The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol & Nyquil

Alcohol & Nyquil Side Effects

Nyquil and alcohol have their own sets of side effects when taken separately.

Side effects associated with chronic, excessive, or daily alcohol use include: (11)

• Mood and behavior changes
• Coordination and cognitive impairments
• Impairments with the immune system
• Cardiovascular problems
• Liver problems
• Pancreas impairments
• Development of certain cancers

Consuming too much alcohol in a short period of time can lead to alcohol poisoning. (12) Alcohol poisoning can include symptoms such as confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, coma, or death. If you suspect that you are experiencing any symptoms of alcohol poisoning, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Common side effects of Nyquil are often mild and nonthreatening. They include: (13)

• Difficulties falling or staying asleep
• Stomachache
• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes, mouth, or nose
• Mild drowsiness and dizziness
• Excitedness or restlessness, mostly seen in children
• Mild rashes

Taking more than the recommended dose of Nyquil, can lead to overdosing. (14) Overdosing can be fatal depending on how much of the substance has been consumed. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing seizures, anxiety, hallucinations, hyperactivity, or dilated pupils after taking Nyquil.

Since these substances have their own list of side effects, it is understandable why combining the two can lead to more extreme or exasperated symptoms. Impairments within the liver is one of the main risks of combining alcohol and Nyquil. (15) Those with prior liver disease should discuss with their doctor if Nyquil is the right medication for them and their symptoms. The acetaminophen present in Nyquil can put additional stress on the liver. Doxylamine, one of the other ingredients in Nyquil, can cause extreme sedation when mixed with alcohol.

The company which manufactures Nyquil warns against combining alcohol and the medication. (16). It recommends avoiding all alcoholic beverages when taking Nyquil as it can cause extreme drowsiness. Due to the drowsiness caused by mixing these two substances, it is important to take caution when operating a motor vehicle or machinery. Both alcohol and Nyquil depress the central nervous system, which affects the brain and the spinal cord. When the central nervous system is slowed down, there can be impairs in coordination and alertness. (17)

Combining these two substances can increase your chances of experiencing an overdose. Overdose can occur when mixing alcohol and Nyquil, and sometimes can be difficult to notice. Symptoms that can occur when experiencing an alcohol and Nyquil overdose include:

• Severe confusion
• Rapid heart beat
• Stomachache
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Alcohol & Nyquil Addiction

Addiction is a complex chemical imbalance which affects the brain. Over 14.5 million individuals experience an alcohol use disorder. Mixing alcohol and Nyquil only exacerbates this problem. Nyquil, and other over the counter medication, is often subject to misuse due to the side effects that are elicited when too much is consumed. In addition, Nyquil and alcohol can induce feelings of pleasure in the reward systems within the brain, leading to the body wanting more.

Like Nyquil, alcohol is easily accessible, making it easy to become dependent on one or both substances. A 2019 study found that approximately 3 percent of adolescents used doxylamine, which can be found in Nyquil, to reach psychological effects. (18) An alcohol and Nyquil addiction may look like neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or other important areas. It may lead you to engage in dangerous or risky behaviors. Dependence on alcohol is likely to develop if one continuously misuses alcohol and Nyquil substances. Recovering from having a dependence on any substance can be difficult. Understanding the risks involved can make it easier to make healthy and informed decisions.