For the past week, I have developed a little Nyquil habit. Lately, I have been having some AWESOME dreams!!!! The Weird thing is that they have been Night Mares, but I have somewhat become de-sensitised, and they are actually enjoyable. I have also noticed an improvement in my Lucid dreaming. With all this combined together, I know that I am in a nightmare, but instead of changing it into a nice dream like an orgy with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, I choose to stay in the nightmare, and for some odd reason, I am enjoying myself, even when I wake up in the midddle of the night, I try to go back to sleep, I want to return to that same nightmare.
Nyquil contains Dextromethorphan (a decongestant). I have never heard of Nyquil with codeine, but hey, I live in Canada. Some cough syrups with dextro also contain codeine.
The dreaming thing is well documented.
Also, don't forget, too much dextro CAN KILL YOU. It prevents the uptake of oxygen into the blood. If you or anyone else takes that crap and starts to turn blue, hit the hospital YESTERDAY. Seriously.
Nyquil contains a good bit of alcohol. Since everyone reacts differently to different substances it could be the alcohol triggering the dreams, or a combination of the alcohol and the Dextromethorphan.
I agree with winona, be really careful about using too much of it and getting hooked. If you are taking it to help you sleep, you would be better to go out and buy you a bottle of brandy or wine and drink that. It will help you sleep and help you lower that cholesterol level. (Yes I am still concerned about that Stephen!)
Oh and on the wine and brandy, drink only small amounts. One shot of brandy or one small glass of wine, NOT the whole bottle!!!
winona
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 | 11:21 AM
Not sure if there is a difference between Canadian and American either. The one my brother was using was the Canadian version... (I live in the US now but grew up in Canada)
When he quit he went through DTs almost, didn't sleep for 5+ days, had creepy crawlies etc. It was pretty freaky, but he was pretty determined to stop using it. (He was taking it for about a year, maybe two - my memory fails me as this was somewhere around 1984, maybe 1985.)
Wine and brandy can relax you, but the sugar in them will metabolize and cause a very restless, light sleep, if you do get to sleep. At least, that's what happens to me. So I try to avoid drinking alcohol within two hours of going to bed (unless it's one of those nights where having a few drinks is a higher priority than getting a good night's sleep).
I think warm milk is the best soporific. Or just take an over-the-counter sleeping pill.
Well, I know it's not the alcohol, I used to down a 12 pack 3 times a week. I stoped drinking like that. Maybe 1 or 2 beers a week now, trying to lower tryglicerides. I am likeing the Nyquil a little to much now, I better just stop.
Sharruma
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 | 03:18 PM
I was ill about a month ago started taking Nyquil to help me sleep
There's a good amount of alcohol in it and I was regretful when I decided I was well enough to kip without it.
But enough about me (ego trip over)
Have you been taking anything with B6 in it. This is known for causing strong lucid dreams and if you've been ill your diet might have changed to include more of it.
Katherine
Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 | 10:34 PM
Is there a specific reason you've been taking Nyquil, or is it just...um...recreational? In general, it's a really, really good idea not to take drugs you absolutely don't NEED. I'm not saying you should suffer with a life-threatening condition or debilitating pain or anything, but if you can possibly deal with a bit of minor pain/discomfort without resorting to medication, it's usually best to do so. We don't know the long-term effects of many drugs. Aspirin for children and thalidomide for pregnant women were once thought to be perfectly safe, and just look at all the recent scandals about drug safety issues. Better safe than sorry, no?
What exactly is Nyquil? We don't get in in Australia. Does it just help you sleep or is it a pain reliever too?
You guys are such a bottomless well of information, I might stop going to the doctors and just ask you guys for advice.
By the way Alex, can I get a doctors note!?!
Weird. I could have sworn I'd seen nyquil on trips to England. Maybe not. But they definitely have Vicks in England. Nyquil must be given a different brand name in different parts of the world.
"By the looks of their map, they only sell it in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Guess I've been imagining it here in Canada..."
It helps when I remember to include a smiley so that sarcasm is more obvious...
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA Member
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 | 08:26 AM
...lots of chemicals can change the dream/wake state of a person. That's why some people can stay awake w/ a caffeinated beverage (like coffee) & other's can't.
Using any drug for reasons other than recommended has got to screw you up a little. If you take Nyquil because of your nighttime sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, & fever then fine...that's what it's going to help. When those symptoms aren't present to be helped the chemical's job is pretty much useless & roams about your body wreaking havoc with it's normal functions.
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
you get nervous, dizzy, or sleepless.
Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Stephen, you should probably consult with your doctor before having taken this!
Sharruma
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 | 12:01 PM
I think it's Night Nurse in England,
Though that might be something else.