Does NyQuil make you sleepy?

An over-the-counter (OTC) drug, NyQuil helps relieve the symptoms of the common cold and flu while you sleep. However, it may make you tired. Doxylamine, a type of antihistamine, is one of the active components.

Doxylamine might cause drowsiness as a side effect. Although this may assist you in falling asleep, it is crucial to evaluate how long the drowsiness will stay and any potential adverse effects.

Continue reading to find out why NyQuil makes you sleepy. If you are interested in knowing whether you can take dayquil at night, check out our previous article on it.

What is NyQuil

Nyquil is a well-known over-the-counter sleep aid. It’s designed to help with cold and flu symptoms at night such as sneezing, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, and cough. NyQuil and NyQuil SEVERE liquid and caplet medications are among the many options available.

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine are the three active components found in most NyQuil products. Each one aids in the relief of various allergy, cold, and flu symptoms.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a pain medication that also acts as a fever reducer. It targets minor aches and pains, as well as fever, headache, and sore throat. When taken at the appropriate dosage, it has a low chance of negative effects.

Higher quantities of acetaminophen, on the other hand, can be harmful. It is possible to harm your liver if you take more acetaminophen than is recommended. The highest daily amount of acetaminophen suggested is 3,000 milligrams (mg). The difference between a safe dose and one that could injure your liver, on the other hand, is very little.

Dextromethorphan HBr

This is a cough suppressant. It works by decreasing cough-inducing brain messages.

Doxylamine succinate

Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine that helps with sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. It works by preventing histamine, a chemical linked to allergic symptoms, from acting.

Doxylamine succinate relieves sneezing, runny nose, and sinus congestion by targeting histamine. It makes you drowsy, as well as giving you headaches and making your sinuses dry.

Does NyQuil make you sleepy?

Yes. NyQuil can make you feel drowsy. Doxylamine, an antihistamine, is found in NyQuil. Histamine is a naturally occurring hormone in your body that regulates your sleep-wake cycle and activates your immune system when it recognizes a foreign body.

An antihistamine, such as doxylamine, works by blocking histamine. This implies that any cold or flu symptoms you are experiencing are also blocked.

Doxylamine also inhibits histamine’s ability to influence your sleep-wake cycle. Although histamine may try to keep the brain awake by sending messages, the antihistamine stops this. Feelings of drowsiness or sleepiness can result from this.

Not all antihistamines make you sleepy. This is not a common adverse effect of some antihistamines. Contact your pharmacist to learn about the medications that can help you manage your allergy, cold, or flu symptoms without making you sleepy.

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How long does NyQuil take to put you to sleep?

Some NyQuil types may cause drowsiness or sleepiness in some persons. Within 30 minutes of taking NyQuil, most people feel tired. This impact lasts roughly 6 hours on average. This, however, is dependent on the active component and the dosage.

Is NyQuil safe to take as a sleep aid?

NyQuil can help you sleep better when you have a cold, but it isn’t meant to be used as a general sleeping aid. Antihistamine-containing medications may remain in your system the next day, making you feel sleepy.

Because NyQuil can stay in your system after you wake up, it’s crucial to be cautious when driving or operating machinery, especially if you’re feeling sleepy. When using NyQuil, you should avoid drinking alcohol because it can exacerbate the sleepiness or drowsiness side effects.

Before using any medication as a sleep aid, see your doctor.

Side effects of NyQuil

If you don’t take more than the suggested four doses in a 24-hour period, NyQuil is generally safe and effective. It does, however, have some negative effects, just like any other medication. A common adverse effect is drowsiness. You may also suffer the following adverse effects:

• nervousness
• nausea
• constipation
• a dry mouth or throat
• dizziness

Other side effects may be more serious and necessitate medical intervention. The following are serious NyQuil adverse effects:

• confusion
• tremors, or seizures
• a slow or fast heart rate
• difficulties with urine
• hallucinations
• inability to wake up

The key ingredient in NyQuil is acetaminophen, which can cause severe skin reactions. Among the signs and symptoms are:

• a rash
• skin flushing
• blisters on the skin

Who is able to take NyQuil?

NyQuil is available over-the-counter. Most adults can take it safely if they don’t take more than four doses in a 24-hour period. If you take more than the prescribed dose, you risk harming your liver.

NyQuil should not be given to children under the age of 12.

If you are pregnant, using the blood thinner warfarin, taking sedatives, or receiving treatment for any of the following conditions, consult your doctor before taking NyQuil.

• issues with the heart
• difficulties with the liver
• glaucoma
• thyroid disease
• high blood pressure

Is NyQuil potentially addictive?

Although NyQuil addiction is uncommon, it is possible to get addicted. NyQuil contains the chemical dextromethorphan, which has hallucinogenic properties. This can lead to psychosis and distorted reality, as well as a “high” experience. NyQuil liquid also has a 10% alcohol content.

Is it possible to overdose on NyQuil?

NyQuil has the potential to cause an overdose. It’s also worth noting that NyQuil contains chemicals like dextromethorphan, which can have potentially dangerous adverse effects if taken in excess.

Overdosing on dextromethorphan causes the following symptoms:

• motor function issues
• numbness
• hallucinations (both auditory and visual)
• an increase in heart rate nausea or vomiting
• agitation caused by high blood pressure
• an accumulation of acid in your body fluids
• an increased body temperature

Always follow the directions on the package and only take NyQuil pills as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Even if there are no symptoms, contact a poison control center or seek medical assistance right away if you think you’ve taken too much NyQuil.

What dosage of NyQuil should I take?

Before taking NyQuil, read the product box carefully and make sure you follow the dosing instructions. Your pharmacist or doctor can also help you figure out how much to take.

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, you can take 30 milliliters of NyQuil liquid every 6 hours. Adults can also take two LiquiCaps with water every six hours.

Within a 24-hour period, do not take more than four doses of NyQuil.

Summary

NyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that can aid with allergy, cold, and flu symptoms. Doxylamine, the primary ingredient, is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness that lasts till the next day.

Antihistamines should not be used as a sleeping aid; instead, they should be used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, the flu, or allergies. NyQuil should only be used as directed by a doctor or as directed on the package.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does NyQuil have an expiration date?

Yes. NyQuil should not be used after the expiration date printed on the package.

What are the different NyQuil types?

NyQuil SEVERE contains the most symptom-fighting ingredients* to help you get rid of your cold’s severe symptoms. NyQuil SEVERE contains 10 mg of phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant, in addition to the active components in NyQuil.