Sudafed gives me energy and makes me happy. Can I take it long term?

Question

Hi,

I had a cold and took sudafed and it gave me more energy and made me feel happier - more chipper.

Is there any reason I shouldn't continue to take it? Could it possibly be any worse than people who smoke and drink everyday?

Maybe it wouldn't be harmful at all?

Love,
David_Bowie_Strikes_Thrice

Many people take mega doses of Caffeine every day and it has significant systemic effects including it's diuretic effects. Since Caffeine makes cranky, and I only need 1 sudafed pill a day - half the recommended dose...comparitively - why would that be worse than caffeine?

Is the comparison to the "main ingredient in meth" really valid? I mean, most chemicals are some form of sodium, but a subtle chemical change can mean the difference between arsenic and pudding...right?

I felt great for the 4 weeks I took 1 pill a day. Any hard research on health related issues and dependance? I've never ever heard of dependency and it is FDA approved...

Surely there is a safe energy booster - I read about some non-addicitve form of amphetamines, asked my Doctor, but she hadn't heard of them and was shocked that I would ask for any kind of drug to give me extra energy.

Surely there is something for those who don't react well to caffeine?

Btw, Doctors often have to defer to silence for fear that any non-conventional advice will get them sued. Often they are the LAST place one can get information outside of super rigid and conservative conventions. Like one time, I wanted liquid demoral to help with a cough that was literally killing me. Even the PDR said it was a powerful anti-sussative. But because it was unconvenional - no luck.
But from experience I know - it works GREAT, and no side effects of any lasting impact. But again...It's like asking a school marm if she likes rock and roll. The answer will always be no, often without real consideration or thought, save for liability. Finally, people who become doctors are, more than the average, a conservative lot so any solution on the edge may not come from them.

And this is if you can get a doctor to actually listen to you for more than 20 seconds.

Answer 1

Sudafed gives u energy bcuz of a neat (but controversial) substance in it called ephedrine. since ephedrine (aka pseudoephedrine) is used to make amphetamines (speed), it doesn't take a genius to figure out that there will be side effects. these side effects include withdrawal, irritability, tremors, as well as dependency. it has been known to cause heart attacks as well. hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have hypotension (low blood pressure) and find that sudafed raises my BP to a more normal level. In doing so, I have much more energy and am able to focus more intently on any task. This isn t a new sensation for me. I ve been taking sudafed for years for chronic nasal congestion caused by the combination of allergic rhinitis and multiple nose fractures from past sports. Here is the important take-away from my experience. I have told every one of my doctors from PCPs to ENTs to surgeons about my use of sudafed. Every doctor has told me the same thing: if it works for you and you have no unpleasant side effects, keep taking it. One enlightened ENT suggested that I switch from the four hour little red pill to the 12 hour to eliminate the "peaks and valleys" associated with the four hour pill. And ironically; all of the prescription medications offered by ENTs to replace sudafed have very severe side effects since they contain steroids. Sudafed is not addictive but can be habit forming, so beware of reaching for it too often. For those with BPH or hypertension, it will exacerbate those conditions. Other than that, I ve been taking it for over twenty years and here I am to write this reply. Draw your own conclusions.

Answer 3

Sudafed amps you up and dries out your sinuses. Over the long term I think it would wear very hard on your system. Plus, being dried up all the time you'd start to have a constant bad breath problem. The better approach is to quit eating dairy products (or cut down severely) and ease up on the refined sugar so you don't produce so much mucous and inflammation. Exercise regularly to strengthen the respiratory system, and try the herb "stinging nettle" to see if it helps with the allergies. Yes, it hurts to touch that herb, but freeze dried in capsules it doesn't sting and it works really well to reduce allergies.

Answer 4

Pseudoephedrine For Energy

Answer 5

I dunno! But according to some experts all medications have some kind of long term side effect. I don't believe that sudafed is harmful to your live though. Most drugs that are harmful to your liver are cholestoral drugs. Ask your doctor would be the best bet.

Answer 6

Yeah, it gives you a pep, but I don't know why it would make you feel "happy". You know the Cheryl Crow song - If It Makes You Happy (it can't be that bad). I don't know if it's harmful or not, just ask a doctor.

Answer 7

It is harmful long term, as I had a friend who was taking it and got very sick.

Answer 8

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Yes, it's ok.. I do throughout the entire summer and was advised to do so from my doctor.

Answer 9

That is an addiction...Cigarettes produce the same effect. Take vitamins, they're healthier.

Answer 10

I think it is harmful to your liver if you take it long term.