental and physical health can also have an impact.
Drug Interactions, Overdose, and Allergic Reactions to NyQuil
Drug interactions can increase a person’s risk of harmful side effects when misusing NyQuil. Taking MAO inhibitors, including muscle relaxants, antihistamines, sleeping and anxiety drugs, with NyQuil can result in health complications, liver damage, heart attacks, and seizures.
There is also a risk of overdose when a person uses NyQuil without the guidance of a doctor. Symptoms include yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, extreme tiredness, confusion, sweating, and abdominal pain.
Meanwhile, an allergic reaction to NyQuil can manifest in breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, rashes, hives, skin reddening, and blisters. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know experiences any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
What Are the Treatment Options for NyQuil Addiction?
Nyquil addiction can be serious and life-threatening, but with the right care, it is treatable. The following treatment options can help a person end their NyQuil abuse, regain control of their behavior, and get back to living a normal and healthy life:
Medical Detox
It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking NyQuil or to quit “cold turkey,” as this can cause more intense and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox can help an individual in cleansing their body of an addictive substance safely, in a medically supervised environment.
During this time, doctors may also prescribe medications that can help relieve the painful effects of withdrawal. The length of a detox will depend on the severity of the addiction. The entire process can last for a week or more.
Residential or Outpatient Treatment
Once the detox is complete, there are several types of addiction treatment that can benefit the person and lead them on the path to full recovery, depending on the level of care that they need.
- Residential Treatment: 24-hour care for patients with moderate to severe symptoms of addiction in a safe, substance-free facility under the support of medical staff.
- Partial Hospitalization Program: Also known as “day treatment,” a hospital-based program that provides structured support to promote addiction recovery and prevent relapse but doesn’t require patients to live in the facility
- Intensive Outpatient Program: A non-residential treatment program designed for people with substance use disorders who require a high level of mental health care but don’t need medical detox or round-the-clock supervision
- Outpatient Treatment Program: A flexible rehabilitation program that allows patients with mild to moderate addiction to maintain their employment or education and live at home while receiving the treatment that they need
Treatment programs provide individuals with professional help in dealing with their addiction and equip them with tools that they can use to live a healthy, happy, and drug-free life. They often involve individual and group therapy, workshops, support groups, and life skills training.
Struggling With NyQuil Addiction? Start Your Journey to Recovery
If you or a loved one is suffering from NyQuil Addiction, it’s important to get professional medical help as soon as possible. Illinois Recovery Center offers personalized, evidence-based treatment programs for all stages of addiction recovery in a safe and supportive environment.
Reach out to one of our admissions representatives today to learn more about our treatment center and how we can get you on the path to a successful recovery. For more information on our programs, call us today!
