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Does Mucinex Intake Cause Depression And Insomnia?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jan 2014

Question: I stopped sleeping two weeks ago have been taken a lot of Mucinex Expectorant because of mucus build up from acid reflex. But I also take Lexapro and Lamictal for bipolar. Am now depressed and can't sleep

Answered by Dr. Preeti Parakh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Unlikely to be due to Mucinex. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic! I do not feel that your present symptoms are in any way related to your intake of Mucinex (guaifenesin) expectorant. Guaifenesin is not known to have any psychiatric adverse effects. In my opinion, you are going through a depressive episode and would need to assess the reason for the same. It could have been due to a stressful event or due to thyroid abnormality or due to any other physical illness. Missing the dose of Lamictal or Lexapro may also lead to a recurrence. Sometimes breakthrough episodes occur without any evident reason. The best recourse for you would be to dicuss with your doctor if any hike in the dose of either Lamictal or Lexapro is possible. You may also need a medicine to help you sleep better as not getting adequate sleep can worsen your mental health. I hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Preeti Parakh (5 hours later)

Hello, I see what you are saying and I have been under stress, still these are side effects of guaifenesin - Dizziness; excitability; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; weakness. And this is what I have had for the last month or so. I am taking 30 MG of Lexapro and can't go higher (200 Mg Lamictal). I took Prosom to sleep but perhaps I need something stronger. When I don't sleep, I go crazy and I do overtake pills including Melatonin, 5HTP, Motrin PM - I ad blood tests recently, my thyroid is ok eventhough I had half out taken out in 2006. Thanks. Rosa

Answered by Dr. Preeti Parakh (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Explained below. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX The side effects that you mentioned are seen in some preparations of guaifenesin, which contain drugs other than guaifenesin, like dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, acetaminophen etc. Guaifenesin by itself does not cause these side effects. If you are taking plain Mucinex, it contains only guaifenesin and is unlikely to cause psychiatric side effects. But Mucinex has other variants also which contain additional drugs and these variants can cause the side effects you mention. You can get more information at http://www.mucinex.com/ and should not take any of the products in more than the prescribed dosage. The wikipedia page on guaifenesin also gives a lot of information. Secondly, if you have cough or sore throat due to acid reflux then, taking antacids/ acid production lowering agents will help you more than taking guaifenesin. Thirdly, it is quite possible for one to suffer from unusual or unknown side effects of drugs. So the best way to confirm that your present problems are due to guaifenesin and not an independent depressive episode, will be to cut down on guaifenesin and see if your symptoms improve. If you feel better after reducing guaifenesin, then it will certainly be a good news as it will be easier to manage than a depressive episode. You would just have to stop the Mucinex and try some other remedy for acidity and cough. Most important of all, NEVER combine 5HTP with SSRIs like Lexapro. There is a serious risk of serotonin syndrome, which manifests as restlessness, agitation, headache, sweating etc. It can be fatal in severe cases. Misusing even over the counter products can be harmful. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar