Can You Safely Drink Expired Tea Bags?

This is to ensure that the effects of the medication have worn off completely and to avoid any potential interactions between dextromethorphan and alcohol. Indulging in recreational activities often involves the consumption of various substances. One such substance, dextromethorphan, is commonly used as an ingredient in cough suppressant medications. However, it is crucial to understand the effects and uses of dextromethorphan before combining it with alcohol or engaging in any other activities.

What are the potential risks of mixing dextromethorphan and alcohol?

• It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance on the safe use of dextromethorphan and its potential interactions with other substances.
• Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor’s advice.
• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting your intake to no more than one or two occasional drinks if you are on anticoagulant therapy.
• This section describes some of the more common side effects dextromethorphan may cause.
• Beyond the physical dangers, DXM presents a high risk of psychological dependence when used to cope with stress or emotions.
• Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment.
• Mixing alcohol with Mucinex can lead to unwanted side effects such as a rapid heart rate and liver damage.

Misusing either substance alone can be dangerous enough, but taking them together amplifies this risk and reinforces addictive behaviors. In the short term, DXM can cause extreme drowsiness and sedation, impairing our dexterity, balance, reaction time, and mental clarity. Users may experience dizziness, confusion, and impaired motor coordination, increasing their risk of falls and injuries. It can also impair our judgment and decision-making abilities and lead to hallucinations, delusions, or a dissociative state. In recent years, dextromethorphan has also been investigated for its role in treating other psychiatric conditions, such as the pseudobulbar affect and certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its promise, it is not considered the primary course of treatment for any condition other than coughing.

• When taken together, these effects can be intensified, increasing the risk of stomach bleeding.
• He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly.
• This can increase the likelihood of accidents, falls, and other unintended consequences, putting one’s safety at risk.
• The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking dextromethorphan.
• Some versions of Mucinex, such as Mucinex DM, also contain dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant.
• We work with individuals that suffer from all types of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
• So, be sure to check with your provider before trying it, says Dr. Silver.

General Health

Mixing alcohol with DXM also poses an increased risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Even if an individual survives an overdose, they may suffer from permanent consequences, including brain damage. Many varieties, like green teas, include antioxidants that help to prevent damage to your cells from free radicals, and may also aid your body in fighting inflammation.

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Dextromethorphan is the only cough suppressant available as an over-the-counter drug without a prescription. If you have questions about how to pay for dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Whether or not you have health insurance, cost may be a factor when you’re considering dextromethorphan.

Risks of Mixing DXM and Alcohol

The recommended dosage is 30 mg every 6–8 hours as needed for cough. This section describes dosages of dextromethorphan, an OTC medication. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product labels when taking it. And see the “Questions about taking dextromethorphan” section below for information on how to take dextromethorphan. But when taking it according to the instructions on the product label, side effects rarely occur.

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. You might want to know more about taking Delsym or Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels instead of dextromethorphan.

High Blood Pressure

Having an alcoholic drink while you are taking medications to treat prostate conditions can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Mild liver inflammation can occur in about 2% of people who take statins for a long time. While it typically gets better after stopping taking the medications, there has been concern that alcohol (which is metabolized by the liver) could potentially make liver inflammation worse.

It is recommended that individuals stop drinking once they realize they are taking Mucinex, as any amount of alcohol could enhance the side effects of the medication. Mucinex is an over-the-counter medication that treats chest congestion and cough. Some versions of Mucinex, such as Mucinex DM, also contain can you drink on dextromethorphan dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant. It’s not unusual for people to mix alcohol with over-the-counter drugs for colds or flu.

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dextromethorphan products they stock. Dextromethorphan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dextromethorphan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Teens often misuse DXM, mistakenly thinking it’s safer because it’s OTC. Side effects of DXM and alcohol can last for several days, depending on the person and the drug mix. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re experiencing side effects from DXM use.

You should always read the label of any medication and check with a doctor to be sure you are safely taking a medication. Stimulants and sedatives (such as alcohol) mask each other’s effects. So, mixing the two together increases the likelihood of overdose on either substance. In general, alcohol use has the potential to make symptoms of a mental health condition worse.

The potential side effects of consuming dextromethorphan

While DXM can be a valuable medicinal tool, mixing DXM and alcohol opens the door to a wide range of health hazards. So will drinking alcohol increase your risk of side effects from Stendra® or make it less effective? The answer likely depends on how much alcohol you drink while using this medication.

One ingredient in some cough suppressants called dextromethorphan (DXM) can be especially dangerous because it can cause extreme sedation and respiratory depression. In some cases, mixing alcohol with medications can lead to an overdose or alcohol poisoning—both of which are potentially life-threatening medical emergencies. Additionally, if you have an underlying health condition like heart disease or high blood pressure (hypertension), mixing alcohol with your medications can put you at risk for complications. The risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking dextromethorphan. Stendra®—a branded form of the medication avanafil—is commonly prescribed to help men manage erectile dysfunction (ED). However, like all medications, Stendra® can interact with other substances.