Evie Summers
Sleep aids in cough medicine are designed to help people sleep better when they are struggling with a cough. Coughs can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, upper airway irritations, postnasal drip, acid reflux, asthma, and other common health conditions. Nighttime coughing can disrupt sleep patterns, compromising sleep quality and affecting the body's ability to recover from sickness. To alleviate this issue, sleep aids in cough medicine often contain ingredients like dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, or guaifenesin, an expectorant. Diphenhydramine, a drowsy antihistamine, is another common ingredient in sleep aids, providing relief from cough and cold symptoms while inducing drowsiness to help individuals sleep better. While these medications can be effective in treating insomnia and illness, they also carry risks of abuse, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms if used inappropriately or over a prolonged period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Diphenhydramine HCI, Levomenthol, Paracetamol, Pseudoephedrine, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen |
| Brand names | Vicks ZzzQuil, Advil PM, Mucinex Nightshift, Benylin Chesty Coughs, Benylin Children's Night Coughs, Covonia Night Time Formula, Panadol Night Pain, Unicough |
| Forms | Tablets, Liquid, Cream |
| Dose | 25mg, 50mg |
| Usage | 20 minutes before bedtime |
| Side effects | Sleepiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, dependency |
| Addiction | Potential for abuse and addiction |
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What You'll Learn
- Dextromethorphan, a chemical in sleep aids and cough syrups, is a hallucinogen
- Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms
- Sleep aids and cough medicines can be addictive and lead to abuse
- Coughing at night may be due to excess mucus pooling in the throat and chest
- Over-the-counter medications can help suppress or expectorate coughs
Dextromethorphan, a chemical in sleep aids and cough syrups, is a hallucinogen
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is a chemical found in many sleep aids and cough syrups. It is a synthetically produced drug available in more than 140 over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive that works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. It is typically consumed as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a solution (liquid), an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), or a lozenge.
While dextromethorphan is safe and effective when taken as recommended, it has become a popular substance for abuse, especially among adolescents. A 2008 study found that one in ten teens in the United States had abused DXM. The appeal of dextromethorphan lies in its easy accessibility, low cost, and perception of safety as a legal product. When consumed in high doses, dextromethorphan can induce hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms, including delusions, paranoia, and dissociative states. This has led to concerns about its potential as a gateway drug, particularly for young people.
The abuse of dextromethorphan can have severe consequences on an individual's physical and mental health. In addition to hallucinations, users may experience irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, and even coma. In some cases, dextromethorphan abuse has been linked to impulsive or violent acts, such as assault, suicide, or homicide. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and be aware of the potential risks associated with the misuse of this drug.
To prevent dextromethorphan abuse, especially among teenagers and young adults, it is crucial to raise awareness about the potential for abuse and the associated health risks. Physicians should be vigilant in identifying the psychiatric presentation of dextromethorphan abuse and consider it as a possible diagnosis for patients exhibiting acute-onset psychotic symptoms. Additionally, parents should be educated about the potential for substance abuse and the signs to look out for, as they may be unaware that their children are using cough syrup to get high.
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Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms
Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms and treat insomnia. It is available in tablet and liquid form for allergies, cold, and cough symptoms, and as a cream for skin allergies. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness and to control abnormal movements in people with early-stage Parkinsonian syndrome or those experiencing movement problems as a side effect of medication.
When taken for allergies, diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body when it comes into contact with an allergen. Histamine is responsible for symptoms such as a runny nose, skin rashes, and watery eyes. By blocking histamine, diphenhydramine helps alleviate these allergy symptoms. Additionally, diphenhydramine blocks another chemical called acetylcholine, which can help with a cough or runny nose but may cause side effects like dry mouth and nose.
Diphenhydramine is known as a sedating or drowsy antihistamine because it has a higher likelihood of causing sleepiness compared to other antihistamines. This sedating effect makes it useful for treating short-term sleep problems, including when a cough, cold, or itching interferes with sleep. It is typically taken 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime and starts to make individuals drowsy within this timeframe.
Diphenhydramine is available over-the-counter in pharmacies and by prescription. It is generally recommended for adults and children above specific age limits, with different formulations for tablets, liquids, and creams. However, older adults are advised to consult their doctors before taking diphenhydramine, as it may be less safe and effective for them compared to other medications.
