Josh asked
Is it safe to use gabapentin and DayQuil together?
At a glance
- There is a minor interaction between gabapentin and dextromethorphan (contained in DayQuil). It isn't considered to be clinically significant for most individuals.
Answer
There is a minor drug interaction between gabapentin and DayQuil, but it generally doesn't preclude the use of both together.
Some sources state that there could potentially be additive sedation or drowsiness when both are taken together (due to the dextromethorphan contained in DayQuil).
Dextromethorphan is considered to be a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, although it has relatively weak effects in this regard.
Most individuals don't experience pronounced side effects from it, which is why it is in DayQuil, which is intended to be taken throughout the day.
Gabapentin also has CNS depressant effects, which tend to be stronger. In fact, drowsiness and dizziness are the most commonly reported side effects, occurring in nearly 25% of individuals taking the medication.
As a general rule of thumb, CNS depressants should not be mixed or taken concomitantly as doing so can increase the risk of side effects (dizziness, confusion, sedation etc...).
Nevertheless, dextromethorphan is generally well tolerated at recommended dosages and the risk of increased sedation with gabapentin is considered to be minor.
As a precaution, it is important to be aware of the potential effects of DayQuil and gabapentin and avoid activities that require your full alertness, like driving, until you know how they affect you.
DayQuil Info
DayQuil is a combination ingredient cough/cold product containing three active ingredients:
- Acetaminophen (analgesic)
- Phenylephrine (decongestant)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
All of the above ingredients are used together to provide temporary relief from common cold or flu symptoms, such as mild pain, fever, congestion, cough, headache, and sore throat.
Acetaminophen is a commonly used over the counter analgesic and is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It has both antipyretic (i.e. anti-fever) and analgesic activity.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant related to the opiate agonists but does not exhibit the typical characteristics of opiates aside from its cough suppressant activity. Dextromethorphan is effective in inhibiting dry, nonproductive coughs.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant to decrease nasal and sinus congestion.
When using over the counter products that contain more than one active ingredient, it is important to be aware of the drugs and dosages you are taking to prevent accidental overdoses.
Gabapentin Info
Gabapentin is an analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
It was originally developed as an anticonvulsant, but can also be an effective treatment for various types of seizures as well as painful neuropathies.
Gabapentin has minimal drug interactions as it is not metabolized through the liver but due to the sedative effects, caution must be taken when taken with other medications that do the same.
In terms of dosing, gabapentin has a relatively short duration of action and is often dosed three to four times daily.
To reduce the risk of side effects and find the lowest effective dose, gabapentin is often started at a low dose of 100-200mg per day and increased over time to effect.
