Q: Is it true that if a person takes too much of a cough remedy containing guaifenesin and dextromethorphan it can dull your senses or cause a person to be less intelligent? I find this combination helps an awful lot with my cough related to allergies but I’m afraid to take it too often. Thanks for your time.
A: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen congestion in the throat and chest from the common cold, allergies or infection. It may also be used for other purposes as directed by a physician. There are a number of recommendations that always begin with not taking more than the amount prescribed, or for longer than indicated. It has the ability to impair thinking and reactions, so activity such as driving or working on machinery should be performed with greater caution. It is not known at this stage if the medication will harm an unborn child, so guaifenesin should be avoided by pregnant women. It should not be given to children younger than four years of age. The tablets should be swallowed whole – not chewed, broken, or crushed. Ditto for the capsules but further, they should not be opened because they are time-released and too much of the drug can enter the system too quickly. Lastly, other drugs might interfere with this product so your physician should be fully advised of any prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal products you might be on.
Dextromethorphan is available in tablet or liquid form and is prescribed to suppress a cough. It is a drug of abuse and abuse has been linked to brain damage which may be behind the issue of becoming “less intelligent.” One should exercise extreme caution when using it with SSRIs. It will not treat coughs caused by emphysema, asthma or the habit of smoking. Side effects can include confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness that can be quite severe, shallow breathing and stomach upset. Drug interactions are numerous and can include vitamins B12/C/D3, Synthroid, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Benadryl, Ambien, low-dose aspirin, and Zyrtec. Therefore, it is imperative your physician have a complete listing of all drugs and supplements you may be on. This medication should not be used if a person has been on a MAO inhibitor (a type of antidepressant) within the prior two weeks because of the potential for life-threatening effects. Other allergy/cold/cough medications containing dextromethorphan should not be taken simultaneously because of the potential for overdose. simultaneously.
The combination of both drugs is, as you already know, used to treat congestion in the throat and chest caused by infection, allergies or the common cold. Again, the drug should be used precisely as directed on the label and not longer than recommended. The liquid form of this drug should be measured with the use of a measuring spoon or cup and not by a regular teaspoon or tablespoon. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Users should avoid medications for ADHD, caffeine pills, diet pills, and OTC cough and cold medications. If anxiety, confusion, dizziness, restlessness, skin rash, nausea, shallow breathing, vomiting, stomach upset or other issues present, you should discontinue it and touch base with your physician.
Allergies are sometimes difficult to control. I can recommend some natural means for fighting congestion but don’t know if they will provide the relief you need. They include rubbing the bottoms of your feet with a medicated chest rub and covering the feet with cotton socks before retiring for the
evening; taking 40 mg of zinc daily; or incorporating aroma therapy. Lastly, pour boiling water into your bathroom sink, drop in a handful of chamomile flowers, drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl of the sink to inhale the vapors until the water cools.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to get some direction from your primary care physician who may have other suggestions to relieve your symptoms. You’ll likely be glad you have some alternative options.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
