Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
04/21/2009 [United Daily News / Reporter Lin Yijing / Taipei Report]
Dr. Yang Shenxuan, a neurologist at Taipei City Hospital Zhongxiao Branch, stated that the ingredients of cold syrups vary by brand but generally contain components like caffeine and ephedrine, which stimulate sympathetic nerve activity. Long-term use can easily cause cardiovascular constriction, and some people may experience symptoms resembling minor strokes.
Due to the easy accessibility and low cost of cold syrups, many people drink them to relieve headaches or cold symptoms. Dr. Yang pointed out that long-term use of cold syrup can lead to psychological dependence, where individuals feel that one bottle is insufficient to alleviate symptoms, leading them to consume more. However, drinking over 12 bottles a day is excessive.
Notably, doctors warn that cold syrups contain a mix of pain relievers, fever reducers, cough suppressants, and other symptom-targeting ingredients, making them compound medications. Their mechanism of action is akin to "scattershot therapy"—symptoms may improve after taking them, giving the illusion of effectiveness, but the underlying cause remains unclear. Therefore, long-term use is not recommended, and patients should seek medical attention for proper treatment.
As for whether drinking cold syrup is linked to early dementia, Dr. Yang noted that there is no clinical research data supporting this claim. However, some ingredients in cold syrups that stimulate sympathetic nerve activity can, over time, affect cardiovascular constriction, leading to loss of vascular elasticity and symptoms such as slurred speech and delayed motor responses—similar to stroke effects.
Source: http:/ / mag. udn. com/ mag/ life/ ……_SUB_ID=1414& f_ART_ID=190649
Overuse of Cough Syrup May Cause Mini-Stroke
Dr. Yang Shenxuan, a neurologist at Taipei City Hospital Zhongxiao Branch, stated that the ingredients of cold syrups vary by brand but generally contain components like caffeine and ephedrine, which stimulate sympathetic nerve activity. Long-term use can easily cause cardiovascular constriction, and some people may experience symptoms resembling minor strokes.
Due to the easy accessibility and low cost of cold syrups, many people drink them to relieve headaches or cold symptoms. Dr. Yang pointed out that long-term use of cold syrup can lead to psychological dependence, where individuals feel that one bottle is insufficient to alleviate symptoms, leading them to consume more. However, drinking over 12 bottles a day is excessive.
Notably, doctors warn that cold syrups contain a mix of pain relievers, fever reducers, cough suppressants, and other symptom-targeting ingredients, making them compound medications. Their mechanism of action is akin to "scattershot therapy"—symptoms may improve after taking them, giving the illusion of effectiveness, but the underlying cause remains unclear. Therefore, long-term use is not recommended, and patients should seek medical attention for proper treatment.
As for whether drinking cold syrup is linked to early dementia, Dr. Yang noted that there is no clinical research data supporting this claim. However, some ingredients in cold syrups that stimulate sympathetic nerve activity can, over time, affect cardiovascular constriction, leading to loss of vascular elasticity and symptoms such as slurred speech and delayed motor responses—similar to stroke effects.
Source: http:/ / mag. udn. com/ mag/ life/ ……_SUB_ID=1414& f_ART_ID=190649