If you’re feeling under the weather and need some relief, Nyquil is a popular over-the-counter medication that can help ease your symptoms.
However, one of the most common side effects of Nyquil is drowsiness. If you’ve ever taken Nyquil before, you may have wondered what makes you sleepy in nyquil.
The answer lies in one of the active ingredients in Nyquil: doxylamine succinate.
This antihistamine is known for its sedative properties and is often used as a sleep aid.
When combined with other ingredients in Nyquil, such as acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, it can cause drowsiness and help you get a good night’s sleep.
However, it’s important to note that doxylamine succinate can also cause other side effects, such as dizziness and dry mouth.
What Is Nyquil?
If you’ve ever had a cold or the flu, chances are you’ve heard of Nyquil.
It’s an over-the-counter medication that’s designed to alleviate common cold and flu symptoms, including fever, cough, and congestion.
Nyquil is available in both liquid and pill form, and it’s often used to help people get a good night’s sleep when they’re feeling under the weather.
Nyquil is made up of a combination of different active ingredients, including acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine succinate.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, while dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine that’s often used as a sleep aid. When combined, these ingredients work together to help relieve cold and flu symptoms, as well as promote restful sleep.
It’s important to note that Nyquil is not a cure for the cold or flu. Rather, it’s designed to help alleviate symptoms so that you can get the rest you need to recover.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, or if your symptoms last for more than a few days, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
What Makes You Sleepy In Nyquil
When you take Nyquil, you are ingesting a combination of different drugs that work together to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
The active ingredients in Nyquil include antihistamines, pain relievers, and cough suppressants.
Antihistamines
One of the main ingredients in Nyquil that causes drowsiness is doxylamine succinate, which is an antihistamine.
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies because they block histamine, which is a chemical that your body produces in response to allergens.
Doxylamine succinate works by blocking histamine in your brain, which can cause drowsiness and help you fall asleep.
However, it can also cause dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness in some people.
Pain Relievers
Another active ingredient in Nyquil is acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Acetaminophen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that your body produces in response to pain and inflammation.
By reducing the amount of prostaglandins in your body, acetaminophen can help relieve headaches, muscle aches, and other cold and flu symptoms.
However, it can also cause liver damage if taken in large doses or combined with alcohol.
Cough Suppressants
The third active ingredient in Nyquil is dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant.
Dextromethorphan works by blocking the cough reflex in your brain, which can help reduce coughing and throat irritation.
It is commonly used to treat dry coughs that do not produce mucus. However, it can also cause dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea in some people.
Overall, the combination of antihistamines, pain relievers, and cough suppressants in Nyquil can help relieve cold and flu symptoms, but it can also cause side effects in some people.
It is important to read the label carefully and follow the recommended dosage to avoid overdosing or experiencing adverse reactions.
How Does Nyquil Work?
When you take Nyquil, the active ingredients work together to help alleviate your cold and flu symptoms.
The medication contains three main ingredients: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine succinate.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that helps to reduce your body temperature and relieve any aches and pains you may be experiencing.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that helps to reduce the urge to cough.
This can help you get a better night’s sleep by reducing interruptions caused by coughing.
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine that helps to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
It also has a sedative effect that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Together, these ingredients work to provide relief from your cold and flu symptoms and help you get the rest you need to recover.
What Makes You Sleepy In Nyquil?
If you’re taking Nyquil, you’re probably looking for relief from a cold or flu symptoms.
One of the most common side effects of Nyquil is drowsiness. But what exactly is causing you to feel sleepy after taking this medication?
Doxylamine Succinate
One of the main ingredients in Nyquil that causes drowsiness is doxylamine succinate.
This is a first-generation antihistamine that works by blocking histamine, a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction. Doxylamine succinate is also used as a sleep aid because it can make you feel drowsy and help you fall asleep.
It’s important to note that doxylamine succinate is not the only ingredient in Nyquil that can cause drowsiness.
Other ingredients, such as alcohol, can also contribute to the sedative effects of the medication.
Drowsiness As A Side Effect
In addition to doxylamine succinate, drowsiness is also a known side effect of Nyquil.
This is because the medication contains other ingredients that can cause drowsiness, such as dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, and acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer.
It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of Nyquil, including drowsiness, before taking the medication.
If you’re planning to take Nyquil, make sure you have time to rest and can devote enough time to sleep.
It’s also important to note that Nyquil should not be used as a long-term sleep aid.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your healthcare provider about other options that may be more appropriate for you.
Other Side Effects Of Nyquil
While Nyquil is primarily used as a sleep aid, it can also cause some other side effects that you should be aware of. Here are some other possible side effects of Nyquil:
Dizziness
One possible side effect of Nyquil is dizziness. This may be caused by the doxylamine succinate in Nyquil, which can affect your balance and make you feel unsteady on your feet.
If you experience dizziness after taking Nyquil, it’s important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the feeling passes.
Dry Mouth
Nyquil can also cause dry mouth, which can feel uncomfortable and make it difficult to swallow.
This is because the antihistamine in Nyquil can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth.
To alleviate dry mouth, try sipping water or sucking on ice chips.
Nausea
Another possible side effect of Nyquil is nausea. This may be caused by the acetaminophen in Nyquil, which can irritate your stomach lining.
If you experience nausea after taking Nyquil, try taking it with food or drinking a glass of water.
It’s important to note that these side effects are relatively rare and typically mild.
However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects after taking Nyquil, it’s important to speak with your doctor.
Precautions When Taking Nyquil
When taking Nyquil, it is important to take certain precautions to avoid potential risks and side effects. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid taking Nyquil with other sleep aids or medications that cause drowsiness. This can increase the sedative effects of Nyquil and lead to shallow breathing or other dangerous side effects.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Nyquil. Alcohol can also increase drowsiness and impair your ability to operate machinery or drive safely.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Nyquil. Some of the ingredients in Nyquil may not be safe for unborn babies or nursing infants.
- Do not take Nyquil if you have a history of liver disease, as it contains acetaminophen which can be harmful to the liver.
- Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and do not exceed the recommended amount. Overdosing on Nyquil can cause serious health problems, including liver damage.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Nyquil, such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention.
Always talk to your doctor before taking any new medications, including over-the-counter cold and flu remedies like Nyquil.
Key Takeaways
When taking Nyquil, it’s important to understand what ingredients may make you feel sleepy. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:
- The main ingredient in Nyquil that causes drowsiness is doxylamine, a sedating antihistamine.
- Nyquil also contains 10% alcohol by volume, which can add to the sedative effects.
- While Nyquil can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms, it’s not recommended to use it as a sleep aid.
- When taking Nyquil, be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as it can cause drowsiness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other sedatives or tranquilizers while taking Nyquil, as it can increase drowsiness and lead to dangerous side effects.
Overall, Nyquil can be an effective medication for treating cold and flu symptoms, but it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly when it comes to drowsiness.
If you’re experiencing persistent sleep problems, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options.