What Cold Medicine Can I Take With Methadone? (Top voted first)
Updated
Donna Says:
I am taking 70 mg daily methadone, have been going to clinic for 2 mths now. I have a severe sinus cold/infection and was wondering what OTC medication I can take without the risk of an adverse reaction? Ugh, just want to be able to breathe again!!!
Hi, same here, I would like to know if I can take Nyquil with Methadone.
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Roy Says:
Top Answer
Re: Amanda (# 4)
I had a chance to look at the UCLA Health drug interactions list between Methadone and Nyquil. Unfortunately it lists a number of interactions which would likely deem the combination unsafe. This is because of the ingredients contained inside Nyquil (Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine Succinate, Alcohol, and more).
1. Methadone w/ Doxylamine, MODERATE interaction: "Concomitant use of opioid agonists with doxylamine may cause excessive sedation and somnolence. Limit the use of opioid pain medications with doxylamine to only patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. If concurrent use is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and minimum treatment durations needed to achieve the desired clinical effect. Educate patients about the risks and symptoms of excessive CNS depression."
2. Methadone w/ Alchohol, HIGH interaction: "Patients who receive methadone should be advised to avoid drinking ethanol (alcohol) or taking prescription or nonprescription medications containing alcohol. Concomitant use of methadone with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as ethanol, can potentiate the effects of methadone and may lead to additive CNS or respiratory depression. This may cause respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, and death."
Another interesting thing to note is that grapefruit juice should also be avoided when taking Methadone, as it could unsafely potentiate the effects of the drug.
I hope this helps! As to exactly WHAT cold remedy is safe to take, I'd give your pharmacy a call. Make sure it's the one that actually dispenses your prescription since they'd have your medical info (such as allergies, etc) on file.
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Brad Says:
Re: Verwon (# 1)
Nyquil is what I want to try, but worried about any reactions between Nyquil and the methadone
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Mon Says:
Re: Verwon (# 1)
Can i take wal flu with methadone? It's the only thing i read works to get rid of the flu fast
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Ti Says:
Re: Brad (# 2)
What will happen if you take NyQuil with Methadone?
I pulled up another drug interactions report (also see my other answer # 5) and can confirm that Methadone interacts with two of the ingredients contained in NyQuil (among some other cough medicines). You should definitely check with your doctor to see what they recommend.
"Using methadone together with dextromethorphan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death."
"Using methadone together with doxylamine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications."
Hope this helps and be safe!
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Methadone doc Says:
Re: Brad (# 2)
Don't take NyQuil with methadone you will cause breathing difficulty and can possibly die
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sarah Says:
Re: Roy (# 8)
Would taking ONE Dayquil capsule just once be ok? Or is it risky even just one time??
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Roy Says:
Re: sarah (# 10)
I wouldn't chance it without calling my pharmacy first. It's usually easy to get someone on the phone (especially if you have your meds filled there) and pharmacists are very knowledgeable about this kind of thing.
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Spilk Says:
Re: Verwon (# 1)
Hey we are not asking about Methadone need to know what medications you can take with methadone for cold and sleep
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Verwon Says:
Hello, Donna! How are you?
I'm sorry, but there are far too many cold remedies on the market for me to be able to check them all for possible interactions. Which one do you usually take? If you can post back with your usual choices, I'll be happy to check them for you.
The FDA classifies Methadone as a narcotic analgesic, so it has the potential to be habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation.
