
Precautions
When you take dextromethorphan in large quantities it can come with uncomfortable, dangerous, and serious side effects like: Studies show people who abuse DXM may also have problems with short and long-term memory, attention, and confusing thoughts after taking this medication in high doses.
What are the risks of abusing dextromethorphan (DXM)?
Dextromethorphan may keep you awake. Pseudoephedrine – Stimulates the Nervous System Research shows that pseudoephedrine may lead to wakefulness by stimulating the central nervous system, activating the sympathetic nervous system, inducing alertness, and triggering the fight-or-flight response [4].
Does dextromethorphan keep you awake?
severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness; seizures or convulsions; confusion, hallucinations; or. slow, shallow breathing. Less serious side effects are more likely, such as stomach upset. This is not a complete list of dextromethorphan side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Does dextromethorphan cause anxiety?
The long-term effects of Dextromethorphan are not known; however, it is believed that sustained, habitual use can result in:
- Agitation.
- Delusions.
- Mood changes such as depression and mania.
- Problems with attention and memory consolidation.
- Liver damage.
What are the long-term effects of DXM abuse?
See more

Why does dextromethorphan cause drowsiness?
Does Dextromethorphan cause drowsiness? Yes, DXM is a central nervous system depressant and can cause drowsiness due to the blockage of message transmitters in the nervous system. It has also been shown to induce sedative effects in higher doses than recommended therapeutic doses, and overdose may also lead to coma.
Is dextromethorphan a sedating?
It is in the morphinan class of medications with sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties (at lower doses).
What are the side effects of taking dextromethorphan?
AdvertisementBlurred vision.difficulty in urination.drowsiness or dizziness.nausea or vomiting (severe)shakiness and unsteady walk.slowed breathing.unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability (severe)
Does dextromethorphan make you loopy?
Taking a lot of DXM causes hallucinations and out-of-body sensations similar to the ones caused by drugs like ketamine and PCP. These effects can last as long as 6 hours. DXM also can make users have trouble controlling their limbs and cause blurred vision, slurred speech, dizziness, and impaired judgment.
Is dextromethorphan like an opioid?
DXM is an opioid without effects on pain reduction and does not act on the opioid receptors. When taken in large doses, DXM causes a depressant effect and sometimes a hallucinogenic effect, similar to PCP and ketamine.
Is dextromethorphan A form of codeine?
DXM is a synthetically produced substance that is chemically related to codeine, though it is not an opiate. DXM is an ingredient in more than 140 over- the-counter cough and cold remedies and since the 1950s has gradually replaced codeine as the most widely used cough suppressant in the United States.
What can you not mix with dextromethorphan?
do not take dextromethorphan if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or if you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks.
When should dextromethorphan not be used?
Descriptions. Dextromethorphan is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). It should not be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm (flem) with the cough.
Does dextromethorphan calm you down?
However, there was an interesting wrinkle in the case, as the patient had found that over-the-counter cough medicines with cough suppressant dextromethorphan helped her mood and anxiety better than anything else.
Is dextromethorphan better than codeine?
were similarly effective in reducing cough frequency. Dextromethorphan lowered cough intensity to a greater degree than codeine (p <0·0008) and was considered the better antitussive by the majority of patients (p <0·001).
Is dextromethorphan a narcotic?
Of particular concern is dextromethorphan or DXM, which is used in a variety of over-the-counter cough and cold medications, particularly those whose name includes “DM” or “Tuss.” DXM is a narcotic related to opium and is a cough suppressant that suppresses an area in your brain that causes you to cough.
Is dextromethorphan a controlled substance?
False Fact: No prescription is needed for DXM because it is neither a controlled substance, nor a regulated chemical under the Controlled Substances Act.
Does dextromethorphan calm you down?
However, there was an interesting wrinkle in the case, as the patient had found that over-the-counter cough medicines with cough suppressant dextromethorphan helped her mood and anxiety better than anything else.
Can dextromethorphan keep you up at night?
It is particularly annoying at night because it can interrupt sleep for both coughing children and their parents. Dextromethorphan (DM), the most common over-the-counter (OTC) "cough medication," may not be as helpful for these symptoms as previously believed.
Can I take dextromethorphan before bed?
To stop an unproductive or dry cough, stick to cough syrups with dextromethorphan or suck on a menthol cough drop before you fall asleep.
Can dextromethorphan be used for anxiety?
Treatment with dextromethorphan-bupropion (AXS-05) was found to be safe and effective for anxiety among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a history of treatment failure, according to study results presented at Psych Congress 2022, held virtually from September 17 to 20, 2022.
Does dextromethorphan (Delsym) make you sleepy?
It is possible for dextromethorphan (Delsym) to cause sleepiness, but it isn't a common side effect. If you are sick, tiredness is most likely happ...
