Are cough medicines addictive

Some people resort to taking cough medicines to improve their mood, believing that this will help them, which leads to their repeated desire to take the medicine. Therefore, Dalili Medical reviews in the following lines the extent to which cough medicines can cause addiction.

**Are cough medicines narcotic?**
This depends on the active ingredient in the medicine, as not all cough medicines are considered narcotic, but only some types can lead to physical and psychological dependence, especially when taken in high doses. Among these medicines are those containing codeine or dextromethorphan (DXM), which are commonly used to relieve coughing. These substances are considered safe and work well without serious side effects when used according to the recommended dose and at the appropriate times, but excessive use can lead to loss of consciousness and awareness, and may cause hallucinations and give a narcotic effect. Therefore, these medicines have been classified in the narcotics schedule, as they are considered addictive painkillers when misused, and withdrawal symptoms may appear on the user when they stop using them, which has led to preventing their dispensing without an approved prescription.

**What should I do if my child drinks cough medicine?**
We receive many distress calls from mothers because their children accidentally took cough medicine. Therefore, we always recommend not leaving cough medicine or any other medicine within reach of children. It is not reasonable to leave a medicine that contains narcotic and dangerous substances in front of them and then shout, "My child took cough medicine." It is natural for a child to try anything strange, so care must be taken not to leave these medicines within reach of the child, and they should be placed in a high, safe, and closed place. If the child takes cough medicine and shows any abnormal symptoms, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency department to remove these toxic and narcotic substances from his body and ensure that he is not exposed to any harm. It is never recommended to try to treat the matter at home or listen to the advice of parents and neighbors that the matter is simple and does not require a doctor, as this may put your child's life at risk.

**Do cough medicines lead to addiction?**

Taking cough medicines does not lead to addiction, but some people may take them because they contain percentages of opium derivatives and cocaine, which makes them feel better in the mood. Al-Jarhi stressed that those who refrain from taking cough medicines after becoming accustomed to them may suffer from side effects similar to the withdrawal symptoms that occur when stopping the use of narcotic substances such as marijuana, heroin or alcohol.

**What is cough syrup and what are its effects on the body?**

Cough syrup is a mixture of liquid chemicals and medications used to treat dry or chronic cough. Despite its common use, using it without medical supervision may lead to addiction or health problems due to its side effects. Cough syrup contains dextromethorphan (DXM), which affects the central nervous system and relieves coughing, in addition to containing alcohol, painkillers and nerve sedatives, which may cause addiction when consumed in large quantities to achieve the desired effect. The following are some of the side effects that may occur when taking the medicine:

**What are the symptoms of cough syrup withdrawal and what are the available methods for treating them?**

Cough medicine contains ingredients such as codeine, dextromethorphan and potassium guaiacolate, which work to relieve coughing and treat colds and flu. If used without medical supervision, it may lead to dependence, and when you stop using it, the body may show withdrawal symptoms, including:

- Tension, anxiety and depression.
- Body tremors.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea.
- Severe headache.
- Vomiting and nausea.

Symptoms vary from person to person based on several factors, such as the dose and duration of use. Now, we will discuss some of the available methods to avoid withdrawal symptoms of cough syrup addiction:

**Gradual dose**

When taking the drug for a long time, withdrawal symptoms can be reduced by gradually stopping its use.

**Medication**

To relieve withdrawal symptoms, doctors prescribe some medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

**Psychological support**

Getting psychological support from Qowim Center doctors or from family and friends plays a major role in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and improving mood.

**Cough syrup damage**

Some damages may appear after taking cough medicines, especially in the presence of other health problems such as:

- **Asthma**: As dextromethorphine reduces coughing, making it difficult to get rid of mucus accumulated in the lungs and airways, which may lead to serious damage to the lungs.

- **Diabetes**: Some cough medicines contain sugar, which may affect the control of blood glucose levels.

- **Liver diseases**: Dextromethorphine accumulates in the body with excessive use of cough medicines, causing negative effects on the liver.

