Cold Medicine?

[terradactyl]

I was just wondering how well any of you were able to tolerate over the counter cold medicines, if they affect your symptoms in any way or anything.

I have had three pretty bad colds since January, but I've noticed that during the worst of it when I am kicking back medicine I haven't felt dizzy or passed out once. Even my heartbeat seems pretty normal. When I am not sick I feel awful again, so I am thinking maybe they are helping me. I have low blood pressure/heart rate that seems to cause most of my issues, so maybe the medicine raises blood pressure a little? It's just kind of weird, I am almost tempted to try it when I am not sick and see if it helps at all.

Just curious if anyone else has had any experiences with this.

[bebe127]

terradactyl,

I have not experienced this, but probably because I stay away from OTC cold meds as I have read that they can influence bp. My bp fluctuates, but tends to be on the med-high side thus, I stay away from them. Wouldn't hurt to ask a pharmacist or your dr. just to be sure. Interesting though...

[looneymom]

If you are on any blood pressure meds. be sure to talk to pharmist or doctor. My son has to stay away from decongestants because he takes midodrine.

[joyagh]

I have noticed that sudafed makes me feel better all around. I feel more focused and calm as well as reduced POTS symptoms. DXM - dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) supposedly helps POTS symptoms too. and ChlorTrimeton and other antihistamines. depends on what you're taking, but cough and congestion meds and antihistamines can def help

[spinner]

I went to cleveland cinic and got sick THREE times in 3 weeks.

The viruses are raging in that environment no matter how careful you are.

I took OTC flu meds and it started causing cpap sleeping problems.

Be careful not to overdose. They put you out, but dont do great things

for your autonomic nervous system.