NyQuil is a commonly prescribed flu and cold medicine that is available over-the-counter in liquid or tablet form. It is often used to alleviate coughing, although it also has a sedative effect and induces sleepiness. Additionally, some individuals with pain-related illnesses take NyQuil to aid in maintaining a pain-free state of sleep.
Due to the fact that NyQuil is believed to induce a deep and lasting state of sleep, individuals often inquire, “how to get rid of NyQuil drowsiness?” or “Can NyQuil be used as a sleep aid?”. Before we tell our readers how to get rid of NyQuil drowsiness, a few NyQuil elements must be examined to address these concerns.
At a Glance
- It is a prescription medicine that is available over the counter to treat flu and cold.
- NyQuil includes HBr and Doxylamine Succinate, both of which are anti-sickness medications that also have an effect on the brain.
- It is not recommended to use NyQuil as a sleep aid.
- NyQuil may cause breathing difficulties, anxiousness, and sleep disturbances.
- If you rely on NyQuil for sleep, it is possible to develop an addiction and dependency on it.
Can NyQuil Be Used as a Sleep Aid?
While NyQuil includes ingredients that may result in improved sleep as a side effect, sleeping on the drug is not recommended. As with any medication that may aid in falling asleep or sustaining sleep throughout the night, taking NyQuil daily may result in many complications.
What is it about NyQuil that induces sleep?
NyQuil contains a significant amount of Doxylamine Succinate, an antihistamine that induces sleepiness by preventing histamine from binding to brain receptors. Since doxylamine succinate does not distinguish between the histamine receptors it inhibits, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and inhibits sleep-related receptors (one of the crucial functions of histamines). Disrupting histamines’ ability to perform this specific function in the brain leads to sleepiness.
NyQuil also contains the chemical dextromethorphan HBr, which acts as a cough suppressant. However, when it undergoes metabolism in the body, it transforms into dextromethorphan (DXM). The NIDA classifies DXM as a dissociative drug. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist that works mainly as an antitussive but also exhibits dissociative hallucinogenic effects similar to those of DXM (dextromethorphan), PCP (phencyclidine), and ketamine. These effects are considerably milder in NyQuil and are unlikely to occur unless NyQuil is overused.
Is There a Risk of Adverse Reactions When Using NyQuil for Sleep?
It is well established that using NyQuil as a sleeping aid causes individuals to get sleepy and fall asleep. Sleep duration varies according to the individual. For some, using NyQuil allows for four to six hours of sleep, while others need seven to eight hours. Sleep, for the majority of individuals, is peaceful and uninterrupted; nevertheless, some people have reported having disturbed sleep, which often includes difficulty going back to sleep, strange and vivid dreams, breathing cessation, and heightened anxiety. This may result in individuals consuming more of the medication in a shorter period to revert to sleep.
Is It Possible to Develop an Addiction to NyQuil?
NyQuil has no significant hazards when taken as recommended, even with repeated usage. It is preferable to discontinue its use for sleep-inducing purposes. Thus, although it is believed that using NyQuil as prescribed is safe, taking it in ways not suggested may be hazardous.
After prolonged usage, some individuals may find that the usual quantity consumed does not provide the desired impact. Rather than that, they may take longer to fall asleep or sleep for a shorter period. Increasing the dosage or frequency of administration to get the desired effect often indicates that the body has acquired a tolerance towards the drug and is likely to have established a dependency and addiction.
As with any medication, this issue should be taken seriously. Withdrawal symptoms are possible, and the person should seek medical or mental health help.
When individuals are suffering from a cold or illness interfering with their sleep, NyQuil is often the first medication they seek. This very effective over-the-counter medicine rapidly induces sleep and provides relief from symptoms for many hours at a time.
While NyQuil may offer comfort throughout the night, many individuals struggle to shake the grogginess when they awaken. This is a NyQuil hangover, and people suffering from it will often go to any length to feel normal and recover again. If you’re suffering from a hangover, the following NyQuil hangover remedies may assist.
Preventive Actions
Although the label on a bottle of NyQuil advises people to take 30 ml every six hours, this does not imply they must. Many individuals find that halving the dose and consuming just 15 ml may help mitigate the effects and avoid a morning NyQuil hangover. Of course, if you’re already suffering from an overdose of NyQuil, you’ll need treatments to reverse the condition.
Coffee
Grogginess and sleepiness are the most common symptoms of a NyQuil hangover. As such, coffee is an excellent method as to how to get rid of NyQuil drowsiness and alleviate those symptoms and begin feeling better. Take care not to consume too much caffeine, since this may result in other symptoms, such as:
- shakiness
- elevated anxiety
- Headache
- dizziness
However, a cup or two of coffee may help you get through the day.
Maintain Hydration
One of the reasons NyQuil works so well and helps you sleep is that it completely dries up the system. This assists you in coughing less, blowing your noseless, and generally calming down. Consuming water is just as critical during a NyQuil hangover as it is with any other kind. It will assist in flushing out any remaining medicine from your system and rehydrating everything that got dehydrated as a result of the drug. Electrolyte-containing sports drinks are often very helpful for treating hangovers of all types, including those induced by NyQuil.
Have something to Eat
Additionally, as is the case with any hangover, eating something will help alleviate the symptoms of a NyQuil hangover. Having food in your stomach will aid in the removal of NyQuil from your system, reducing the duration of your hangover. Additionally, going without food can make you feel even more exhausted and sluggish. Consuming food high in fat and protein will provide you with the energy required to fight hangover symptoms and regain your senses.