How long does it take for dextromethorphan (Delsym) to start working?
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) starts to work within 15 to 30 minutes after taking it. The full effects of the medication happen about 2 hours after you...
Can pregnant women take dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
There is not much research on how dextromethorphan (Delsym) affects pregnant women and their unborn babies. To be safe, you should speak with your...
Can you drink alcohol while taking dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
This isn't a good idea. Drinking alcohol while taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) can raise your risk of side effects, especially dizziness. It's bes...
Can dextromethorphan (Delsym) be used in diabetes?
Many liquid medications, including dextromethorphan (Delsym) syrup, contain sugar. If you have diabetes, this can affect your blood sugar levels a...
Answers
Yes, it could make you sleepy/drowsy as one of its side effects, however please do talk to your doc/pharmacist.
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Proper Use
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active ingredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol.
Precautions
If your cough has not improved after 7 days, if sore throat has not improved after 2 days, if you have a high fever, skin rash, or continuing headache with the cough, or if asthma or high blood pressure is present, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you have other medical problems.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
What are people’s reviews of dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
Keep in mind it is 12 hour and if you take above the recommended dose, it can build up and stay in your system even longer like 24 hours. If you are trying to sleep, it could keep you up and make it feel like your brain won't shut off at high dose. Be mindful of a possible overdose if you are not paying attention.
What is dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is a cough suppressant. It works in the part of your brain that makes you cough, calming it down and telling your body to cough less.
How many teaspoons of a sulfate can you take in 24 hours?
Adults and children over 12 years old: The typical dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) by mouth every 12 hours. Do not take more than 4 teaspoonfuls (20 mL) in 24 hours.
How much ml of a sulfate can a child take?
Children ages 4 to 6 years old: The typical dose is one-half teaspoonful (2.5 mL) by mouth every 12 hours. Do not take more than 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) in 24 hours.
What are the signs of an overdose?
Seizures, heart rhythm problems, and loss of consciousness (signs of an overdose)
Is dextromethorphan syrup sugar free?
If you have diabetes, this can affect your blood sugar levels a lot, so it's best to avoid them if you can or look for sugar-free syrups. The capsule version of this medication (brand name Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels) would be a better option for you than the syrup.
Is dextromethorphan safe for pregnant women?
There is not much research on how dextromethorphan ( Delsym) affects pregnant women and their unborn babies. To be safe, you should speak with your healthcare provider to discuss which cough medication is the best option for you.
How does DXM affect sleep?
One thing that's effected when you take DXM is your body's serotonin reuptake process. Your body makes serotonin (which is a chemical that controls sleep, as well as many things about your mood) naturally. DXM is an SSRI, which means it alters your body's natural process of serotonin reuptake. Since the DXM bombards your system with serotonin, your body slows down on your body's natural production (and even processing of) serotonin. This hinders your body's natural production of serotonin, which essentially leads to minor depression. With regular use, this could lead to addiction--or worse, dependency.
How to get rid of toxins from DXM?
I also recognized the same problem after using DXM. Some advice I have to offer. First and foremost, I will offer you this: DRINK WATER. Water gets rid of the toxins the Dextromethorphan put in. It helps keep your cells quenched (so they can work more efficiently), and actually helps you avoid hangovers.
How to wake up after a hangover?
I find that a bowl of cereal and some orange juice wakes me up perfectly fine. If that doesn't do it, go ahead and drink some coffee. Take some B vitamins (known to help both energy and metabolism, like coffee). Keep drinking water. If you have a hangover, ibuprofen or aspirin can be helpful. Do some cardiovascular activity, or even just try to stretch (I know we don't all have time for that, especially if you have work after one of those nights, but it does boost energy).
How does dextromethorphan work?
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It works by reducing brain signals that trigger coughing.
How long does it take for Nyquil to make you sleepy?
There are many Nyquil products to choose from, most of which can cause sleepiness. In general, you’ll start to feel drowsy within a half an hour of taking Nyquil.
What is doxylamine succinate?
Doxylamine succinate. Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance associated with allergy symptoms. By targeting histamine, doxylamine succinate helps relieve sneezing, runny nose, and sinus congestion.
How to stay asleep when you have a hard time sleeping?
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: Stick to a sleep schedule. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning can help prevent disrupted sleep.
How to fall asleep faster?
More vigorous exercise should be done earlier in the day. Avoid substances known to disrupt sleep. Heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed can make it more difficult to fall or stay asleep.
How to relax before bed?
Find ways to relax before bed. Adopt a routine to wind down before bed. Take a warm bath, read a book, meditate, or listen to soothing music.
Can you take Nyquil with melatonin?
Since Nyquil causes drowsiness, you shouldn’t combine it with other sleep aids, like melatonin for instance. 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.
