Sudafed Pseudoephedrine & Alcohol: Effects, Interactions & More

In addition, it was discovered that people were making meth from pseudoephedrine. People were buying a lot of OTC drugs that contained the ingredient and were https://soberhome.net/ cooking meth. To avoid worsening your stuffy nose and harming your immune system, it’s best to avoid combining nasal decongestants like Sudafed with alcohol.

  • If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for developing a blood clot, your doctor might prescribe anticoagulant medications to “thin” your blood.
  • Amongst the luxury treatment centers throughout the area, Wellness Retreat Recovery Center stands as a place of hope for those who are suffering from substance dependence.
  • So, if abusing this substance can cause such terrible effects, why do people abuse it?
  • And, their young bodies can take an especially hard hit from the drug abuse.

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Blood Thinners

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Pseudoephedrine may decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medications . There are many brands and forms of pseudoephedrine available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of pseudoephedrine may be different between products.

sudafed and alcohol

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Anon September 23, 2017 One evening I drank 5 beers after taking pseudoephedrine for influence. The subject will then be given 30 mg of pseudoephedrine PO .

What Are the Effects of Cold Medications?

Here is what you need to know about the possible unsafe interactions between alcohol and common prescription and over-the-counter medications. No drug interactions exist between alcohol and guaifenesin. However, that does not mean it is a good idea to combine them.

Small amounts of alcohol can make it dangerous to drive, and when you mix alcohol with certain medicines you put yourself at even greater risk. Combining alcohol with some medicines can lead to falls and serious injuries, especially among older people. This pamphlet lists medications that can cause harm when taken with alcohol and describes the effects that can result. Most important, the list does not include all the ingredients in every medication. Some medicines that you might never have suspected can react with alcohol, including many medications which can be purchased “over-the-counter”—that is, without a prescription. Even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol.

  • Sudafed 12 Hour can last for about 12 hours in your body before another dose is needed.
  • Alcohol can make some medications less effective by interfering with how they are absorbed in the digestive tract.
  • Read the label on the medication bottle to find out exactly what ingredients a medicine contains.
  • So, talk to your doctor and pharmacist, read the enclosed warning pamphlet with your medication, and make sure you actually follow the advice.
  • It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S.

In large doses, it will cause a sudden rush of energy, excitability, and hyperactivity. On the downside, taking this drug in excess can cause a rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure which can lead to heart and cardiovascular issues. The effects of pseudoephedrine abuse can be very intense, so it’s important for individuals to go through a prescription drug rehab program. A pharmacist can answer all of your questions about possible drug interactions.

About Sudafed

But, as you search for help in recovering from a drug abuse problem, it’s important to find the right prescription drug rehab program for you. Your needs are unique and your journey to recovery will be unique. Amongst the luxury treatment centers throughout the area, Wellness Retreat Recovery Center stands as a place of hope for those who are suffering from substance dependence.

Alcohol’s effects on the body and immune system can effectively negate Sudafed, which can make nasal symptoms last longer. Efforts to prevent people from using PSE to make methamphetamine also restrict the sale of Sudafed. A piece of legislation called eco sober house price the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act was passed in 2006. It requires you to present a photo ID to buy products that contain pseudoephedrine. If you are drinking too much alcohol it may be worth understanding if you are suffering from alcoholism.

Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Sudafed and alcohol do not officially have any drug interactions. In addition, it requires pharmacies to sell any products that contain PSE behind the counter.

  • We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
  • Temporarily relieve your child’s nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
  • Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control, no more than two drinks or one drink per day is permitted.

