So, combining two over-the-counter medications can quickly give you unsafe doses of a certain single ingredient. The most common side effects of dextromethorphan include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. In some cases, people may experience headaches, nausea, or stomach upset.
Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. This will help them determine if dextromethorphan is right for you. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug.
Dextromethorphan: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Before taking dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
When taken as directed, Dextromethorphan can help to reduce feelings of drowsiness and increase alertness. It’s essential to use dextromethorphan with caution, especially if you have a history of substance abuse or are taking other medications that can interact with it. Combining dextromethorphan with other sedatives or depressants can increase the risk of side effects. Dextromethorphan can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. If dextromethorphan side effects become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor about coping tips or other treatment options.
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The strength of the dose is given in milligrams (mg) and mg per milliliter (mg/mL). Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Dextromethorphan is used in adults and certain children to relieve cough. It is not known if or how dextromethorphan could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You should not use dextromethorphan for a cough with a fever, rash, or headache that will not go away. These signs may mean that you have other medical problems.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. Delsym side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Dextromethorphan Oral Forms Side Effects and Tips for Managing Them
It helps relieve your cough by calming your cough reflex. Follow the dosing instructions closely and always use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Other cough medications are available that can relieve your cough. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to dextromethorphan, talk with your pharmacist.
Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Using dextromethorphan as a recreational drug is dangerous and can be deadly. Dextromethorphan, like all medications, is toxic in very high amounts.
Choosing an OTC Pain Reliever: What to Consider
- If you have a high fever, skin rash, lasting headache, or sore throat, see your care team.
- Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dextromethorphan products they stock.
- This is not a complete list of dextromethorphan side effects and others may occur.
- Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content.
- If you are taking the extended-release suspension, shake the bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking dextromethorphan. If you’re interested in taking Delsym instead of dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To learn more about how generics compare with brand-name drugs, see this article. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.
- Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children.
- If you’re interested in taking Delsym instead of dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- However, dextromethorphan can make some people feel restless and excitable.
If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. However, misuse of dextromethorphan can make you feel high. For more information about the possible side effects of dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the most common side effects of dextromethorphan?
Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your care team. If you have a high fever, skin rash, lasting headache, or sore throat, see your care team. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended.
Dextromethorphan can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dextromethorphan. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. If you are taking the extended-release suspension, shake the bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly. While taking dextromethorphan, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.
You can purchase it as a syrup, tablet, spray, or lozenges. It belongs to the morphine class of medications and possesses dissociative, stimulant, and sedative properties. It depends on the active ingredients in the Robitussin product. Many cough and cold medications contain multiple ingredients to treat multiple symptoms.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply. As with all medications, the cost of dextromethorphan dextromethorphan cause drowsiness oral forms can vary.