The Dangers of Mixing Dextromethorphan and Alcohol

Experts think the drug acts on the brain to suppress the cough reflex but are unsure exactly how it works. 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. 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.

Choosing an OTC Pain Reliever: What to Consider

However, mixing dextromethorphan with alcohol can be problematic in several ways. Not only do dextromethorphan and alcohol have a drug interaction that can increase your risk of side effects, but drinking alcohol while sick may prolong your illness. Understanding the risks of mixing the two substances before you drink is essential.

How to Get Help For a Dextromethorphan Addiction

Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor. Mixing DXM (dextromethorphan) with alcohol can be dangerous and is not recommended. Both substances can have sedative effects on the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Hallucinations can be dangerous because they can cause a person to act impulsively and irrationally. For example, a person who is hallucinating may become agitated and hostile, or they may attempt to harm themselves or others.

• To ensure safety, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Mucinex DM.
• The dangers of mixing alcohol with medications can range from increased side effects to potentially life-threatening symptoms, overdose, and even death.
• If you are struggling with an addiction to alcohol and dextromethorphan, seeking professional help is the best option.
• It is also one of the two most abused OTC medicines as reported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).
• If you suspect someone has taken too much DXM with other substances, call 911 immediately.
• Dextromethorphan (DXM) is the most popular cough suppressant sold in the United States.
• Medications prescribed to lower cholesterol levels (known as statins) can cause flushing, itching, stomach bleeding, and liver damage.

Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.

Treatment options may include therapy, support groups, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification programs, or rehabilitation services tailored to their individual needs. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause physical dependence in some people who use it regularly. This is commonly referred to can you drink alcohol with dextromethorphan as alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse.

Does dextromethorphan have a risk of misuse or dependence?

Taking Reyvow with St. John’s wort may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Both products can affect the level of a chemical called serotonin in your body. Taking them together could lead to a very high level of serotonin, which could result in serotonin syndrome.

• The risk of respiratory suppression can escalate to unconsciousness, coma, and potentially fatal outcomes.
• The safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely while taking Mucinex DM.
• Dextromethorphan is used to relieve coughing caused by colds or other respiratory conditions.
• This includes opioids, marijuana, alcohol, sedatives, and sleep medications.
• In general, alcohol use has the potential to make symptoms of a mental health condition worse.
• If you have an injury or medical condition that causes pain or spasms in your muscles, you might be given medications to relax them.
• Since DXM also acts as a stimulant to certain areas of the brain (which is what produces hallucinations), it is also dangerous to mix with stimulants like caffeine and ADHD medications.

Ultimately, the best approach is to avoid mixing dextromethorphan with alcohol altogether and to seek medical advice promptly if negative interactions are suspected. Any drugs that suppress the central nervous system are dangerous to mix with dextromethorphan. This includes opioids, marijuana, alcohol, sedatives, and sleep medications. Since DXM also acts as a stimulant to certain areas of the brain (which is what produces hallucinations), it is also dangerous to mix with stimulants like caffeine and ADHD medications.

Dextromethorphan – Uses, Side Effects, and More

On the other hand, some cough syrups contain DXM as the sole active ingredient. Dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient in some of the most widely used cold medicines, is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational drug. It’s said to induce hallucinations and happiness, and it’s often mixed with other drugs to enhance their effects. 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.

Side Effects

However, even medications that don’t require a prescription can be unsafe when mixed with alcohol. Additionally, drinking alcohol can also make the side effects of a medication worse or even cause new symptoms. This is especially true if you are taking a medication that makes you sleepy or causes sedation. More intense side effects mean you might be more impaired after having one drink than you would typically be. The mixture of opiates and alcohol, for example, can cause your breathing to stop and is a common cause of death.

St. John’s wort is an herbal supplement that may be used to treat depression and other conditions. Reyvow may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Reyvow.

Lifestyle Quizzes

Alcohol also weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off illness. Dextromethorphan can be psychologically addictive when misused at high doses for its hallucinogenic effects, so it is important to use this medication responsibly. If you have accidentally consumed alcohol after taking dextromethorphan, monitor yourself for any adverse effects and seek medical attention if needed. Grapefruit juice can interact with dextromethorphan and increase its levels in the blood, so it is best to avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Dextromethorphan is the only cough suppressant available as an over-the-counter drug without a prescription.