NyQuil cough meds and HBP - ok to take? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

The_Cheese_Man · 01-20-2004, 05:29 PM

Hi

My BP (on a bad day with no meds) can run about 145/90 but usually stays closer to 130/80 or less. I take Atenolol once per day (25mg). I also like to take NyQuil to help me sleep but have recently learned that you have to be careful because it can increase your BP. Well, I have been cutting my dose in half so that when I do want to take it occassionally, I only take one tablespoon instead of two. Is this generally pretty safe?.

pslam 91 · 01-20-2004, 06:15 PM

I wouldnt take the nyquil personally. Many over the counter cold, sinus, flu, can raise blood pressure. If you are sick, I think a low high b/p wouldnt hurt for a couple of days, but I wouldnt do it daily. I take an herb called valerian. You can get it at most stores. It is beneficial to the blood pressure. I even read on the net somewhere that cardiologist in Germany use it for blood pressure. Look it up on the net.

alptraum · 01-20-2004, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pslam 91

I wouldnt take the nyquil personally. Many over the counter cold, sinus, flu, can raise blood pressure. If you are sick, I think a low high b/p wouldnt hurt for a couple of days, but I wouldnt do it daily. I take an herb called valerian. You can get it at most stores. It is beneficial to the blood pressure. I even read on the net somewhere that cardiologist in Germany use it for blood pressure. Look it up on the net.

I don't recommend the nyquil, or most other cold medicines as well. Honestly all they do is make you feel better, don't do anything to help you get over your cold.

If you can handle it, I recommend a clove of garlic every 1-2 hours and a lot of water, I do this whenever I feel I get a cold and I feel great within a day or two.

If I start taking a clove or two a day when cold season starts, I won't get a cold at all.

Garlic is incredibly benefital to your body, including your heart, so your helping body out on a lot of levels.

zuzu8 · 01-21-2004, 01:18 AM

Nyquil Liquid contains doxylamine succinate, (antihistamine), plus dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant). It's the antihistamine component that makes you drowsy and helps you sleep, but it is contraindicated if you have hypertension.
Also, if you don't need a cough suppressant, you sure don't need to be taking dextromethorphan for no reason.

There's another Nyquil "Multi-symptom Cold/Flu Relief" concoction that ALSO has, (apart from dextromethorphan and doxylamine), PSEUDOPHEDRINE in it...another no-no if you have HBP.

If you are truly talking "OCASSIONAL use", particularly at such a low dose, why not call your doctor and ask if it's okay? If he says no, there may be less riskier alternatives to promote sleep for you that he can suggest.

zuzu xx