- **Slow breathing**: Dextromethorphine may slow the breathing rate, and it can also cause lung swelling.

These medicines should not be given to children under the age of four years unless prescribed by a doctor, as they may lead to death.

Those were some of the common damages of cough syrup, all of which can be controlled through medical consultation before taking the medicine. Now we move on to one of the most dangerous damages of cough medicines, which is addiction to cough medicine. How did cough syrup become one of the most addictive drugs? What is cough syrup addiction and what changes occur in the body to make dependence on it pathological, requiring a cough syrup addiction treatment program?

**How ​​to treat cough syrup addiction and available programs**

**Detoxification program**
Detoxification program is the essential element in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, as it aims to help individuals get rid of toxic substances in their bodies and overcome withdrawal symptoms resulting from stopping use. Below are the topicsThe main components of the detoxification program at Qowim Center are:

1. **Case Assessment**
A comprehensive assessment of the individual’s health and psychological condition is conducted to determine the best treatment plan that suits their needs.

2. **Detoxification**
The use of cough syrup is gradually stopped or completely discontinued.

3. **Pharmacological Treatment**
Medications such as benzodiazepines, Tuscan addiction medication, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and antidepressants are used under comprehensive medical supervision, with the aim of improving mood, managing withdrawal symptoms, and reducing cravings.

4. **Health Monitoring**
Medical care is provided to monitor withdrawal signs and the individual’s general condition during the detoxification phase.

5. **Psychological Support**
The center provides psychological and emotional support to addicts through individual and group counseling sessions to help them overcome withdrawal symptoms and motivate them to recover.

6. **Planning**
Planning is carried out for the post-detoxification phase, including completing mental health programs to promote long-term stability and follow-up.

**Rehabilitation Program**
The rehabilitation program aims to help addicts overcome cough syrup addiction and build a healthy and stable life, including:

1. **Initial Assessment**
The addict is assessed to determine his or her treatment needs and the required support, including analyzing the addiction history and assessing the individual case.

2. **Social Support**
Getting social support from family, friends and the community is an important part of the recovery process, as support groups are available for people suffering from cough syrup addiction.

**Cognitive Behavioral Therapy**

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help individuals change their thinking patterns and behaviors associated with cough syrup addiction. Participants learn new skills to deal with the desire to take the drug and prevent relapse.

**Post-Follow-Up Program**

This program aims to support the addict after the end of the basic treatment period, helping him or her to recover. The program includes the following:

- **Individual Follow-up Sessions**
Individual sessions are held with addiction counselors or psychotherapists to follow up on the addict's progress and address any difficulties that may arise after treatment. These sessions enhance the recovery process.

- **Continuous Support**
Psychotherapy sessions are conducted in which the therapist focuses on enhancing self-confidence and developing skills to deal with stress and temptations, in addition to addressing psychological issues related to addiction.

- **Groups**
Treatees meet people facing similar challenges, as these groups aim to exchange experiences and provide mutual support.

- **Care**
Appropriate medical care services and continuous follow-up are provided to maintain general health.

- **Community Programs**
Workshops, educational activities and social events are held to enhance communication between individuals.

Most famous names for narcotic cough medicines

**Tuscan**
Tuscan is a drug listed in the narcotics schedule, and can only be obtained with an approved prescription. It contains active ingredients such as dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, ephedrine, and guaifenesin. This medicine is used as a cough suppressant, expectorant, bronchodilator, and antihistamine.
Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, works by reducing the activity of the cough center in the brain, which helps relieve coughs caused by colds and flu. Diphenhydramine acts as an antihistamine to treat chest allergies, ephedrine acts as a bronchodilator by increasing adrenaline secretion, while guaifenesin is used to expel phlegm.

**Tusifan-N**
Tusifan is a soothing syrup for dry coughs (without phlegm) caused by colds and flu, sinusitis, and pneumonia. It contains dextromethorphan, which suppresses the cough center in the brain, making it ineffective in getting rid of phlegm. It also contains phenylephrine to relieve congestion, and chlorpheniramine maleate as an antihistamine.

