What makes nyquil drowsy

NyQuil Cough omits the acetaminophen but has the dextromethorphan and doxylamine succinate to cut down on your coughing. DayQuil has acetaminophen like its more famous kin and the phenylephrine found in Severe, but keeps you from nodding off by having a lower level of dextromethorphan and no antihistamines. ZzzQuil is not some mystical sleep syrup, nor is it just the sleepy stuff from NyQuil. One potential problem with having all these varieties is that some, but not all, contain acetaminophen, and none of them go out of their way to way to highlight the fact that acetaminophen is included.

Last updated: September 4, 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. Acetaminophen reduces fever and alleviates minor pain, dextromethorphan suppresses coughing, and doxylamine is an antihistamine anti-allergy medication which relieves congestion, sneezing, and sore threat.

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. Learn More. 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:. 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.

A person who uses NyQuil correctly almost certainly will not become addicted, but someone who misuses NyQuil may develop dependence on the medication. Someone can misuse NyQuil by taking too much of it or by taking it for the wrong reasons, such as to treat asthma or chronic bronchitis, or for recreation.

NyQuil is only designed to treat short-term symptoms, not cure long-term health problems. NyQuil is not a cure for insomnia and it should not be used just to fall asleep.

When a person starts to experience withdrawal symptoms when they put NyQuil back in the medicine cabinet, NyQuil dependence has escalated into NyQuil addiction. Physical withdrawal symptoms most often characterize addictions to alcohol, opioids , and dangerous stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine , but addictions to common medications can cause withdrawal symptoms as well. The symptoms of NyQuil withdrawal include:. When someone has a NyQuil addiction, the symptoms of withdrawal might prevent them from achieving recovery.

Fortunately, people can manage withdrawal symptoms more easily with medical support, and someone with serious dependence on NyQuil or other drugs can escape the cycle of withdrawal and relapse by undergoing medically-supervised detox and therapy at a rehab facility.

Make a Call Other side effects can include:. To take Nyquil safely, follow the instructions on the label. You should always speak with your doctor before taking Nyquil if you:. This could cause potentially risky sedative effects, such as shallow breathing.

You should also avoid alcohol when taking Nyquil, as it can increase sleepiness, dizziness, and other side effects. In addition, since Nyquil contains acetaminophen, taking it repeatedly with alcohol can put you at risk of liver damage. Lifestyle changes have been shown to help with falling asleep and staying asleep.

If you have a hard time getting good quality sleep, try the following:. Most people experience difficulty sleeping from time to time.

Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider if your inability to sleep lasts for more than a few weeks or if daytime drowsiness starts to interfere with your responsibilities at work or home. Nyquil contains the active ingredients acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, doxylamine succinate, and sometimes, phenylephrine HCl.

Doxylamine is the main ingredient that causes sleepiness. Chronic insomnia can affect your physical and mental health in ways that extend far beyond waking up groggy. This article lists 17 evidence-based tips to sleep better at night. Getting good sleep is very important for optimal health. And why it can help you sleep. Also learn about antihistamines, side effects,. It's well-documented that blue light can have a negative impact on your melatonin levels.

But does any light help you get to sleep faster? Magnesium is an important mineral that plays a key role in nearly every aspect of health, including sleep. Here are the 10 best magnesium supplements….