DXM and Alcohol: A Guide to the Dangers of Mixing Substances

Over time, the drug has found its way into many different types of over-the-counter medications. Dextromethorphan misuse is dangerous, and it can lead to long-lasting health effects — much like alcohol can. When we consider the complexities of DXM and its interactions, especially with alcohol, we unravel a narrative filled with potential risks and unintended consequences. While DXM can be a valuable medicinal tool, mixing DXM and alcohol opens the door to a wide range of health hazards.

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Dextromethorphan can cause similar hallucinatory effects to those experienced by ketamine or PCP users, and this effect is exacerbated by alcohol. Medical News Today had the opportunity to speak with two addiction psychiatrists from Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey about this study. Male participants had a history of drinking more than 14 drinks per week, and two or more heavy drinking episodes of five or more drinks. For this study, researchers recruited 48 adults with AUD who were not actively looking for treatment. The 2024 edition of the American Association for Cancer Research’s Cancer Progress Report reported that 5.4% of all cancers are attributable to alcohol use. DailyMed will deliver this notification to your desktop, Web browser, or e-mail depending on the RSS Reader you select to use.

• One of the biggest risks with DXM and alcohol co-use is the potential for additional harmful effects and stress on the liver.
• Keep in mind that dextromethorphan doesn’t treat the underlying cause of your cough, such as the common cold or flu.
• Medications prescribed to lower cholesterol levels (known as statins) can cause flushing, itching, stomach bleeding, and liver damage.
• Abusing any amount of prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs with alcohol is extremely dangerous.
• Sold under brand names including Wegovy and Ozempic, semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), hence the technical term for it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

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• The risk of respiratory suppression can escalate to unconsciousness, coma, and potentially fatal outcomes.
• Again, just because DayQuil is an over-the-counter medication does not mean it doesn’t come with risks.
• Additionally, if you have an underlying health condition like heart disease or high blood pressure (hypertension), mixing alcohol with your medications can put you at risk for complications.
• This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with dextromethorphan.
• DXM works by affecting the brain’s cough center in the medulla, which is responsible for triggering the cough reflex.
• While DXM can be a valuable medicinal tool, mixing DXM and alcohol opens the door to a wide range of health hazards.

Combining two substances that affect the body in a similar manner can greatly increase the risk of overdose and exacerbate the negative effects these substances have on the body. People who mix DayQuil with alcohol may be using the medication to enhance the effects of alcohol or to counteract the negative side effects of drinking, such as a cough or congestion. This behavior may indicate that they are developing a tolerance to one or both substances and need can you drink alcohol with dextromethorphan higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Over time, this pattern of use can lead to dependence or addiction and increase the risk of harmful health outcomes.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dextromethorphan?

The risk of respiratory suppression can escalate to unconsciousness, coma, and potentially fatal outcomes. Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. As a CNS depressant, alcohol slows down the activity of the brain and nervous system. This leads to various effects, including relaxation, drowsiness, and impaired cognitive and motor functions. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.

By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of misuse, and taking proactive steps for safe use, we can ensure that DXM serves its intended purpose without compromising our health and safety. Quite a few cold and cough medicines that have DXM also have acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Overdosing on these multi-ingredient products increases the risk of liver toxicity and liver failure. Drinking alcohol during treatment with Mounjaro can worsen some of Mounjaro’s side effects.

Developing a Dependency on either Substance

A 2018 report found 1 in 30 teens misuse DXM, and 6 in 10 teens misuse alcohol. Seventeen percent of 12th graders reported binge drinking in 2017. Alcohol can increase dextromethorphan’s ability to cause the body to overheat, leading to potentially fatal health problems like heat stroke.

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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. It’s not known whether it’s safe to take dextromethorphan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your doctor before taking dextromethorphan. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, they may have you switch to a different treatment. Alcohol and DXM share the commonality of being legal substances that, when used appropriately and in moderation in the case of alcohol, or as prescribed in the case of DXM, have little to no ill effects.

Overdose symptoms

If someone is regularly mixing DayQuil with alcohol or showing signs of substance use disorders or addiction, it’s essential to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. Treatment options may include therapy, support groups, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification programs, or rehabilitation services tailored to their individual needs. There are hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are not safe to mix with alcohol.