Have you ever heard of GI Cocktail? It’s a mixture of medications that have been used for decades to treat digestive issues.
But one thing it’s often used for is to make patients sleepy.
The question is: does GI Cocktail really make you sleepy, or does it just provide a placebo effect?
That’s the topic we’ll be exploring today in this article.
We’ll take a deep dive into the science behind GI Cocktail and its effects on the body and mind.
Is it truly an effective sleep aid? And, if so, are there any side effects to be aware of before trying it out?
At the end of this article, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what GI Cocktail is, how it works, and whether or not it’s right for you. Let’s get started!
What Ingredients Are in GI Cocktails?
GI Cocktail is a medication that combines several ingredients to treat digestive symptoms.
It typically includes lidocaine, an anesthetic to numb the throat and stomach; viscous lidocaine, to reduce discomfort; antacid to neutralize acidic stomach contents; and sometimes other medications like ranitidine, reglan, Maalox, or Mylanta.
GI Cocktail is usually administered orally but can also be injected into a vein in the arm or leg.
It’s prescribed for people who have indigestion-related issues such as abdominal pain, heartburn, or reflux symptoms.
However, one thing you should be aware of when taking GI Cocktail is that it can make you drowsy.
This is due to the lidocaine anesthetic in the medication – it has sedative effects which can make you feel tired or cause difficulty sleeping.
Therefore, it’s best not to take the medication late in the day unless you plan on sleeping afterward.
In addition, you should avoid driving or operating machinery after taking this medicine since it could affect your alertness and ability to stay awake.
Does GI Cocktail Make You Sleepy?
A GI cocktail is known to make people drowsy and dizzy.
For starters, the GI cocktail’s main ingredient is Maalox, an antacid that helps with heartburn, indigestion, and gas.
Maalox has over-the-counter sedating properties (namely diphenhydramine hydrochloride, often found in Benadryl) and some people experience drowsiness as a side effect.
Other ingredients in the GI cocktail include viscous lidocaine for numbing the esophagus, viscous bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid, and dextrose to keep your blood sugars stable.
These ingredients don’t typically have sedating properties.
It’s important to note that while there are sedating ingredients in GI cocktails, this will vary depending on how it’s formulated by your doctor or pharmacist.
Also, keep in mind that different people have different reactions—just because someone else got sleepy after taking the GI cocktail doesn’t mean you will too.
So, although GI Cocktail may make you sleepy depending on how it’s formulated and various individual factors if you’re concerned about feeling drowsy after taking it then speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice about specific formulations best suited for you.
Possible Side Effects of a GI Cocktail
You might be wondering, does GI Cocktail make you sleepy? Well, like any other medical procedure or medication, taking a GI Cocktail can have some side effects.
As always, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any questions you have about the GI Cocktail and its potential side effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
One of the possible side effects of taking a GI Cocktail is nausea and vomiting due to its ingredients which could cause an upset stomach.
It is best to take the cocktail with food or crackers before consuming a large meal to reduce these symptoms
Dizziness and Headache
Another possible side effect of taking a GI Cocktail is dizziness or headache due to its active ingredients. These symptoms should subside within a few hours after taking the cocktail.
You should take breaks when feeling overly fatigued during your recovery period after taking the cocktail.
Sleepiness/Fatigue
The active ingredients in a GI Cocktail could also make you feel tired or sleepy after ingestion, so it is recommended that you avoid activities that require alertness until you have had sufficient time to rest.
Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids will help to reduce fatigue during your recovery period.
Alternatives to a GI Cocktail
If the GI cocktail still doesn’t quite sound like the right choice for you, there are other alternatives to help you manage your upset stomach.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Over-the-counter drugs, like antacids, can help soothe your stomach during an upset.
Some popular antacids include Maalox and Mylanta, among others.
A word of caution—overuse of antacids can cause side effects like constipation and diarrhea.
Salt Water Gargle
This is a traditional way of soothing a sore throat or nausea.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.
Swallowing a small amount can also help with nausea.
But be careful not to drink too much because salt water may trigger vomiting in some people.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is a natural remedy for many types of stomach issues, such as motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, and indigestion.
Ginger tea is one way you might try it; boil 4 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of fresh ginger root slices for around 15 minutes until the color changes to yellowish-brown.
Strain the tea into a cup, sweeten it with honey (if desired), and enjoy!
Regardless of which option you choose in managing your upset stomach or nausea, it’s important to consult your doctor first before taking any medications or trying out home remedies.
Your doctor will best be able to advise you on what approach might be safest for you depending on your medical history and any existing conditions that could affect how your body processes certain things.
Conclusion
To sum it up, GI Cocktails is a powerful medication that can help with a variety of gastrointestinal issues, but they can also come with some side effects, such as sleepiness.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about possible side effects before taking any medication.
Additionally, if you feel any side effects from the medication, you should let your doctor know.
The good news is that most GI Cocktail side effects are temporary and manageable and can be alleviated with some simple lifestyle changes.
