NyQuil Addiction | Abuse Potential, Effects, & Signs Of Misuse

NyQuil has a high potential for substance abuse. Abusing NyQuil can cause health problems such as psychosis, urinary incontinence, stomach pain, and drug addiction.

NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication that can be taken as a sleep aid, a cough medicine, or a cold medicine. It is sold as a liquid or gel capsule, and the high availability and accessibility of NyQuil increases its potential for substance abuse.

NyQuil may be part of a recreational substance abuse practice known as “robotripping,” where people take high doses of DXM to experience dissociative and mind-altering effects. Abusing OTC sleep aids such as NyQuil and Robitussin can cause serious side effects.

Abuse Potential Of NyQuil

The active ingredients in NyQuil are dextromethorphan (DXM), acetaminophen, and doxylamine succinate. 

When taken as directed, these ingredients can relieve symptoms of the common cold. NyQuil can act as a cough suppressant, pain reliever, and antihistamine, reducing sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose while encouraging sleep.

The active ingredients in NyQuil have a known potential for substance abuse. DXM can have a high potential for drug abuse, and can be sold under street names such as “poor man’s PCP” or “skittles.”

NyQuil may be abused by taking it in an unapproved manner, taking large doses of the drug, or by mixing NyQuil with other substances.

Side Effects Of NyQuil Abuse

Abusing NyQuil can cause short-term side effects such as:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurry vision
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• constipation

These side effects may be more severe in high doses of the drug.

Dangers Of NyQuil Addiction

NyQuil Addiction is a mental health condition where you are unable to stop taking NyQuil despite continued health problems. Addiction may also be referred to as a substance use disorder.

Addiction can be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, which can occur when you try to stop taking NyQuil. Drug addiction to NyQuil may be more likely if you do not take the drug as directed.

NyQuil Withdrawal Symptoms

More research may be needed to determine how NyQuil can cause withdrawal symptoms. Case studies on DXM have reported withdrawal symptoms such as:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• drug cravings
• excessive sweating

Victims of NyQuil withdrawal may also suffer from reduced mental health, due to the mind-altering effects of DXM.

Physical Health Effects

NyQuil overdoses can occur when taking high doses of NyQuil. NyQuil overdose can cause serious side effects such as:

• stomach pain
• mood swings
• yellow skin or eyes
• dark urine
• seizures

Liver damage can also occur from taking high amounts of NyQuil. The acetaminophen present in NyQuil can cause liver damage or failure in severe cases.

Signs Of NyQuil Misuse

If a family member or loved one is addicted to NyQuil, they may show visible signs of their addiction. Signs of NyQuil misuse may include:

• reduced productivity at school or work
• constant drowsiness or tiredness
• changes in mood or disposition
• unusual, disorganized, or psychotic behavior

OTC medication abuse can have lasting health problems, and can be difficult to treat without professional help. To find out if our inpatient and outpatient OTC addiction treatment options work for you or your loved one, please contact us today.