Sudafed symptoms and conditions

I have been on Prednisone 40mg x 5 days and am now reducing to 30mg x 5 days followed by a 10mg reduction q 5 days until I am off the med. I have read your blogs and my heart goes out to you all.

Has anyone lost their sense of taste? I can only taste salty things, but just the salt only. I have the nausea, stomach pains, depression, mood swings, inability to focus and a tremendous amount of 'floaters' in my eyes. In general, I am extremely drug sensitive, but the Prednisone has brought me to a place I don't want to be.

I welcome your input on the sense of taste issue. Thanks in advance for your comments.

In a study, Sudafed 24 Hour and Singulair proved equally effective for treating the most common hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and nose and throat itchiness.

The purpose of prednisone for sinus sufferers is to open up the sinuses. Now, I have found that 40-50mg a day is usually QUITE sufficient to do that. (For me – everybody is different) And, as I get better, I taper off each day to 30mg, then 20 as needed. What doctors forget is that people react very differently to medications. Why take more when all it does is make the side effects worse? The doctor doesn't know how you feel, YOU know how you feel. Don't blindly take this dangerous medication, LISTEN to your body.

If you have taken 40 mg, your sinuses are completely open, and your heart is starting to race, do NOT take any more that day! Or, at the very least, wait till it stops and then take 10 mg or even 5 to see how you do. I advise never taking all your prednisone in one dose - try to space them out over the day so you can see how you react. Never take any later than dinner so you can give the side effects time to wind down if you experience them.

In summary: I have found that taking unneeded prednisone after you have achieved the needed relief will not do much good, if any. However, the lack of sleep will be very detrimental.

One final tip: I have found that after I start to get better, 20mg prednisone taken with a couple Sudafed is about as affective as 40mg prednisone. However, be VERY careful combining medications if you get fast heartbeat! Two examples are cough medicines and (especially) Sudafed! I advise trying a half dose of Sudafed (1 pill or half a 12hr pill - 12hr pills are great for nighttime) first if you are on prednisone. You can always take more, but you can't un-take a pill.

Disclaimer: I've taken prednisone many times, but I'm not a doctor, yada yada...

I had my kenalog injection over a week ago. The winds here in the desert have been horrible this year and i was experiencing a daily sinus headache and my allergies were beyond what a claritin, allegra and a sudafed combined could combat. Within a day of getting an injection in right butt cheek area all of my sinus problems have ceased. Day three i stopped taking all of my medications for my allergies. I was also able to stop taking an anti inflammatory for my knee and the arches of my feet. They have never felt so good. My excema and asthma symptoms although mild have also cleared up. On the down side. I seem to be eating like a horse, insomnia and wild dreams seem to be plaguing me. But this is also the case when i take prednisone. I had this shot a few years back for the knee and foot arch pain and back then before my hysterectomy i did experience break through bleeding on my birth control pills a week early and very heavy. i decided that was the worse of my side effects back then. now that i wasn't able to have that problem i figured lets go for it again since i recall my sinuses clearing last time too, which was a bonus side effect for me then. overall i have found the positive effects definitely outweigh the negative effects for me.

started Zpak last week for a lingering sinus infection. I live in an area where the weather changes constantly. Two days after I finished the 5day Zpak I began experiencing horrible and flu-like symptoms and worse. I can hardly breathe out of my nose. Heavy chest congestion. Lots of diarrhea and even blood in the stool one day. Taste buds are gone. Here I am a week after finishing the Zpak feeling HORRIBLE. I'm afraid to go back to the doctor (uninsured) only to be prescribed something else that might bring on more side effects. Right now I'm taking Sudafed PE and hoping that kicks it. I've been on a Zpak before but NEVER had side effects like this. I don't wish this on anyone. and I'm wondering how long the Zpak stays in your system? It is possible to make you sicker? Seems so in my case and many others here.

