[xRavenx]

Do any medications that you take for a cold or allergies either 1. interfere with your current meds, or 2. cause you to feel manicky or more depressed?

I noticed that taking Zyrtec D (not regular zyrtec), Allergra D, Sudafed, or any kind of decongestant speeds me up a lot. If I am already feeling manic or hypomanic, it makes it even worse. I think I'm super sensitive to these meds, but they tend to be the only thing that works for my chronic sins problems. Come to think of it, I'm sensitive to any kind of stimulant.

I didn't even think to ask my pdoc if any of these meds interfere with my psych meds, although I doubt it. What's your experience?

[~Christina]

I take Clarion . not the D and I am fine ,, with the D ? I get really agitated

[Pookyl]

The only things that I can do, that don't cause an elevated bipolar episode are the old school stuff:
- rubbing Vicks under my nose and on chest
- putting eucalyptus oil in steaming water and tea towel over head breathing in steam
- normal saline nasal spray
- hot chicken soup

[bioChE]

Sudafed (the real “behind the counter” stuff) as well as all the D options that contain it, are stimulants. There’s a reason they’re behind the counter and you have to give your driver’s license - they’re a precursor in the manufacture of methamphetamine. It’s certainly not meth, but it does act as a stimulant.

All stimulants can have interactions with all kinds of psych meds. If you’re having issues, discuss them with both your psychiatrist and your GP. You can also talk to the pharmacist, who might have some options for you.

When I have a cold I just take theraflu. I don't seem to have sinus problems. Like bioChE said I would talk to the pharmacist.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by bioChE

Sudafed (the real “behind the counter” stuff) as well as all the D options that contain it, are stimulants. There’s a reason they’re behind the counter and you have to give your driver’s license - they’re a precursor in the manufacture of methamphetamine. It’s certainly not meth, but it does act as a stimulant.

All stimulants can have interactions with all kinds of psych meds. If you’re having issues, discuss them with both your psychiatrist and your GP. You can also talk to the pharmacist, who might have some options for you.

Yes. Unfortunately, stimulant cold medicines seem to be the only ones that truly work for my severe sinus problems, yet they aren't too good for me mentally. I guess I will have to keep trying different things.....I feel like I've tried everything though, it's so frustrating, after seeing so many ENT doctors, allergy specialists, injections, it goes on and on. I'm so tired of it.

[MusicLover82]

Zyrtec made me depressed.

[scatterbrained04]

I know can't take Sudafed. It made me feel panicky and tearful.

Not sure about others. I rarely get sick.

[99fairies]

i used to use sudafed and it made me higher than a kite. but the crash after is horrible. so i would stay clear of that ****!

[HALLIEBETH87]

If I take just one sudafed every once in a while I am usually ok but if
I'm trying to treat a cold or something and take it for days or two pills I am screwed. Makes my heart race and I get panicky.

Anything with “d” does a number on me......feels like I’ve taken speed and it’s a disgusting feeling which brings back haunting memories or bad choices I briefly made in my early years. Like you OP, it’s also the only thing which really helps my allergies. I have TERRIBLE allergies with lots of itching on my body and feeling or having fuzz up my nose and behind my eyes. I also take a nasal steroid and that seems to mess with me too.....if I take the D for a few days it gets worse and my sleep gets wonky.....it’s TERRIBLE how everything that actually WORKED causes such horrible side effects.

[WildcatVet]

Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) can wreak havoc when taken with many psych meds. Be careful...
https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

[*Laurie*]

I used to take Nyquil and had no problems. The last time I took it, though (about 4 years ago) it caused anxiety. Unless I was extremely sick I'd be cautious about taking it again.

Vicks is fantastic for a stuffy nose and cough.

Anything with psudophederine makes me manic.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by WildcatVet

Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) can wreak havoc when taken with many psych meds. Be careful...
https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

This is also known a Benadryl isn't it?


WC

[Nammu]

I take Benadryl with no problems but anything with stimulants I can't take. As a rule of thumb anything that says 24 hours/ D/ is behind the counter is off my list.