Nyquil and weed

Is it safe to combine Nyquil and weed? There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on many factors, including the individual's metabolism and tolerance for both substances. However, there are anecdotal reports and relevant science that can help inform your decision. Read on to learn more!

Are their risks to combining marijuana and Nyquil?

Nyquil is a medication that is used to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu. It is a combination of three drugs: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine. Nyquil is available over the counter and does not require a prescription.

Nyquil is generally safe and effective when used as directed. If you have a cold or the flu and are looking for relief, Nyquil may be a good option. However, it can cause some side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, it can also cause liver damage. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Nyquil and call your doctor immediately.

Cannabis is a plant that contains cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, which are the primary active ingredients in cannabis. They bind to receptors in the brain and body to produce various effects. THC is the cannabinoid that produces the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Flavonoids - anthocyanins, carotenoids, and flavones - are responsible for the plant's color and taste. Terpenes are responsible for the plant's scent, and may exert some psychoactive effects as well. Myrcene, pinene, and limonene are three prominent terpenes in many varieties of cannabis. The most common side effects of cannabis are dry mouth, red eyes, and drowsiness. However, cannabis could potentially cause more serious side effects when combined with other medications such as Nyquil.

Why is it bad to combine Nyquil and weed?

Nyquil is a medication that contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Doxylamine is an antihistamine that helps to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Dextromethorphan is an interesting compound that has a variety of effects on the body. At low doses, it acts as a cough suppressant. At high doses, it is a dissociative hallucinogen. Dextromethorphan is also described in the scientific literature as a moderate serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an NMDA receptor antagonist, and a Sigma-1 receptor agonist.

A serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) is a type of medication that works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, appetite, and sleep. By blocking its reabsorption, SRIs increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which can help to improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression.

An NMDA receptor antagonist is a type of compound that works by blocking the NMDA receptor. The NMDA receptor in the brain plays a role in a variety of biological processes, including learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. Overstimulation of the NMDA receptor causes “excitoxicity and subsequent neurodegeneration.” NMDA antagonists are drugs that block this receptor - these are often used as anesthetics. However, drugs that interact with the NMDA receptor are also known to cause hallucinations as a side effect. Most NMDA antagonists are available by prescription only and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. 

Sigma receptors are proteins that are embedded in the surface of cells and found in the brain and other parts of the body. Sigma-1 receptors are “chaperone proteins” - which is a type of protein that guides other proteins along the proper path of folding. If you have ever heard of heat-shock proteins, which are released when your cells are exposed to heat like in a sauna, these are also chaperone proteins. In clinical studies, Sigma-1 agonists have been shown to improve cognitive impairment and clinical symptoms in some neuropsychiatric disorders. 

There are anecdotal reports of people suffering adverse effects from combining cannabis and Nyquil. People describe side effects of dissociation, intense sedation, and feeling like they are having difficulty breathing. This is likely due to the effects on the CNS of combining Nyquil and cannabis. The CNS depressing effects of Nyquil are primarily from doxylamine.

Doxylamine is an antihistamine that is used as a sleep aid. It works by blocking histamine receptors, which can result in drowsiness. Cannabis also has CNS depressant effects. When these two substances are combined, the effects can be amplified, leading to dangerous side effects.

If you are considering taking Nyquil with cannabis, talk to your doctor first. Combining these two substances can be dangerous and should not be done without medical supervision.

Dayquil and weed

Dayquil is a medication used to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu. The active ingredients in Dayquil are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which helps break up mucus. The mechanism of action of Dayquil is not completely understood, but it is thought to work by reducing inflammation and congestion in the upper respiratory tract.

Dayquil does not contain doxylamine, so it does not produce the same drowsiness (or CNS effect) as Nyquil. Dayquil may create less side effects when combined with cannabis compared to Nyquil.

Get started on your cannabis wellness journey

Have you started your cannabis wellness journey? Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app that helps you discover purposeful cannabis consumption so you can achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. On the Jointly app, you can find new cannabis products, rate products based on how well they helped you achieve your goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment in which you consume cannabis, who you are with when you ingest, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or the Google Play Store to get started on your cannabis wellness journey.