It is worth noting that Tusifan is similar in composition and uses to the drug Codelar, as well as to Codafin-N, which also contains dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine maleate.

**Tusilar**
Tusilar belongs to the morphine antitussive family and is used as a sedative for dry cough. It contains dextromethorphan, which relieves coughs caused by colds and flu, but does not treat coughs caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

**Palmocare**
Palmocare is also considered a narcotic cough medicine, as it contains a similar formula to the previously mentioned medicines, which gives it a narcotic effect. It consists of dextromethorphan as a sedative for dry coughs, guaifenesin to expel phlegm and bronchial secretions, pseudoephedrine to relieve congestion, and chlorpheniramine maleate as an antihistamine to reduce allergy symptoms such as coughing.

**Other medicines include:**
- Codioct syrup 90 ml.
- Codilar syrup 120 ml.
- Codiphan syrup 120 ml.

- Codaphen_N syrup 120 ml.

**When does the cough medicine start working and how can it be stopped?**

The effect of narcotic cough medicines containing dextromethorphan starts 15-30 minutes after taking the dose, and reaches its maximum concentration within two hours. The effect of these medicines lasts in the body for a period ranging from 6 to 8 hours, as the half-life of the medicine ranges from 3 to 4 hours. To stop the effect of the cough medicine, you must stop taking it completely until its effect disappears completely from the body, as its effect remains in the urine for two days, and in the blood for a period ranging from 3 to 24 hours after the last dose, and is not secreted in the saliva.

**Does cough medicine cause addiction?**

Yes, the mentioned narcotic cough medicines can lead to addiction as a result of improper useFor Slim and take large doses. Therefore, these drugs have been classified in the drug schedule to reduce their abuse, as some seek to obtain their narcotic effect on the mind. Dextromethorphan affects the brain, which leads to the body and mind relying on the drug to obtain a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, in addition to suffering from withdrawal symptoms when stopping its use.

**What is the treatment for cough at home?**

Anise is one of the basic ingredients in the manufacture of medicines to treat dry cough and sore throat, because it contains minerals and vitamins that help moisturize the throat and treat respiratory disorders. Anise also has soothing properties that contribute to calming the airways, which reduces coughing attacks, especially at night, and helps facilitate the breathing process and treat nasal congestion that causes shortness of breath, as in cases of asthma, which reduces the severity and frequency of coughing.

Anise drink can be prepared by adding a spoonful of anise seeds or three star anise seeds to a cup of boiling water, and leaving it for five minutes before drinking it. It is preferable to add a teaspoon of honey for extra hydration of the throat and pharynx.
Diabetics are prohibited from eating anise, as it can lead to low blood sugar levels. It is also recommended to avoid it by pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two years of age.

**Wild thyme (green or dried)**
Thyme is used to relieve dry cough, as it helps relax the muscles surrounding the bronchi and open the airways, which facilitates the breathing process. Thyme also relieves problems associated with dry cough, such as sore throat, by moisturizing the area and treating irritation resulting from coughing. In addition, thyme is useful in treating acute bronchitis thanks to its antioxidant content, which helps relieve coughing naturally. Thyme can be prepared by adding a spoonful of it to a cup of boiling water and drinking it when you feel a coughing fit approaching.

**Green ginger**
Ginger helps relieve coughs resulting from respiratory diseases of bacterial, fungal or viral origin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help relax the membranes in the bronchi. It also helps sterilize the bronchi from bacteria and soothe irritation in the throat area that causes coughing. Ginger also helps reduce dry cough attacks by stimulating the mucous membranes to produce mucus, which moisturizes the throat and relieves dryness resulting from inflammation. To prepare ginger, you can add half a spoon of powdered ginger or a small piece of fresh ginger to a cup of boiling water, and it is preferable to add a few drops of lemon for additional benefits. Pregnant women should avoid eating ginger, especially in the first months of pregnancy, to avoid the risk of miscarriage, and it is also recommended that patients with high blood pressure and diabetes do not eat it.
**Ivy syrup: solvent and expectorant**

Ivy has been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory treatment, as it helps cleanse and purify the bronchi and improve their performance. It also works to dissolve and expel phlegm from the bronchi, making it effective in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma, and reduces its symptoms such as coughing.

