Does Dayquil Keep You Awake? Detailed Guide for 2024
April 5, 2022
DayQuil is a medication that is used to treat the symptoms of cold and flu. It is available over-the-counter and comes in liquid and tablet form. The active ingredients in DayQuil are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Does DayQuil keep you awake? In this article, we will explore the answer to that question.
What Does DayQuil Do?
DayQuil is a medication that is used to treat the symptoms of cold and flu. It is available over-the-counter and comes in liquid and tablet form.
What Are the Active Ingredients in DayQuil?
The active ingredients in DayQuil are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is found in many over-the-counter medications, including Tylenol, Excedrin, and DayQuil.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. Dextromethorphan is found in many over-the-counter cough medicines, including Robitussin, Delsym, and DayQuil.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting blood vessels, which reduces swelling and congestion. Phenylephrine is found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, including Sudafed, Claritin-D, and DayQuil.
Does DayQuil Have Caffeine?
DayQuil does not contain caffeine. However, some people may experience a temporary increase in energy and alertness after taking DayQuil due to the other active ingredients.
Does DayQuil Keep You Awake?
The answer to this question is complicated. The short answer is that it depends on the individual person and how they react to the medication. Some people find that DayQuil keeps them awake, while others find that it makes them drowsy.
Does DayQuil Make You Drowsy?
Some people find that DayQuil makes them drowsy. This is most likely due to the acetaminophen and dextromethorphan. Acetaminophen can cause drowsiness in some people. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that can also cause drowsiness.
Does DayQuil Wake You Up?
Some people find that DayQuil wakes them up. This is most likely due to the phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that can cause wakefulness in some people.
Can I Take DayQuil at Night?
The answer to this question is also complicated. Some people find that taking DayQuil at night helps them sleep better by alleviating their cold or flu symptoms. However, others find that the medication keeps them awake. If you are considering taking DayQuil at night, speak with your doctor first to see if it is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between DayQuil and NyQuil?
The main difference between DayQuil and NyQuil is that DayQuil is for daytime use and NyQuil is for nighttime use. Both medications contain the same active ingredients but in different proportions. DayQuil also contains a pain reliever, while NyQuil does not.
DayQuil Side Effects
The most common side effects of DayQuil are headache, dizziness, and an upset stomach. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these side effects, speak with your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, speak with your doctor. You should also see a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as DayQuil may not be safe for you to take.
Drugs That Interact with DayQuil
DayQuil can interact with other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Some of these interactions can be dangerous. The drugs include:
- antidepressants
- MAO inhibitors
- stimulants
- blood pressure medications
Before taking DayQuil, speak with your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements.
Tips for Sleeping after Taking DayQuil
If you find that DayQuil keeps you awake, there are a few things you can do to try to sleep.
There are a few things you can do to help you sleep after taking DayQuil. These tips include:
- taking DayQuil at bedtime
- avoiding caffeine and other stimulants
- drinking chamomile tea before bed
- using a noise machine or earplugs to block out noise
- using a fan or air conditioner to create white noise
If you follow these tips, you should be able to sleep after taking DayQuil. However, if you are still having trouble sleeping, you should talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication or give you advice on how to manage the side effect.
Gargle with a Mixture of Water and Salt to Soothe Your Throat
If your throat is sore from coughing, you can try gargling with a mixture of water and salt. This will help to soothe your throat and reduce inflammation. To make the mixture, you will need:
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of warm water
Simply mix the salt and water together and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit the mixture out after gargling. You can do this several times a day as needed.
Inhale Steam to Open Your Airways
If you are having trouble breathing due to congestion, you can try inhaling steam. This will help to open your airways and make it easier to breathe. To do this, you will need:
- a pot of boiling water
- a towel
Place the pot of boiling water on a table and lean over it. Drape the towel over your head to create a tent. Breathe in the steam for five minutes. You can do this several times a day as needed.
Use a Humidifier or Vaporizer to Ease Breathing
If you are having trouble breathing due to congestion, you can try using a humidifier or vaporizer. This will help to add moisture to the air and make it easier to breathe. You can find these devices at most drugstores.
Apply Nasal Strips to Clear Your Nose
If you are having trouble breathing due to congestion, you can try applying nasal strips. This will help to open your nose and make it easier to breathe. You can find these devices at most drugstores.
Elevate Your Head to Drain Your Sinuses
If you are having trouble breathing due to congestion, you can try elevating your head. This will help to drain your sinuses and make it easier to breathe. Simply prop up your head with a pillow when you go to bed.
Conclusion
Whether or not DayQuil keeps you awake is individualized. Some people find that it helps them sleep, while others find that it keeps them awake. If you are struggling to sleep after taking DayQuil, there are a few things you can try to ease your symptoms and help you sleep. However, if you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak with your doctor.
FAQs
Does DayQuil make it hard to fall asleep?
It depends on the person. Some people find that DayQuil makes it hard to fall asleep because it contains ingredients that can cause wakefulness. However, others find that it helps them sleep better by alleviating their cold or flu symptoms. If you are struggling to sleep after taking DayQuil, there are a few things you can try to ease your symptoms and help you sleep. However, if you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak with your doctor.
How many hours does DayQuil last?
The effects of DayQuil typically last for four to six hours. However, this can vary depending on the person. If you find that the effects of DayQuil are not lasting long enough or are wearing off too quickly, speak with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication.
Can I take NyQuil if I'm taking DayQuil?
You should not take NyQuil if you are already taking DayQuil. Both medications contain the same active ingredients, so taking them together can lead to an overdose. If you are struggling with cold or flu symptoms, speak with your doctor about which medication is right for you.
DayQuil vs. NyQuil: Which is better for sleep?
Both NyQuil and DayQuil contain ingredients that can cause wakefulness. Does DayQuil keep you awake? It can. However, NyQuil also contains a sedative ingredient that may help some people sleep. If you are struggling to sleep after taking either medication, there are a few things you can try to ease your symptoms and help you sleep. However, if you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication.
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