Antihistamines to fight colds

So now pseudoephedrine is being sold like a controlled substance in the pharmacy at the back of the drug store, and you have to have a state ID to get it, and some of your favorite versions of the drug may not even be available anymore. A lot of manufacturers just gave up and moved on. Unfortunately, colds don’t do that. What can you do?

A website run by two doctors, CommonCold.org offers a surprising suggestion: antihistamines. Specifically, the older generation ones that can cause drowsiness (the non-drowsy types don’t appear to help colds). Antihistamines are known for helping with allergies, but apparently they can reduce the sneezing, runny nose, congestion and even coughing that often come with colds. I’ve used them myself and found they do a great job drying you up (though they can make you too dry, so stop taking them before that happens). They’re also recommended for chronic post-nasal drip.

There’s more than one type of antihistamine out there, so you may have to experiment a little to find the one that gives you the least amount of side effects and most benefit.

Subscribe to Bohemian Revolution!
Email Post | Print This
Posted in Health and Beauty on March 10, 2010