Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a drug commonly found in OTC nasal decongestant and antihistamine products. It belongs to the amphetamine and phenethylamine chemical classes.
It can be found in the brand names Sudafed, Acitafed, Claritin-D, and MucinexD.
[edit] Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Some common side effects of pseudoephedrine use include sleepiness, nervousness, excitability, dizziness and anxiety. In higher doses(not for recreational use) it can cause intense paranoid pyschosis and has been associated with the occurence of strokes.
It is recommended that pseudoephedrine not be used in patients with: diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism, closed angle glaucoma, or those who are pregnant. Those who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder should be cautious when using pseudoephedrine as it can cause manic attacks.
Those prone to anxiety or panic attacks should take caution when using pseudoephedrine, as it is known to increase anxiety.
Patients taking MAOI should be cautious as well, as it can cause severe hypertension.
[edit] Recreational Use
Pseudoephedrine can be used as a mild stimulant; it has a known history of frequent use for truck drivers as a means of staying awake.
It can also be used in the manufacturing of meth, so many stores selling products with pseudoephedrine usually limit its sale and the age at which it can be purchased. In some states it legally cannot be sold unless it is behind the counter because, LOL METH. Pseudoephedrine is illegal in Mexico since Chinese Triad businessman Zhenli Ye Gon was caught with entire truckloads of pseudoephedrine and money.