I don't know how many of my problems are associated with NR, but after reading your posts, I am seriously wondering. Here's what I've got:

--tired all the time - no problem found with my thyroid, I've had it checked multiple times

--weight gain. I don't know how much of this is because I got married when I started NR and of course eat more complete meals rather than on-the-go kind of meals, or how much because I am so tired it is hard to make it to the gym. I will say, though, that for a couple of months I was really good (exercising for about an hour each day, four to six times a week, plus eating much better) and still gained weight. Disappointing. I don't try as hard now - what's the point if exercise and diet don't help?

--no sex drive or much enjoyment while having sex

--pain when having sex - not sure if that's cuz we only have it about once a week (I have to force myself for the sake of my husband). Now I take a bath after sex to alleviate some of the pain. Still annoying, though.

--nasal issues - I know someone mentioned having to take sudafed, I take it every day and also nasonex and mucinex... no apparent nasal problems to the doctors to explain this... I think it's overkill on the meds, but I take them because otherwise I am miserable with nasal problems

--headaches - I have never had headaches bad enough to take even tylenol or asprin before using NR, now I take ibuprofen about 5-6 times a week. I don't know if it is related to the stress of being married or not. I have graduated, so it is not related to stress at school, and stress has never given me bad headaches before. Basically unexplicable for me.

--problems with contacts

--pain in area right below breasts. Very tender. If I touch, it feels as though it will leave a bruise. It doesn't, but it hurts for about a minute before it goes away, just from pressing lightly.

--can't keep the nuvaring in. Not really a side effect, but very frustrating. I also have to keep pushing it in each time I use the restroom. I can't seem to get it in far enough, I guess.

--periods seem to be getting later and later. At first they came like clock-work, the day I took the nuvaring out. But after a year, the period seems to come about the day I put it back in, which leaves me freaked out that I'm pregnant. And they aren't even lighter. They still last about five to six days and are just as heavy, just late.

--muscle stiffness. It is a little hard to walk sometimes.Not sure this is related, but quite a few of you have listed it. Not many cramps though, which is nice.

I have been on NR since a couple months before I got married (about 17 months ago), and hadn't had sex before NR, so I don't know how much NR has affected some of these things since I don't know any different, but as I said before, these are some of the symptoms I have had while on NR, things with no apparent other cause. I am seriously considering another BC option, since I don't really like having no energy and no desire for sex (biggest problems for me).

I was on it for 2 weeks for an upper respiratory infection and I have mild asthma. I got to the point after the 2nd week I could not feel my legs, they felt detached. I cried. I thought I was water in car when I drove to a doctor appointment. I felt like I had the flu 24 hours a day. No headaches but it never touched my asthma. Two weeks of that junk then I went to a doctor who put me on my medication I took as a kid. One pill and it was over.
Sudafed in my opinion is a dangerous drug. Those side effects they list on tv are a joke. They are the tip of the ice berg.

Currently on month three of side effects. LIghtheadedness, head pressure and tingling, feeling like I am going to pass out, awful Castro pain, gas, belching, chest pain. Tendinitis in both knees and left wrist with swelling. Weak, tired, sick 80% of the time. I have been scoped, had mid section ultrasound, heart stress test, numerous EKGs, blood workups, all within range except for low potassium. This is poison and it just goes on and on. Most Doctors are skeptical although I have found two that believe this is a result of Levaquin, after seeing a half dozen including my internist, Gastro Doctor, urgent care Doctor, ER Doctors, cardiologist, etc. I would think the insurance companies would want this off the market. My medical bills are out of sight and my deductible which is rather large was met two months ago.

Similar problems. A-fib @ 37. Unknown etiology with no conclusive cause. Possible due to taking prescription allergy meds with sudafed for 15+ years.
Anyway, tried to go off of Toprol XL 25mg once a day several times. The first time I felt horrible, weak and lethargic, chest discomfort. Lasted for a few weeks. Went back on and in one day symptoms disappeared.
I tried this week to wean off by taking a half a pill a day. Made it one day! I was feeling great so I decided what the heck and tried. What a mistake.
I have tried several different ways of coming off (weaning) with no success.
My cardiologist would like me to try to go off... We need to come up with a better solution.

