Some over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness include antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or doxylamine (Unisom). Prescription medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants, can also worsen drowsiness. However, dextromethrophan may not be safe for children of all ages. Dextromethorphan oral suspension may be given to children ages 4 years and older and the oral softgels may be used in children ages 12 years and older. For some people, dextromethorphan capsules or suspension can cause an allergic reaction.
Is Dextromethorphan Considered a Narcotic Drug?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Dextromethorphan should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. The most common side effects of dextromethorphan are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you. Dextromethorphan is a generic, over-the-counter (OTC) drug that’s used to help relieve cough in adults and certain children.
Dextromethorphan belongs to the drug class called antitussives. It can temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will reduce a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or promote a speedy recovery.
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- Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dextromethorphan.
- These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
- If you’d like to explore an alternative to dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how dextromethorphan and doxylamine will affect you.
- If you’re concerned about misuse or dependence while taking dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor.
People with high blood pressure should use it with caution and consult a healthcare provider. Seek medical help immediately if overdose is suspected. Dextromethorphan is typically used for dry, non-productive coughs. It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, providing temporary relief from the urge to cough. It may not be as effective for chesty or productive coughs where the goal is often to help loosen and expel mucus. In cases of chesty coughs, an expectorant may be recommended instead.
- Dextromethorphan is approved to temporarily relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation.
- They may recommend a different medication for your cough.
- The duration of action is approximately 3-6 hours with conventional dosage forms.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
- Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
- This list is not complete and there are numerous other drugs that can interact with dextromethorphan.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Do not use this medicine if you are using or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
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Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Since cough medicines are taken only if required, you will not be on a dosing schedule. But if you are taking it regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. And if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take medicine at dextromethorphan side effects sleep your next regularly scheduled time. Never take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. Other cough medications are available that can relieve your cough.
What are the dosages of Dextromethorphan?
If you’d like to explore an alternative to dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you about other medications that might help. A dry cough is a common symptom of respiratory infections, such as the common cold. It typically occurs along with other symptoms, like throat pain or irritation. When you have irritation in your throat or airway, your body naturally gets the urge to cough. Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects dextromethorphan can cause.
Does dextromethorphan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
This means you feel like you need the drug to function as usual. Dextromethorphan misuse is dangerous, and there have been reports of fatal overdoses. Some prescription medications contain dextromethorphan as an active ingredient. One example is Auvelity, which contains dextromethorphan and bupropion. Do not take more dextromethorphan than recommended on the product label, as this can lead to harmful effects. It’s not known whether it’s safe to take dextromethorphan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
This combination medication is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. (See also Precautions section.)Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor.
Do not try to take two doses of Dextromethorphan to make up for the missed dose. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken dextromethorphan within the past few days. If you’re concerned about misuse or dependence while taking dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about dextromethorphan. “Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time. The information below is from the instructions on the product labels.
Whether or not you have health insurance, cost may be a factor when you’re considering dextromethorphan. Most insurance plans do not cover over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan. Long-term misuse of dextromethorphan may lead to psychological dependence.