Acetaminophen and alcohol are extremely dangerous to mix since they strongly compete for processing in the liver. Cough syrups can also contain certain allergy medications, all of which interact with alcohol metabolism and may magnify some of alcohol’s how long after taking dextromethorphan can i drink alcohol most negative health impacts. Using alcohol with medications used to treat heartburn, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and sudden changes in blood pressure. These drugs can also make the effects of alcohol more intense, leading to impaired judgment and sedation.
Yes, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines and precautions when considering alcohol consumption after taking dextromethorphan. These include waiting at least 24 hours, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, and being aware of the potential interactions and side effects. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation. Cough suppressing medicines strongly affect the body, so it is no surprise that there are many drug interactions to watch out for when using dextromethorphan.
- To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Hallucinations can be dangerous because they can cause a person to act impulsively and irrationally.
- Blood alcohol concentration and urine alcohol concentration are different.
- They can tell you how much, if any, is safe to drink while taking dextromethorphan.
- This is because both dextromethorphan and alcohol can have sedative properties, and combining the two may lead to excessive drowsiness and impaired motor functions.
- Be sure to follow the instructions on the product labels when taking it.
Serious side effects
Many people use cough remedies containing dextromethorphan, also called DXM, for quick cough relief. Its effectiveness is well known in over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin, and it is a widely used ingredient in many different cough remedies. But when DXM is combined with another strong substance like alcohol, users put themselves at great risk for harm. So what is dextromethorphan, and how does combining alcohol and Robitussin affect those with substance abuse issues? Let’s look at what you need to know if you or someone you love is using alcohol and DXM.Many people use cough remedies containing dextromethorphan, also called DXM, for quick cough relief.
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- Many cough medications contain acetaminophen, also known as APAP or by its brand name, Tylenol.
- Drinking even a small amount of alcohol while taking an antibiotic called Flagyl (metronidazole) can cause a severe reaction, making you extremely sick with nausea and vomiting.
- Doing this can cause you to develop a tolerance, including a physical and psychological dependence on DXM and alcohol.
- Both dextromethorphan and alcohol can independently cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
- Having an alcoholic drink while you are taking medications to treat prostate conditions can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
- However, when combined, these effects may become more pronounced and prolonged.
Drinking even a small amount of alcohol while taking an antibiotic called Flagyl (metronidazole) can cause a severe reaction, making you extremely sick with nausea and vomiting. You will want to avoid alcohol for three days before you start and after you stop Flagyl. The following list of medications that shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol isn’t exhaustive. You should always read the label of any medication and check with a doctor to be sure you are safely taking a medication. One of the biggest risks with DXM and alcohol co-use is the potential for additional harmful effects and stress on the liver.
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If you have a medical condition (such as atrial fibrillation) that puts you at risk for developing a blood clot, your doctor might prescribe anticoagulant medications to “thin” your blood. While these drugs make it less likely your body will form blood clots, they also make you bleed more easily. Certain types of anti-nausea medication can be used to help someone who is trying to stop drinking alcohol. When used under medical supervision, the combination can be an effective way to treat alcohol withdrawal. Harmful physical effects such as seizures may occur in some cases. The longer a person misuses stimulants and alcohol together, the higher the risk becomes of developing substance use disorders.
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Misusing dextromethorphan for these effects can cause harmful side effects, such as breathing problems. To learn more about this, see “Overdose” in the “Dextromethorphan dosage” section above. Taking more than the recommended dosage of dextromethorphan can lead to harmful effects. Do not take more dextromethorphan than recommended on the product label. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking dextromethorphan.
Without prompt medical care, severe cases of serotonin syndrome can lead to death. In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to coma or death. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, they may have you switch to a different treatment. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
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If you have an injury or medical condition that causes pain or spasms in your muscles, you might be given medications to relax them. Muscle relaxants are commonly used to treat back and neck pain, as well as certain kinds of headaches. Some research has found that alcohol does not appear to worsen liver inflammation in certain people who take medication for their cholesterol. A 2006 Harvard study found that moderate alcohol use did not have a significant negative effect on the livers of men taking statins after heart surgery. You might not need to completely avoid alcohol if you are taking a blood thinner. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting your intake to no more than one or two occasional drinks if you are on anticoagulant therapy.