One of the most prominent features of the ivy plant is that it is safe for patients with high blood pressure, making it an ideal choice as a natural alternative to treat coughs, as patients with high blood pressure cannot take cough medicines that contain chemicals, because they may lead to high blood pressure, which prompts them to resort to herbal treatments.

To prepare ivy syrup, soak a tablespoon of ivy leaves in a cup of boiling water for a quarter of an hour, and drink it twice a day.

**Liquorice drink**

The licorice plant is an essential component in anti-cough medicines, as it helps soothe the airways and relieve coughing, and also contributes to relieving throat congestion. Licorice contains expectorant properties that help expel phlegm thanks to its content of glycyrrhizin, which works to cleanse the respiratory system of dirt and germs.

Despite the benefits of licorice for the respiratory system, it should be avoided in large quantities because it may lead to high blood pressure due to fluid retention in the body, so patients with high blood pressure are advised to avoid it.

**Cinnamon Drink**

Cinnamon is often used to treat colds and flu and their associated symptoms such as cough and phlegm, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants, which enhances the body's immunity and its ability to expel bacteria and viruses with phlegm.

To prepare a cinnamon drink, add a stick or a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon to a cup of boiling water and leave for five minutes before drinking.

Despite the benefits of cinnamon for the respiratory system, excessive consumption of it may lead to adverse results, such as throat irritation and increased coughing. It is also recommended to avoid cinnamon for diabetics and high blood pressure patients, and during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

**Mint Drink or Mint Tea**

Mint is considered one of the most effective herbs in treating coughs resulting from allergies, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Mint contains a volatile oil known as menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant, which helps relieve irritation of the respiratory system and relieve coughing. It is preferable to use fresh mint leaves instead of dried ones to get greater benefits, as several mint leaves can be added to a cup of boiling water or green tea, and it is recommended to drink it twice a day.

**Clove drink**

Cloves are considered one of the plants useful in treating respiratory diseases, as they contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help eliminate bacteria and viruses that cause contractions in the trachea and lead to coughing. Cloves also contribute to treating sore throat and sinusitis, and help clear the chest and respiratory tract of phlegm. To prepare a clove drink to treat a coughTo avoid allergies, you can add some cloves to boiling water or any hot drink, and you can also inhale the scent of cloves after boiling them in water to benefit from their properties.

**Chamomile**

Chamomile is considered one of the herbs with multiple benefits and is safe for children, as it helps treat coughs in adults and children thanks to its antispasmodic properties, which contributes to relaxing the muscles and helps to sleep comfortably and get rid of nighttime coughing attacks. Chamomile also moisturizes the throat and treats irritations resulting from dry cough. To prepare chamomile tea, add a spoonful of chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water, leave it for ten minutes, then filter it and give it to the child to drink.

**Olive oil and ginger**

Olive oil is an effective treatment for coughs in children, as it helps soften and moisturize the throat, which reduces the desire to cough and contributes to providing the necessary comfort for sleep and getting rid of nighttime coughing attacks. Olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory agents that treat inflammation of the throat and pharynx and help break up phlegm and expel it easily. On the other hand, ginger is considered a sore throat reliever and reduces asthma symptoms, especially coughing, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A simple pinch of ginger can be added to a teaspoon of olive oil and given to the child once a week. If the child is under 3 years old, this mixture can be applied to his chest and massaged, which helps open the respiratory tract, expel phlegm faster, and get rid of coughing.

**Turmeric for cough in children**

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for respiratory diseases of bacterial and viral origin, including asthma and bronchitis. Turmeric is considered safe for use by children and helps relieve coughing fits.

Half a teaspoon of turmeric can be added to a cup of warm milk and given to the child, but it is preferable not to give this mixture to children under the age of two.