Things that I have found that "work" for me taking this drug is:
1. I take it after lunch. It is the only time of day taking it that I don't feel bad.
2. The generics made me feel bad. Tried several different manufacturers.
3. If I miss the normal time I take it as soon as possible. Usually by dinner time.

Good luck trying to come off or maintain with Toprol XL. Please post if anyone has success.

Toprol XL seems like a necessary evil at this point for me.

Well.....ain't this drug wonderful!! Glad I came here first. I am currently on Diovan 80mg. basically doing very well on it, but I started to loose some hair, and do have some sinus issues, so talked w/Doctor he gave me a prescript. for Toprol XL yesterday, got it filled (my proper prescription for 3mos. supply mail in is written for the Brand Name) the prescrip. I filled yesterday locally (he gave me 2mos to fill locally before sending in my mail in prescrip.) My God! When I read the patient info, scared the living crap out of me! See if I TAKE that medication - NOT! I will stick with the devil I know, Diovan and hope that the hair loss thing will resolve itself. I suffer from anxiety, so can push my BP up at will, and it's been up since I started stressing on the hair loss - I have made up my mind to just try and chill about it, but Diovan appears to be one of the least "evil" of the BP meds I'v taken so far. Lisinopril was a nightmare, Diltiazem wasn't too bad, but thought my teeth were going to fall out! I swear, the anxiety about these meds. does nothing to help ones BP but I definitely am not taking this poison, probably would make me stress worrying, I'd give myself a stroke. I am making a copy of the patient info. and sending it to my Dr. (whom I love by the way) and ask him "what the hell were you thinking Doctor?" Good luck everyone

Feeling a little weird, disconnected...like sudafed without the jitters, I guess. After some online research, I found that Delsym is a popular 'get high' thing with the kids, but I took only the 2t. dosage. I am generally sensitive to any medications so I guess this is another one to cross off my list. Thank goodness it's the weekend; I could never go to work like this.

Started the z pack for bronchitis and sinus infection. First symptoms was stomach cramps, diarrhea. The next and most disturbing symptoms were extreme agitation, anxiety, depression. Have finished the last of the medicine 4 days ago and am still feeling the residual anxiety, agitation, general feeling of unease. Will never take this medicine again.

I had my Mirena removed 4 1/2 weeks ago and I am still experiencing dizziness. I had posted previously that it was gone 2 days after the Mirena was removed but the dizziness has come back. Just thought I would let everyone know.

Soon after going on Biaxin for an upper respiratory infection, along with Sudafed, I was having SEVERE dreams (normally don't know about my dreams), bordering on Halucinations, then even waking state effects of seemingly startling consequences impending doom or distorted reality... never happened with Sudafed... so either combination or Biaxin

I keep reading of all those that are taking their children off Singulair, but I'm really curious as to what happens next. Are you all searching for other meds. or going to fish oil and vitamin D (heard that may help immune system) ? Are you having difficulty telling your doctor that their advice failed you? I'm at a lose as to what to do next...especially because we can't tell the doctor it didn't work, just that we are not taking the gamble.

Update.... well my 6yr old son came off Singulair on 3-29. His sinuses drained finally (only waiting past year for that to happen) 9 days after coming off. His sinus problems have been gradually going away. He is now only taking claritin and sudafed when absolutely needed. BUT he started with sore throats. He never had a problem with tonsils only adenoids which they took out in Feb. Now since stopping the Singulair his tonsils have become constantly infected and twice the size so he will be having them removed in July. Some of the antibiotic don't seem to be working as he has been on them so much over past year. Im wondering if the Singulair was hiding the fact there was a problem with the tonsils as well.

