Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid taking Dextromethorphan with other medications that may cause drowsiness during the day. Some over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness include antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or doxylamine (Unisom). Prescription medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants, can also worsen drowsiness. If you develop serious side effects while taking dextromethorphan, call your doctor right away.
Dextromethorphan — Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions
Dextromethorphan misuse is dangerous, and there have been reports of fatal overdoses. Do not give dextromethorphan or any other medications to a pet unless your veterinarian recommends it. Dextromethorphan can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. Other factors may also affect whether dextromethorphan is a good option for you. For some people, dextromethorphan can cause an allergic reaction. Dextromethorphan is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.
- Dextromethorphan, referred to as DXM, is used as a cough suppressant in over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines.
- This cycle can quickly escalate to addiction if left untreated.
- It is one of the widely used antitussives, and is also used to study the involvement of glutamate receptors in neurotoxicity.
- This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
For example, lozenges or cough drops may be more convenient for managing a sore throat, while a liquid syrup may provide faster relief for a persistent cough. Along with its needed effects, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient contained in Delsym) may cause some unwanted effects. Taking it after the expiry date may lead to serious side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose?
This contact comfort is partially mediated by the activation of brain opioid systems, as demonstrated by different preclinical and clinical studies 22. Neurochemicals other than opioids contribute to the sensation of contact comfort. Primates have also been verified to release opioids in the brain through touch 23. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone has been shown to increase grooming in primates, possibly as a response to the adverse effects of reduced opioid levels in the brain. Primates groom each other for social comfort, and opiate medications may reduce the desire to be touched by promoting opioid self-satisfaction in the brain.
Along with its needed effects, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient contained in Cough Syrup DM) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Ketamine’s antidepressant effects can also be influenced by its actions on a variety of other neurotransmitter systems, including opioid systems, in addition to its glutamatergic effects 30. Along with its needed effects, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient contained in Dextromethorphan HBr Adult Formula) may cause some unwanted effects.
Less common or rare side effects
Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way that differs from the product label or your doctor’s prescribed instructions. Do not take more dextromethorphan than recommended on the product label, as this can lead to harmful effects. Dextromethorphan oral capsule is approved for use in adults and children ages 12 years and older. The recommended dosage is 30 mg every 6–8 hours as needed for cough.
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Whether or not you have health insurance, cost may be a factor when you’re considering dextromethorphan. Most insurance plans do not cover over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan. Some people misuse dextromethorphan by taking it in amounts higher than the recommended dosage to try to get high or hallucinate. People sometimes also misuse dextromethorphan by combining it with alcohol or other substances. This section describes dosages of dextromethorphan, an OTC medication. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product labels when taking it.
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You could have worsening of usual side effects such as dizziness, headache, or nausea. Symptoms of high serotonin levels may include changes in body temperature, blood pressure, muscle movements and mood, leading to a medical condition called Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin Syndrome may be very serious or rarely life-threatening. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have drowsiness while taking dextromethorphan. If you have questions about how to pay for dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. If you experience nausea throughout the day, taking your dose of dextromethorphan with food or milk may help ease that side effect. Drinking alcohol can cause drowsiness and should be avoided while taking dextromethorphan. Don’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you know how your body reacts to dextromethorphan. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
What Happens If I Overdose On Dextromethorphan?
It is commonly used in over-the-counter (OTC) medications for treating cold and flu symptoms. Dextromethorphan is an opioid-like molecule indicated in combination with other medication in the treatment of coughs and pseudobulbar affect. It has a moderate therapeutic window, as intoxication can occur at higher doses. Patients should be counselled regarding the risk of intoxication. Doctors sometimes prescribe a brand-name medication called Auvelity to treat depression. Auvelity contains dextromethorphan with another drug called bupropion.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if they last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Without prompt medical care, severe cases of serotonin syndrome can lead to death.
The duration of action is approximately 3-6 hours with conventional dosage forms. Dextromethorphan is used for Chronic dry cough or unproductive cough; Acute dry cough which is interfering with normal function or sleep. Dextromethorphan is indicated for the relief of dry, irritating coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation. To learn more about Auvelity, see this article or talk with your doctor. For more information about dextromethorphan and depression, see this article.
What Are The Drugs Which Interact With Dextromethorphan?
It can also cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even seizures. Prolonged or excessive use can also lead to addiction and potential long-term brain damage. While dextromethorphan is a widely available and legal drug, it is also used recreationally for its mind-altering effects. In high doses, DXM can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and euphoria similar to that of ketamine or side effects of dextromethorphan PCP.
However, dextromethrophan may not be safe for children of all ages. Dextromethorphan oral suspension may be given to children ages 4 years and older and the oral softgels may be used in children ages 12 years and older. For some people, dextromethorphan capsules or suspension can cause an allergic reaction. Dextromethorphan comes as an oral liquid-filled capsule and an oral suspension. Dextromethorphan is the only cough suppressant available as an over-the-counter drug without a prescription. Because of these risks, many states have restrictions on OTC dextromethorphan.
Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dextromethorphan before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Kindly suggest a cough medicine for my wife, who is 5 months pregnant. It can be rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and exerts its antitussive effect in about minutes after oral administration.
Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cough medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine. It is available over-the-counter alone and is also present in many over-the-counter and prescription combination medications. Along with its needed effects, dextromethorphan may cause some unwanted effects.