By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of misuse, and taking proactive steps for safe use, we can ensure that DXM serves its intended purpose without compromising our health and safety. Quite a few cold and cough medicines that have DXM also have acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Overdosing on these multi-ingredient products increases the risk of liver toxicity and liver failure. Drinking alcohol during treatment with Mounjaro can worsen some of Mounjaro’s side effects.

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This will help them determine if dextromethorphan is right for you. Dextromethorphan can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. Other factors may also affect whether dextromethorphan is a good option for you. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking dextromethorphan.

• Delirious people may have trouble thinking clearly, they may be disoriented, and they may experience an out-of-body sensation.
• Dextromethorphan is used to relieve coughing caused by colds or other respiratory conditions.
• If you take prescription medication or use a specific medication every day, ask your doctor if it is okay for you to drink alcohol.
• Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
• Alcohol can increase dextromethorphan’s ability to cause the body to overheat, leading to potentially fatal health problems like heat stroke.
• When you or a loved one are ready to embark on the path to recovery, our Recovery Advocates are here, ready to assist.
• Below is a list of medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with dextromethorphan.

Preventing Teen DXM and Alcohol Abuse

After joining Virta, Dulce came off metformin, reduced her A1c by a full point and lost 35 pounds in just seven months… All while being able to treat herself safely to the occasional glass of wine. Other cough medications are available that can relieve your cough. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to dextromethorphan, talk with your pharmacist. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Effects of Alcohol and DXM Abuse

• Sold under brand names including Wegovy and Ozempic, semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), hence the technical term for it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
• Abusing any amount of prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs with alcohol is extremely dangerous.
• It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of coughing.
• One of the biggest risks with DXM and alcohol co-use is the potential for additional harmful effects and stress on the liver.
• Keep in mind that dextromethorphan doesn’t treat the underlying cause of your cough, such as the common cold or flu.
• Medications prescribed to lower cholesterol levels (known as statins) can cause flushing, itching, stomach bleeding, and liver damage.

When individuals use DXM in excess of its prescribed dosages, numerous varied types of effects can occur, depending on the dosage. Any drugs that suppress the central nervous system are dangerous to mix with can you drink alcohol with dextromethorphan dextromethorphan. This includes opioids, marijuana, alcohol, sedatives, and sleep medications.

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You may have a raised risk of these side effects if you drink alcohol with dextromethorphan. Before taking dextromethorphan with other OTC cough, cold, or flu medications, be sure to check the ingredients of these products. You should not take dextromethorphan with combination products that also contain dextromethorphan. To learn more, see “Overdose” in the “Dextromethorphan dosage” section above.

Dextromethorphan is also considered an opioid however it does not affect pain reduction and does act on opioid receptors the most opioid pain medications do. If DXM is taken in large quantities the medication can have effects similar to depressants and even hallucinogens. Many users also experience euphoric sensations or dissociative effects as well as overall relaxation. It’s not uncommon that users mix DXM with other substances like alcohol and marijuana.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves dextromethorphan to help relieve coughing from a short-term cause. Healthcare professionals may recommend dextromethorphan for adults and some children. With appropriate treatment, ending use of DXM and dependence on alcohol can be done safely and effectively. Call for free at to talk to someone about how to leave addiction behind and begin a healthy, happy life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms and signs of DXM abuse, alcohol abuse or the combination of both, seek treatment immediately.

It’s important to understand that alcohol may also interact with other drugs. Alcohol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. This leads to calming effects, reduced anxiety, and impaired coordination.