Most people who abuse drugs use illegal drugs (such as heroin and cocaine) or prescription drugs (such as OxyContin and Adderall). However, some people also abuse over-the-counter (OTC) substances.
For example, they might mix Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills with ephedrine. Here’s what you should know about this dangerous combination.
Mixing Red Dawn Sleepwalker Pills & Ephedrine
Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills are energy supplements made by a company called Evol Nutrition. Along with boosting energy, they are said to enhance your mood.
Ephedrine is a natural substance that comes from the ephedra plant. It acts as a decongestant and bronchodilator (a substance that helps you breathe). It’s also a central nervous system stimulant, which means it can increase your energy, alertness, and concentration.
When you mix Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills and ephedrine, you’re more likely to experience the side effects of both substances. You may also develop symptoms of addiction.
Increased Side Effects Of Red Dawn Sleepwalker Pills
Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills contain a variety of familiar ingredients, including Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and caffeine. They also contain gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA.
GABA is a chemical that occurs naturally in your brain. It slows down your brain activity, making you feel calm and relaxed. It can also have unpleasant side effects, including:
- headache
- stomach upset
- muscle weakness
- sleepiness
Originally, Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills also contained a synthetic (human-made) form of GABA called beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, or phenibut.
Risk Of Phenibut Side Effects
Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant that can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and poor coordination. At high doses, it can also cause trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, and death.
In addition, regular phenibut use can lead to physical dependence. That means your body starts relying on the substance to function. If you stop using it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- anxiety
- irritability
- trouble sleeping
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- increased heart rate
- seizures
Was Phenibut Banned In OTC Dietary Supplements?
Due to these risks, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of phenibut in OTC dietary supplements.
That’s why the company that makes Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills claims they removed phenibut from their products a few years ago.
However, in 2021, the company faced a class action lawsuit alleging that the pills still secretly contain phenibut. According to the suit, multiple people have experienced phenibut side effects after taking the pills.
Whether or not the pills still contain phenibut, mixing them with ephedrine can intensify their side effects. That’s why you should talk to your doctor before using any OTC supplements. They tell you which supplements are safe to use and how to use them.
Increased Side Effects Of Ephedrine
Like other central nervous system stimulants, ephedrine can have a number of side effects, including:
- dry mouth
- headache
- blurry vision
- dizziness
- irritability
- nausea
- trouble sleeping
- mood swings
- increased blood pressure
- changes in heart rate
- trouble breathing
- seizures
- psychosis (a temporary loss of connection with reality)
In addition, ephedrine may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, especially if you take high doses or mix it with other substances (including Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills).
Also, like phenibut, ephedrine can cause physical dependence. If you’re physically dependent on ephedrine and stop using it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- anxiety
- depression
- paranoia
- irritability
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- shaking
Because of these dangers, the FDA has banned the use of ephedrine in OTC dietary supplements. However, ephedrine still appears in OTC asthma medications such as Bronkaid and Primatene.
Addiction
Along with causing unpleasant side effects, mixing Red Dawn Sleepwalker pills and ephedrine could lead to addiction. That means you would feel unable to stop using the substances even if you wanted to.
As mentioned above, both phenibut and ephedrine can cause physical dependence, which is one of the most common symptoms of addiction. Other symptoms may include:
- tolerance (needing increasingly larger or more frequent doses of the substances to feel the desired effects)
- strong cravings for the substances
- mood swings
- loss of motivation
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- avoidance of friends and family
- decline in personal hygiene
Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms, seek help at a substance abuse treatment program. Available on an inpatient or outpatient basis, these programs offer services such as:
- medical detox, in which doctors help you manage withdrawal symptoms as you become sober
- therapy, in which a mental health professional helps you manage cravings and other psychological concerns related to your substance use
- support groups, in which you can discuss your experiences with other people recovering from substance abuse
- wellness activities, such as exercise, meditation, and arts and crafts
To learn more about addiction treatment options, please reach out to a Recovering Champions specialist. Our board-certified treatment providers offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay healthy.