My son is almost 6 yrs old. He has been taking Singular for approx 3 years, in addition to Claritin and Nasonex. This is all for his allergy to mold. His doctor started him on these meds after a 6 month episode with sinus infections leading to asthma-like symptoms. We have not noticed anything unusual about his behavior until approx 3 months ago. He started waking up every night (2-3 hours after going to bed) with bad dreams. At first he would not fully awaken and fall back asleep immediately. After a month or so of this happening most nights, he had two nights in a row where he woke up screaming and was inconsolable for about 30 minutes. We initially thought it was night terrors, but he was not scared or fearful, he was just upset/angry. He would hit the bed repeatedly and yell. He didn't know what he was upset about but would talk about how he thought we hated him, he was dumb, etc. After about 30 min he would 'snap out of it' and return to his normal self and go back to sleep easily.
At first we thought these were night terror brought on by a recent fever, but he had another episode last night. He has also been falling apart at the littlest things and getting quite violent (for a 6 yr old). He was sent to his room yesterday evening because he was complaining about the dinner his mom made (lots of complaining these days..). He had a total melt down an started throwing things and hitting the door so hard he put a hole in it.
Some of this behavior I would chalk up to normal kid stuff, new baby brother, etc. But I am suspicious about the negative thoughts, bad dreams, and instant melt downs... I stopped giving him Singular today and we will see what happens. God bless you all as we figure these things out...

33yr. old/male 5'8", 170lbs.
I just switched from taking Lisinopril 10mg for 2 weeks to get rid of memory loss issue, dizziness, lethargy, etc. Now I'm on 25mg of HCTZ and I'm having worse issues with the dizziness, tired, lethargic, dumb, drunk, dopey feeling that won't quit. The only other med that I take is Allegra-D 12 hour once a day for the last two years. I saw that high blood pressure was a possible side effect of the Allegra, but my doctor said he was pretty sure that wasn't it since my cholesterol was also high (210). I have to find something to lower my all of a sudden high blood pressure 195/100 to a comfortable level without these life hindering side effects. I have a lot of living left to do and I'm pretty fit, but now since I started these meds, I feel like I'm 70 yrs. old.

I am 39 years old; a great family and great kids. Went on Singulair about 2 years ago and am now facing a divorce and issues with my children because of my mood swings and depression. I have never had emotional issues prior to this and at this age and relative good health physically and financially be feeling this way. I am going to also talk to my doctor immediately. I don't know if anyone else feels this way; but I can feel the swings coming on; but just am helpless to do anything about them. As a child in the early 70's I was overprescribed sudafed, with many of the same results. It feels like it's not you.

I have three children who were all taking Singulair and also Zyrtec. My oldest, 11 year old son has been on these medications since he was diagnosed with chronic Asthma at age 3. The aggressive behavior, bad dreams, leg cramps (growing pains, we were told),head aches and stomach aches were all explained as age appropriate for a 3 year old boy. As he grew older, he would say he wished he or one of his siblings were dead. Yes, the Singulair
along with a Flovent inhaler controlled his Asthma wonderfully. We have never had to take him to the ER. However, after hearing in the News about the Singulair, I have done a lot of research. I have not given him either of these meds for a month now. He does still use the Flovent. After not having any Asthma attacks for about a year now, we were hoping he was out growing it. So, I guess it was good timing. And then the trees started blooming and the pollen is everywhere. Son gets congested, coughing up lots of thick, green mucus. I treated him with Children's Mucinex mini-melts, benadryl, and sudafed. It helped that it was Spring break and I could treat ever 4 hours. He needed the nebulizer a total of about 6 times for the entire week. Today, he was mucus free. As for his behavior, he still acts like a typical 11 year old boy, but has been less aggressive and mean towards his siblings.
My daughter age 10 has been on Singulair and Zyrtec for unknown allergies off and on for about 5 years now. They did seem to help, but once again we had unexplained behavior. At age 5 she told me she wanted to kill herself. The school counselor said she must have heard it on TV.Bad dreams, headaches,mean to brothers (above the normal sibling rivalry thing), mean to me, leg cramps, stomach pains,itching all over. Many times, too many to count, she would be moody and go into fits of rage. When asked what was wrong, she would cry and cry that she didn't know. Been off for a month, and less rage. Actually playing nicely with younger brother. Recently, the pediatrician ran a lot of blood tests. Daughter complained that she hurt all over and she ran a low grade temp for 3 weeks. (less that 99.7) All tests came back fine. Last Monday, the fever went away and the aches are gone.
Now for the last, my 7 year old son has been off and on these two meds for about 5 years for severe allergies. Again, they did help. He did not react as badly as my other two children did. Leg cramps( which he still has nightly, just might be growing pains),headaches, and bad dreams are the only three I can think of right now. Anyhow, after hearing about the boy on the news, I got scared. Plain and Simple. My husband thinks this is a bunch of nonsense and everything can be explained. The Singulair was costing us a hundred dollars a bottle for a month supply for one child.
I am still watching my children very closely,especially my asthmatic. I still haven't told the pediatrician that I've taken them off the meds.

