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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough While On Zoloft And Nyquil

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Posted on Thu, 4 Feb 2016
Question: I take 50 mg of Zoloft in the morning and I have a cough at night and I took Nyquil is that bad
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Zoloft and Nyquil should be taken only after discussing with your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hi Dariusford08,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Nyquil is available in many preparations and dextromethorphan and doxylamine is contained in almost every Nyqil for adults.

2. It is known that dextromethorphan in Nyquil can interact with sertraline in Zoloft and cause what is called serotonin syndrome. This is because both the medicines stimulate similar receptors in the brain. Sertraline has a half-life of 62 to 104 hours and this can stay in your system for a long time.

Therefore you might have put yourself in a risk to develop serotonin syndrome by taking Nyquil and Zoloft within a short duration. Serotonin syndrome has symptoms including mental confusion, hallucination, seizure, changes blood pressure, tachycardia, fever, perspiration, shivers, vision problems, muscle spasm, tremor, gait disturbances, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Please watch for any of the above symptoms even if you are taking Zoloft and Nyquil with the knowledge of your doctor.

3. Zoloft and doxylamine in Nyquil can interact and cause potentiation of central nervous system and respiratory system depression. This is seen usually in elderly patients and can cause symptoms like decreased mental alertness.

Therefore taking Nquil should be avoided as a self medication. If required then please take it after discussing with your doctor.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 hours later)
Should I go to the hospital.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
If you do not have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome then you are safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. If you do not have any of the earlier mentioned symptoms of serotonin syndrome and are feeling fine then you are safe and going to the hospital is not required. However please be informed and avoid taking this combination of medicines unless your doctor has told you to take it.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough While On Zoloft And Nyquil

Brief Answer: Zoloft and Nyquil should be taken only after discussing with your doctor Detailed Answer: Hi Dariusford08, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. Nyquil is available in many preparations and dextromethorphan and doxylamine is contained in almost every Nyqil for adults. 2. It is known that dextromethorphan in Nyquil can interact with sertraline in Zoloft and cause what is called serotonin syndrome. This is because both the medicines stimulate similar receptors in the brain. Sertraline has a half-life of 62 to 104 hours and this can stay in your system for a long time. Therefore you might have put yourself in a risk to develop serotonin syndrome by taking Nyquil and Zoloft within a short duration. Serotonin syndrome has symptoms including mental confusion, hallucination, seizure, changes blood pressure, tachycardia, fever, perspiration, shivers, vision problems, muscle spasm, tremor, gait disturbances, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Please watch for any of the above symptoms even if you are taking Zoloft and Nyquil with the knowledge of your doctor. 3. Zoloft and doxylamine in Nyquil can interact and cause potentiation of central nervous system and respiratory system depression. This is seen usually in elderly patients and can cause symptoms like decreased mental alertness. Therefore taking Nquil should be avoided as a self medication. If required then please take it after discussing with your doctor. Hope your query is answered. Please do write back if you have any doubts. Regards,