Ashwin Lewis
Cough syrups are commonly used to suppress coughing and help bring up phlegm. However, their effectiveness has been questioned, and they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Some cough syrups contain dextromethorphan (DXM), which can be abused, particularly by adolescents, due to its ability to produce an intense high when consumed in large doses. While cough syrups may help induce sleep due to their drowsy side effects, there are potential risks associated with their use, including the possibility of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to carefully follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication, especially in children, as cough syrups may not be suitable for young children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | There is no guarantee that cough syrups will stop coughing or make your cold better. |
| Side effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, headache, hallucination, palpitations, increased blood pressure, slurred speech, memory loss, coma |
| Addiction | Abuse of cough syrup has become more predominant, especially among adolescents. |
| Safety | Cough syrups with certain ingredients should not be given to children under the age of six. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cough syrup side effects: sleepiness, dizziness, hallucinations, palpitations, nausea, and headaches
- Cough syrup abuse: DXM abuse is common among adolescents, with withdrawal symptoms and health risks
- Effectiveness: Cough syrups may not stop coughing and have no guarantee of working
- Safety for children: Cough syrups are not recommended for children under six due to risks
- Alternatives: Honey is a safer alternative to cough syrup for treating coughs
Cough syrup side effects: sleepiness, dizziness, hallucinations, palpitations, nausea, and headaches
Cough syrup is a medication that can be used to treat a cough and related symptoms. It is available in many brands and forms, including oral syrup, chewable tablets, and strips that dissolve in the mouth. While it can be effective in treating a cough, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects.
One of the most common side effects of cough syrup is sleepiness or drowsiness. This can be especially pronounced in older adults and children, with antihistamines potentially causing agitation and excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. It is important not to use this medication to make a child sleepy, as it can have serious consequences. Additionally, activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, should be avoided after taking cough syrup.
Other side effects of cough syrup include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and headache. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, mental or mood changes (including confusion, hallucinations, and nervousness), seizures, shaking (tremors), and trouble urinating. If any of these side effects occur, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Furthermore, cough syrup may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms are present, medical help should be sought immediately.
It is important to carefully follow the dosage directions and to be aware of potential drug interactions when taking cough syrup. Certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors, should be avoided while taking cough syrup as they can cause serious or even fatal drug interactions. Consulting a doctor or pharmacist before taking cough syrup is always recommended to ensure safe and effective use.
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Cough syrup abuse: DXM abuse is common among adolescents, with withdrawal symptoms and health risks
Cough syrups are meant to suppress a cough or help bring up phlegm. However, they can also cause sleepiness and dizziness. While this may be desirable for those staying in bed, it is not advisable for those who need to stay alert, such as when driving.
Cough syrup abuse, specifically the abuse of dextromethorphan (DXM), a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, is a growing concern, especially among adolescents. A 2008 study found that one in ten teens in the United States has abused DXM, with almost half of all over-the-counter drugs in the country containing the ingredient. DXM is easily accessible, as it is available without a prescription and can be found in the homes of friends, family members, or neighbours.
DXM abuse can lead to severe health risks and withdrawal symptoms. When taken in large doses, DXM can cause hallucinations, “out-of-body” sensations, and impair vision and motor control. It also depresses brain function, particularly the parts controlling breathing and heart function. This can lead to irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, and even coma. As users continue to abuse DXM, they may require larger doses to achieve the same effects, intensifying these symptoms. Regular abuse can also lead to chemical psychosis, where individuals lose contact with reality and may require hospitalisation.
The misuse of DXM can also lead to addiction and psychological dependency. Teens may be drawn to the dissociative and hallucinogenic effects of DXM, similar to those produced by ketamine or PCP. To achieve these effects, some individuals consume daily doses ranging from 200 mg to 1500 mg, far exceeding the recommended dosage. Behavioural changes can be a significant indicator of DXM abuse, and parents and peers should be vigilant for warning signs.
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Effectiveness: Cough syrups may not stop coughing and have no guarantee of working
Cough syrups are designed to either suppress coughing or help bring up phlegm. Cough suppressants contain pholcodeine or dextromethorphan, which tell the brain to stop the coughing reflex. They can make you dizzy and sleepy. Expectorants that help bring up phlegm contain ipecacuanha or guaifenesin but they can make you feel sick, drowsy, and give you a headache. Some cough medicines also contain antihistamines, which aim to stop your eyes and nose from running. However, antihistamines can also make you sleepy, hallucinate, and give you palpitations.