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Sleep aids and cough medicines can be addictive and lead to abuse
Sleep aids and cough medicines can be highly addictive and may lead to abuse. While they are helpful when used to treat insomnia and illness, they can be addictive and become a gateway to more illicit drugs. Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States and worldwide, with an increase in prescriptions given by doctors, making these medications easily accessible.
Sleep aids, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and nonbenzodiazepines, can cause dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms when used for extended periods. Barbiturates, for instance, Xanax, Valium, Librium, and Ativan, carry a higher risk of overdose compared to other sleep aids. Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for sleep disorders, enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that produces a calming and sedating effect. Nonbenzodiazepines, such as Lunesta, Sonata, and Zolpidem, have a similar effect but differ in chemical structure.
Cough syrups, particularly those containing dextromethorphan (DXM), have become a prevalent form of substance abuse, especially among adolescents. DXM is a hallucinogenic chemical found in many sleep aids and cough syrups. In larger doses, it can induce feelings of euphoria and dissociative hallucinations, resembling the effects of illicit drugs. The accessibility of cough syrups in households and the perception of safety due to their legal status contribute to their misuse.
The abuse of sleep aids and cough medicines can have serious consequences. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can make it challenging for individuals to break the cycle of addiction. Additionally, the non-medical use of these substances can lead to physical and psychological harm, with the potential for negative interactions with other medications or underlying health conditions.
To mitigate the risk of addiction, healthcare providers typically prescribe sleeping pills for short-term use, and it is essential for individuals to follow the recommended dosage and avoid mixing sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol.
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Coughing at night may be due to excess mucus pooling in the throat and chest
Coughing at night can be disruptive to sleep quality and may be caused by excess mucus pooling in the throat and chest. This can be due to lying down, which increases the risk of acid reflux and post-nasal drip, causing a persistent cough. Nighttime coughing can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus and irritates the lining, potentially reaching the throat. Lying down can worsen reflux and lead to more coughing. To combat this, it is recommended to sleep with an elevated body position, such as using wedge pillows or an adjustable bed, to prevent mucus pooling and reduce interruptions to sleep.
Other causes of coughing at night include dry air, which can dry out the throat and airways, making individuals more prone to coughing fits. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help alleviate this issue. Additionally, sinus infections and allergies can cause post-nasal drip, which can irritate the throat and trigger coughing when lying down.
To manage a mild cough at night, staying hydrated is recommended. Drinking water and consuming water-rich foods like melons, pineapples, strawberries, and oranges can help loosen mucus and make it easier to clear. Drinking herbal tea with honey and lemon is also suggested, as honey coats the throat, preventing irritation and the cough reflex.
If coughing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advised to consult a doctor. Over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan can help block the cough reflex, while those with pseudoephedrine can reduce post-nasal drip. However, it is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
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Over-the-counter medications can help suppress or expectorate coughs
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help suppress or expectorate coughs. There are three main types of OTC medicines for adults: cough suppressants, expectorants, and combination medications.
Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, work by acting on the brain to suppress the cough reflex. They are best used for dry coughs where no mucus is produced. Dextromethorphan is a common active ingredient in OTC cough suppressants and is usually sold as a syrup, but can also be found in capsules and lozenges. However, it is important to note that cough suppressants may not be very effective and can cause side effects like constipation, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
On the other hand, expectorants are used for wet, productive coughs with heavy mucus. They work by breaking up and thinning respiratory mucus, making it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin is the only expectorant approved for use in the United States and can be found in OTC medications. Natural expectorants include menthol, honey, mullein, marshmallow, ginger, wild cherry bark, horehound, and pleurisy root.
Combination medications may include both cough suppressants and expectorants, along with other medicines to ease symptoms like antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers.
It is important to note that OTC cough medicines are not recommended for children under 4 years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. For children between 4 and 6 years old, they should only be given if recommended by a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleep aid is a medication that helps people fall asleep or stay asleep. They are typically used to treat insomnia and can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter.
Sleep aids in cough medicine typically contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine, which have sedating effects. Diphenhydramine, for example, is more likely to make you feel sleepy compared to other antihistamines. It is often combined with other medicines like levomenthol, paracetamol, and pseudoephedrine to treat cough and cold symptoms.
While sleep aids in cough medicine can be effective in treating short-term sleep problems, they may come with side effects and the risk of dependency. Common side effects of diphenhydramine include feeling sleepy, dizzy, or unsteady. Continuous use of sleep aids can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the medication and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
