Taking too much acetaminophen can potentially cause liver damage , the risk of which is increased if alcohol is consumed. This is only one such example. The overconsumption of other drugs found in cold and flu remedies, such as dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine , and antihistamines , also pose health risks. By reading the product labels, avoiding the co-administration of remedies with the same ingredients, and limiting yourself to the recommended dose, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidental overdose.
Ultimately, the safest way to manage OTC treatment is to take single-ingredient medications only. A report in the journal Pediatrics in Review concluded that OTC preparations are no more effective in treating cough and cold symptoms compared to placebo and that the products have yet to be proven to be safe and effective in young children.
Moreover, the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA advises against the use of these medications in children under 2 and asserts that most children will recover from cold and flu on their own without the need for medicine. In other words, a potential risk of overdose in young people is not worth the potential benefit you seek unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
Though you may never anticipate a cold and flu medication overdose, they can easily happen. It's important to recognize the signs of overdose should one occur. Symptoms of a potential overdose of OTC cold and flu medication include:. Call Poison Control at and seek emergency care if you think you've given yourself or your child too much cold and flu medication. In the past, codeine and alcohol contained in many OTC cough syrups were abused by some for the euphoric and calming effects they could deliver.
In response to public health warnings, alcohol has now been removed from most OTC remedies, while codeine has been reclassified as a Schedule II controlled substance when used in products containing more than 90 milligrams mg per dosage unit. With the removal of these products from market shelves, some younger people have turned to OTC cold, cough, and flu remedies containing dextromethorphan DMX , an opiod, for a cheap and easy high.
These products are readily available throughout the United States in syrup, tablet, and powder form. The abuse of DMX is most common among 8th to 12th graders.
When swallowed or snorted in excess, DMX can cause hallucinogenic effects similar to the anesthetic drug ketamine or the street drug phencyclidine also known as PCP or "angel dust. The overuse of DMX is associated with an array of side effects, including:. An overdose of DMX can lead to more serious symptoms, including seizures, cerebral hemorrhage bleeding in the brain , permanent brain damage, and even death. The regular abuse of DXM at high doses can also cause a condition known as chemical psychosis in which a person loses touch with reality.
Referred to by some as "poor man's psychosis," the DMX-induced disorder characterized by paranoia , delusions , hallucinations , and disassociation has been known to lead to impulsive and even violent acts, including assault and self-harm.
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Chats will be received and answered by one of treatment providers listed below, each of which is a paid advertiser:. Although it's safe when used correctly, people who misuse NyQuil jeopardize their health and risk addiction. Many people misuse NyQuil by taking it to fall asleep or by using it as a recreational drug.
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How Much Does Treatment Cost? Midol can cause liver failure or even death if you overdose on these small pills. Initial signs of an APAP overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating and confusion or weakness. Tylenol Tylenol offers the same risk as Midol, which is Acetaminophen. Doctors recommend only taking 3, milligrams of APAP in a hour period.
What is tricky is how many other drugs contain APAP. If you take Tylenol for your cold, and then Midol for your period cramps, you'll pass the recommended dosage.
When taken correctly, NyQuil is safe to use and generally has little to no side effects. If any side effects do occur, they are usually minor and do not require immediate medical attention. The most common side effects of NyQuil include:[1]. If someone takes too much NyQuil, they put themselves at risk of experiencing liver damage due to the acetaminophen or loss of consciousness due to the doxylamine.
Additionally, one way NyQuil abuse commonly occurs is by mixing the medication with alcohol. When mixing two central nervous system depressants such as these, individuals may experience heightened effects of both substances.
They are also placing themselves at higher risk of liver damage and accidental overdose. In rare cases, NyQuil may cause an allergic reaction. Someone who is allergic to NyQuil may experience hives, rash, itchiness, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the face, throat, and mouth.
If you or someone you know is having an allergic reaction to NyQuil, you should seek professional medical advice immediately. As a result, they will take large doses of NyQuil or other cold medicines in an attempt to get high. Dextromethorphan 3-methoxy-N-methlmorphinan, or DXM , is one component of NyQuil that is responsible for producing mood and mind-altering effects.
DXM is a popular cough suppressant that is used in more than over-the-counter medications. This makes it extremely easy to access.
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