Despite the intended effects of cough syrups, there is no guarantee that they will stop coughing. A review of available research by the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group found that the studies done so far were often of poor quality and produced conflicting results. Similarly, a 2007 study by Pennsylvania State University suggested that a dose of honey at night was more effective than cough syrups. Furthermore, a video by the American Chemical Society (ACS) also concluded that cough syrup does not really work. Most studies on the topic have found no evidence that over-the-counter cold medicines suppress or stop coughing, performing no better than a placebo.
While cough syrups may help with coughing, it is important to consider the potential side effects. Cough syrups can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and headaches. In addition, cough syrups containing codeine should be avoided, especially in children, as they can cause excessive sleepiness. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has recommended against giving cough and cold syrups with these ingredients to children under the age of six, as the risks outweigh the benefits.
The effectiveness of cough syrups is further called into question by the potential for abuse and addiction. Cough syrup abuse has become more prevalent, especially among adolescents, due to the presence of dextromethorphan (DXM) which can produce an intense high when consumed in large amounts. While products containing DXM are generally safe and effective when taken as recommended, abuse of these medications can lead to serious health issues, including irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, slurred speech, hallucinations, and coma. Therefore, it is important to carefully follow dosage instructions and be aware of the potential risks associated with cough syrups.
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Safety for children: Cough syrups are not recommended for children under six due to risks
Cough syrups can cause sleepiness and drowsiness as a side effect. While this may be beneficial for adults who are staying in bed, it poses a risk to children under six, who may become too sleepy. In 2009, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advised against giving cough syrups to children under six, as the risks outweigh the benefits.
Cough syrups with codeine, for example, can essentially sedate the user, and children vary in how quickly they metabolize the drug. This can be dangerous, and there is also no evidence that these syrups are effective in treating coughs and colds. A review of available research by the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group found that studies on the topic have been small, of poor quality, and have given conflicting results.
There are also concerns about the abuse of cough syrup, particularly among adolescents, which has been a long-standing issue. A 2008 study found that one in ten teens in the United States has abused DXM (dextromethorphan), a common ingredient in cough medicines. Consuming large amounts of DXM can lead to an intense high, similar to the effects of PCP or ketamine. It can also cause serious health issues, including irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, hallucinations, and coma.
While cough syrups can be helpful for adults who need relief from coughing and are planning to rest, they are not recommended for children under six due to the risks of excessive sleepiness and potential side effects. It is important to carefully read the dosing instructions for any medication and to be aware of possible drug interactions. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advised to seek medical advice.
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Alternatives: Honey is a safer alternative to cough syrup for treating coughs
Cough syrups are designed to either suppress a cough or help bring up phlegm. Cough suppressants contain pholcodeine or dextromethorphan, which tell the brain to stop the coughing reflex. They can make you dizzy and sleepy. Expectorants that help bring up phlegm contain ipecacuanha or guaifenesin but can cause nausea, drowsiness, and headaches. Some cough medicines contain antihistamines, which can also cause sleepiness, hallucinations, and palpitations.
Honey is a safer alternative to cough syrup for treating coughs. It is generally safe for adults and children over the age of one. Honey may lead to a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition known as infant botulism in babies under one year old. A study from Pennsylvania State University found that a dose of honey at night was better than cough syrup. Another study from Italy provided evidence for the benefit of using three consecutive doses of wildflower honey, together with milk, for children with acute coughs. Among 134 children, there was a decrease in cough of greater than 50% in 80% of the honey and milk group and 87% of the over-the-counter medication group.
Honey has also been found to be better than dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine in reducing the frequency of coughs. A study from Israel found that children who received 10 grams of eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, labiatae honey, or a silan date placebo before bedtime experienced improved cough frequency, cough severity, and sleep quality.
Honey can be added to warm water or tea, or taken by the spoonful to help with coughs. It helps by soothing the throat and coating the cough receptors.
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Frequently asked questions
Cough syrup can make you feel sleepy, but it is not recommended to use it for this purpose. Cough syrups can have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, headaches, hallucinations, and palpitations. There is also no guarantee that cough syrup will make you sleep.
Using cough syrup to help you sleep may lead to dependency and addiction. Cough syrup abuse has become more common in recent years, especially among adolescents.
Cough syrups that suppress coughing contain pholcodeine or dextromethorphan (DXM). DXM is found in many over-the-counter drugs and can cause hallucinations and other serious health effects if taken in large doses. Cough syrups may also contain antihistamines that can make you sleepy.
Yes, there are many alternatives to cough syrup that can help you sleep. Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for sleep disorders. Natural remedies like honey, hot water, lemon, and paracetamol can also help relieve pain and reduce coughing.
