NyQuil Addiction And Abuse
NyQuil is a popular medication for the common cold. Although it's safe when used correctly, people who misuse NyQuil jeopardize their health and risk addiction. Many people misuse NyQuil by taking it to fall asleep or by using it as a recreational drug.
Author Jena Hilliard
Reviewer Kristen Fuller, MD
What Is NyQuil?
NyQuil is a common over-the-counter medication which treats the symptoms of the flu, the common cold, and other similar illnesses and allergies. It is manufactured and sold by Vicks, a U.S. medicine company. NyQuil provides temporary relief for coughing, headaches, stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, fever, and sneezing. It also helps people with cold symptoms sleep through the night. While it provides relief for cold symptoms, it is not a cure for the common cold or the flu. NyQuil is generally safe and effective for adults and children over the age of 6.
There are three active ingredients in NyQuil: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan (DXM), and doxylamine. Acetaminophen reduces fever and alleviates minor pain, dextromethorphan suppresses coughing, and doxylamine is an antihistamine (anti-allergy medication) which relieves congestion, sneezing, and sore throat. Doxylamine also helps people sleep, but it sometimes causes drowsiness during the day.
Vicks also manufactures and sells DayQuil, a similar medication for users who want to relieve cold symptoms without feeling drowsy during the workday. DayQuil alleviates the same symptoms as NyQuil. DayQuil contains acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, but it does not contain doxylamine. Instead, DayQuil contains phenylephrine, a non-drowsy nasal decongestant.
Side-Effects And Risks Of NyQuil
The most common side-effects of NyQuil, if any occur, are minor and do not require medical attention. NyQuil is not dangerous if it used properly. The most likely side-effects are:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nervousness and excitability
- Stomach pain
It is important that people who use NyQuil follow the instructions on the bottle and avoid taking too much. Someone who regularly takes too much NyQuil could lose consciousness or suffer liver damage from the acetaminophen. Additionally, people should abstain from drinking alcohol while taking NyQuil and they should also avoid taking it together with an antidepressant or another medication which contains acetaminophen.
Moreover, it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction to NyQuil. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to NyQuil include rash, hives, itchiness, difficulty with swallowing and breathing, and swelling in the face, throat, and mouth.
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Is NyQuil Addictive?
When used as directed, NyQuil is generally safe and unlikely to cause addiction. However, misusing NyQuil, such as taking larger doses than recommended, using it for purposes other than temporary cold or flu relief, or taking it recreationally, can lead to dependence. NyQuil is intended only for short-term symptom relief and is not meant to treat chronic conditions, serve as a cure for insomnia, or act as a substitute for prescription sleep aids.
If someone begins relying on NyQuil to fall asleep even when they are not ill, this may indicate psychological dependence. While NyQuil misuse does not typically produce the same severe withdrawal symptoms seen with substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, stopping after prolonged misuse may still cause discomfort, sleep disturbances, or cravings, which are signs of developing dependence. Other symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Cravings for NyQuil
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Shaking and tremors
When someone misuses NyQuil and becomes dependent, stopping can be uncomfortable and challenging. Therapy can help them explore the underlying reasons for their misuse and develop healthier coping strategies, addressing the root causes of their dependence rather than just the symptoms.
Understanding Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse
Some people, especially teenagers, take large doses of NyQuil in an attempt to get high. This is because dextromethorphan (DXM), one of NyQuil’s three active ingredients, has mind-altering effects. DXM is an ingredient in over 70 medications. In small doses, DXM is just a cough suppressant which does not pose any risks for serious side effects. DXM is not even a controlled substance.
DXM affects the brain and can cause hallucinations, euphoria, and other mind-altering effects when taken in high doses. Because DXM-containing medications are legal and available over the counter, some people misuse them as a perceived safer alternative to illicit drugs. This type of misuse is often called “skittling” or “robo-tripping.” Studies suggest that a small percentage of U.S. teens have experimented with DXM-containing products for recreational purposes.
Misusing NyQuil for its DXM content can have serious consequences. High doses of DXM can produce hallucinations and dissociation, while also impairing coordination and judgment, making activities such as driving extremely dangerous. Combining large amounts of DXM with acetaminophen, alcohol, or certain medications, including antidepressants, can strain the liver, trigger heart problems, seizures, and in rare cases, be fatal. In addition, repeated misuse of NyQuil for DXM can lead to dependence or addiction, creating long-term challenges. While legal, using NyQuil recreationally is far from safe.
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Find Help Today
NyQuil is helpful when you’re feeling under the weather, but as with most medications, there are risks. If you or someone you know is using NyQuil to have DXM trips or to fall asleep every night, it’s time to get some help. Please contact a treatment provider today to learn more about the options available. With support, it is possible to recover from a destructive NyQuil habit.
