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Testing the Effects of Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, and Alcohol on Subject’s Ability to Compose Online Journal Entries

Subject is a 26-year old female with abnormal mucus production and sore throat. Appears to be cranky.

9pm: Subject drinks 30 ml of liquid acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, alcohol, and unidentifiable cherry substance measured in plastic cap. Exclaims, “Mmmmm. Cherry.” Takes one more swig off the bottle for good measure.

9:15: Subject successfully posts first journal entry with no noticeable errors. Decides to look up “noticeable” in the dictionary to ensure proper spelling. Subject’s spelling ability confirmed.

9:30: Subject notices slight blurring of vision when swinging head rapidly from side to side. Decides to not do that anymore. Ability to type, format text, and click “save” button seemingly unhindered. Vocabulary may be compromised, depending upon whether or not “unhindered” is actually a word.

9:45: Subject gets distracted by something shiny on the Intrnet, nearly forgets to return to edit update to blog.

9:55: Long sentences are hard. So are long words. so are capital lettrs.

10:05: difficulty usingspace bar. possibly related more to faulty space bar than drowsiness. increased interest in communicating via emoticons. :( :( :o loss of interest in backsace button to correct typso. subjectisnow operationg at normal blogger level of grmmar, spelling, and punctuation.

10:10: beeeed. bed.

Rebecca Watson

Rebecca is a writer, speaker, YouTube personality, and unrepentant science nerd. In addition to founding and continuing to run Skepchick, she hosts Quiz-o-Tron, a monthly science-themed quiz show and podcast that pits comedians against nerds. There is an asteroid named in her honor. Twitter @rebeccawatson Mastodon mstdn.social/@rebeccawatson Instagram @actuallyrebeccawatson TikTok @actuallyrebeccawatson YouTube @rebeccawatson BlueSky @rebeccawatson.bsky.social

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13 Comments

  1. I think you still need sleep from TAM :-)

    You're getting sleepy, very sleepy.

    Watch this watch, swinging you to sleep…

    Feel better!

    John

  2. A fascinating case study. I am very curious to see how 26-year old female subject's internet/blogging skills are affected by the infusion of such exotic drugs coupled with her impending catatonia. I hope the subject's mucous/crankiness levels return to normal, as well as her ability to shake her head from side to side. I'm also anxious to revisit this subject in one year's time to see if subject repeats her TAM excesses. (My money says she will ;) )

    Feel better, Rebecca.

    … I know this is a forum for science geeks based in New England, so I'll make this very quick: Yay Colts!

  3. I am surprised you initially started using the cap for measuring.

    When I am sick I usually find myself wishing that the NyQuil or Cough Syrup came in six packs I go through it so quickly.

    -PopeTom

  4. Since the 26 yo female subject is already cranky, I'm not going to suggest to her to use some homeopathic remedies cuz, it might get her even more cranky!!

    Get to bed and drink lots of liquid (not booze) and come back to us in full shape rebecca!!

  5. Blake Stacey:

    The Indianapolis Colts just won the Superbowl. I knew a sports comment would'nt go far in here! :) It's too bad, too, because I would like to complain about the annoying tradition of the winning team always thanking Jesus for their victory, as if he gives a flying f…

  6. Well,

    I save my mucus and carry a jar of "anti-biotic mucus" with me at all times.

    This wards off the germs, and most people…(especially girls but most everyone, really!)

    That's why I'm never sick.

    So, why am I never at work on Monday and Friday???

    Expiring minds, like mine, (and of course, my employers) want to know.

    Thanks for the calender, and get well soon.

    rod

    BTW: You know I'm NOT praying for you. For your health, I cannot stress this point enough.

  7. Bugger, I missed the Superbowl. I was gonna check a few of the sports channels to see if they would broadcast it.

    Well, next year :roll:

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