It can also put you at risk for heart and breathing issues, and internal bleeding. Some people abuse pseudoephedrine because of how it makes them feel. By abuse, we mean they take more of the drug than the dosage recommended. As a stimulant, it tends to cause people to feel more excited or eco sober house ma energetic, so some people take more of it to get a more intense feeling. However, taking more than the recommended dosage can be quite dangerous. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

While alcohol feels less intoxicating when taking Sudafed, BAC still rises and increases the risk of alcohol poisoning. Liquor is the most dangerous type of alcohol to mix with Sudafed because it has the highest alcohol percentage per volume. People who should never mix alcohol and Sudafed include people with pre-existing heart conditions, older people , and people with a history of abusing stimulants and alcohol. It’s also more dangerous for women to drink alcohol with Sudafed because BAC rises faster in women. The specific aim of this study is to determine whether water ingestion potentiates the pressor response to pseudoephedrine in patients with primary disorders of autonomic failure. The study design will enable us to also evaluate the pressor response to water alone and to pseudoephedrine alone.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. The side effects of Sudafed, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, anxiety, and blurred vision, McMillan and Dr. Soliman say.

Don’t mix combo meds containing Sudafed and alcohol

You’ll still receive excellent care, but you will get to live at home during your treatment. You may choose to attend sessions at the center perhaps three to four times a week, receive counseling, learn about addiction and recovery, and attend support groups. If you’re struggling with an addiction to medicine like Sudafed, Benadryl, or another one that has pseudoephedrine in it, know that you’re not alone. You may have become dependent on this medicine, but the good news is that you can end your addiction. If you’ve tried to stop using the drug and can’t, reach out for help.

If you take a blood thinner, even an occasional drink can increase your risk of internal bleeding. If you mix any type of anti-nausea drug with alcohol, the side effects of the medication can become more intense. Older adults are also more likely to experience problems, as the ability to clear both alcohol and drugs from the body is reduced with age. If you minimize the amount of alcohol you consume on a regular basis, your doctor can’t accurately judge the risk and benefits of prescribing a particular medication. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research.

As a result, drinking can counteract any effect guaifenesin may have on nasal secretions and worsen your infection. Alcohol and Sudafed do not have a specific interaction that occurs in the body. Therefore, it’s safe to mix alcohol and Sudafed in small doses.

Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of medications used to treat allergies, colds, and the flu. When the substances are combined, the effect is intensified, and your judgment and focus will be further impaired. Additionally, if you have an underlying health condition like heart disease or high blood pressure , mixing alcohol with your medications can put you at risk for complications. Medications like Robitussin DM and Mucinex DM combine guaifenesin with dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. Taking the substances together can increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness and concentration problems.

This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine , eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if a different treatment is available if you have any heart issues.

That’s because NyQuil has pseudoephedrine in it also along with 500 mg of acetaminophen which won’t get you high but will deliver a one two punch to your liver. I have an elevated heatbeat and I hallucinate on the stuff to such an extreme degree I cannot take the drug at all. I mention it because I have an adverse reaction to Sudafed. I know it’s a bit of a pain in the rear, but it’s better than suffering an adverse reaction.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. To help prevent trouble in sleeping, take the last dose of pseudoephedrine for each day a few hours before bedtime.

Medications typically are safe and effective when used appropriately. Your pharmacist or other health care provider can help you determine which medications interact harmfully with alcohol. Medical experts recommend that patients not mix other drugs that could react with Sudafed’s composition, including selegiline and rasagiline. Alert your doctor about other medicines you take, including supplements and vitamins. Let them know if you have other health conditions during your discussion, as well. Before mixing alcohol with other drugs, you should always consult with your doctor.

The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.

Combining these drugs with alcohol can make the risks and side effects worse, especially if you have liver disease. If you take prescription medication or use a specific medication every day, ask your doctor if it is okay for you to drink alcohol. You may be able to consume a limited amount safely, as long as you follow certain rules . Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain similar ingredients . Before taking pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you have had negative reactions to other sympathomimetics .

Alcohol detox isn’t easy and not everyone can do it on their own. That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals. Sudafed 24 Hour lasts a full day in your body, meaning that any negative consequences of mixing it with alcohol may also last an extended period of time. Many people consider nasal congestion to be one of the most bothersome allergy symptoms.

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