I was taking 1-2 tablets of a generic brand of Sudafed for the past year to control sinus headaches. It seemed to be the only product that worked! My outcome was a severe lack of libido. Zilch..nil. I didn't even want to be hugged or touched. At 45 yrs old, my husband thought our marriage was over and began surfing the internet until he found what he wanted. I have not taken even 1 tablet since Oct. and all the libido issues are gone. I just control the headaches now with ibuprofen and rest. The marriage is in repairs now that he knows it wasn't him!

I was taking atenolol 20 mg for a while for bp. But that caused sinun problem which meant i took sudafed etc and that further increased bp. it was a vicious cycle. i went off it and now take lisinopril hctz 20 mg. the funny thing is my doctor's nurse was taking my bp with may arm swinging on its own weight and id get 140/90..when i went hom it was around 125/80 or 125/75. i complained to my dr and she realized the problem. she reduced me to lisinopril hctz 10 mg and now i take only half a pill daily.

i get a lot of sinus problems which have never happened to me before and also get easily tired. i have started acupunture and chinese herbal medicins which have done wonders to improving my digestive issuea and headaches. my plan is to get off bp pills completely and only take herbal medicines and eat right.

one warning to people. always measure bp when you are completely relaxed. before i had my machine, i used to walk into Publix and imdtly measure bp and it would always be very high 155/100..etc. always relax and take the third reading..someone told me..otherwise you may have normal bp but be uncessarily on medication which can ruin your lifestyle.

I took Neo 12 hour twice in the prescribed 24 hour period. I noticed the next morning that my heart rate was elevated upon rising, and while taking a shower, noticed that I was having lots of palpitations or "skipped beats" followed by a refreshing feeling...you know, the feeling you get after you hold your breath for a minute and then let it out and take a deep breath. I didn't think the episode was due to the Neo 12 hour, but changed to the Neo 4 hour because I wanted the stuffy head/nose to clear up sooner than 12 hours. I wanted to know if the Neo could interact with Sudafed or not, and if so, could it cause this problem to be worse than just one of these meds by itself?

Singulair has been my personal savior. I was prescribed Singulair for Reactive Airway, asthma caused by exposure to certain everyday chemicals, such as perfume. My doctor also said Singulair would help my seasonal allergy symptoms - stuffy nose, itchy eyes, etc. In two years, I have not had a single asthma attack and no longer need Sudafed or any antihistamine. I can mow our lawn with no watery, itch eyes and no sneezing. As for side effects, I have noticed my teeth are more sensitive to cold. I have heard some people say they gain weight after starting Singulair, however, I have lost weight. I feel so good I think I have been exercising more. At any rate I'm down about 17 lbs. in 24 months. I'm sorry some people are unable to tolerate Singulair, but this medicine has changed my life.

Sudafed 12 hr. , took the generic brand of it. Was taking it around the clock, following the advice of allergy dr. Extreme irritability including road rage was the result.

Then, realizing I couldn't take it around the clock, decided to only take it on days when I had sinus congestion etc. Last night, after taking one of the 12 hr generic pseudephedrine tabs, I noticed I was talking my husband's ear off. Like, non-stop talking, wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. I was not taking any other meds and could only be due to the pseudephedrine.

As a decongestant, it is great, and the price of generic is cheap. I just can't handle the side effects. will probably switch to OTC loratadine (Claritin)