Is NyQuil Bad For You?
Also Known As: NyQuil Cold & Flu
Short answer
Unless you are on other medication or have another condition, NyQuil will most likely do its job without any problems. However, there are risks and if you have any inkling you may have a problem, speak to your doctor before using Nyquil.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
NyQuil is a medicine that is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms related to the common cold, flu, allergies, and other congestion problems. It is most likely safe, but does carry a set of risks people need to be aware of. The first thing to understand is that there is a risk, albeit small, of various side-effects. These include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, and nausea. In the case of an overdose, NyQuil may cause the previously mentioned side-effects as well as a loss of consciousness and/or seizure. Side-effects are more likely to occur in children -- NyQuil is not approved for children under six years old.
NyQuil is composed of several active ingredients: antihistamines, dextromethorphan (and antitussive), decongestant, and acetaminophen (non-aspirin painkiller and fever reducer). These work together to combat congestion, fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, mild pain (such as a headache), and other symptoms related to the flu or common cold (or other congestion problems, such as sinusitis).
If you have any other health problems or are taking medication, you should discuss with your doctor whether or not NyQuil is safe as there is a laundry list of negative interactions and risks for people with various health problems or on other medication. Among the people most at risk for serious problems taking NyQuil are those who are diabetic, have hyperthyroidism, or have heart problems. Also, people taking MAO inhibitors should not take NyQuil within two weeks of the inhibitor as the result can be fatal. It should also be mentioned that NyQuil can become addictive if abused regularly.
All in all, NyQuil does what it is supposed to do and the vast majority of people do not experience any negative side-effects.
Possible short-term side effects
- drowsiness
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dizziness
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blurred vision
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upset stomach
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nausea
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seizure (from overdose)
Possible long-term side effects
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- headache
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anxiety
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trouble sleeping
Ingredients to be aware of
- antihistamine
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dextromethorpan
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decongestant
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acetaminophen
Benefits
- treats runny nose
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treats congestion
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decreases fever
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treats cough
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helps reduce headaches
Healthier alternatives
- garlic
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ginger tea
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chicken noodle soup
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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