While there are no drugs specifically designed to help ease pseudoephedrine withdrawal, tapering doses before total elimination is advised. There are also non-synthetic medicinal treatment options such as nutrient replacement therapy and ibogaine therapy. However, these treatment options are still in thie infancy.
Full Answer
What is pseudoephedrine used to treat?
What is pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.
What is the treatment for pseudoephedrine withdrawal?
There is no formal withdrawal management or treatment for the abuse of pseudoephedrine or cold medicines, but a medically-assisted pseudoephedrine detox program can be extremely helpful. These structured detox programs provide treatment for individual pseudoephedrine withdrawal symptoms such as depression.
Where can I get help for pseudoephedrine addiction?
Help is available 24/7 call this number for a free personal consultation 800-338-5770. To successfully recover from pseudoephedrine abuse, former addicts and their loved ones need to learn and understand that addiction is a disease of the body, mind, and spirit.
Is pseudoephedrine addictive?
When used properly, pseudoephedrine is not addictive, but when it is abused, it carries many risks. Pseudoephedrine is most commonly misused by converting it into an ingredient that is used to make methamphetamine or bath salts.
Which medications are most commonly used in the treatment of addictive disorders?
Some of the most well-known medications that are used during addiction treatment are Naltrexone or Buprenorphine....Medications that are commonly used to treat addiction include the following:Naltrexone or Vivitrol.Buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Methadone.Disulfiram or Antabuse.Acamprosate or Campral.
What can replace pseudoephedrine?
Hello! Second, there is an effective alternative, phenylephrine (PE). No drug is without some side effects, but PE's side effects are much milder, and you cannot make meth out of it.
Is there withdrawal from pseudoephedrine?
There is no formal withdrawal management protocol associated with recovery from the abuse of pseudoephedrine or cold medicines. Physicians could give medications that are specifically designed to treat the symptoms the person is experiencing, such as lethargy or depression.
What drug do people use pseudoephedrine for?
Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure.
Why does pseudoephedrine make me feel good?
Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of medicines that act as decongestants by constricting small blood vessels in the nasal passages. Thus, less inflammation and congestion as the sinus tissue settles down a bit. It may improve thinking by improving breathing and sleep.
What does dextromethorphan treat?
Dextromethorphan is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). It should not be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm (flem) with the cough.
Can pseudoephedrine cause psychosis?
Sympathomimetic agents used in the treatment of flu and common cold with ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are case reports. That the manic and psychotic episodes are triggered.
Can Sudafed make you manic?
These drugs are known to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) through alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonistic effects (1). It has been reported in the literature that drugs containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine trigger manic symptoms and episodes (2-5).
What happens if you take Sudafed everyday?
Taking too much pseudoephedrine can be dangerous. It can make you restless or your heartbeat fast, and make you feel sick or vomit. You may also have difficulty peeing.
Is pseudoephedrine similar to Adderall?
The structural and pharmacological similarity of pseudoephedrine to amphetamine has led to evaluation of its psychomotor stimulant properties within the central nervous system. Previous investigations have shown that the acute responses to pseudoephedrine were similar to those of amphetamine and other psychostimulants.
Does pseudoephedrine increase dopamine?
The suggested mechanism by which pseudoephedrine may improve performance is the reduction of an individuals perceived exertion, occuring in response to an increase in dopamine (Hodges et al. 2006).
Does pseudoephedrine help ADHD?
I can say that pseudoephedrine is unlikely to have any significant benefit in adult ADHD. I think she would benefit from seeing a provider to find the right diagnosis and treatment for her nasal complaints and to determine whether she does have ADHD or another condition requiring treatment.
What is pseudoephedrine used for?
It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages to clear the nose of congestion. 1 It is an active ingredient in many cold medicines and although many of those medicines used to be available over-the-counter, most are now only available ...
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pseudoephedrine Addiction and Abuse?
In the past, teens were likely to abuse pseudoephedrine because it was cheap, and available over-the-counter via drugs like Sudafed. However, since access to pseudoephedrine has been restricted, teens are now more likely to turn to other more easily accessible substances they can abuse to get high, such as herbal drugs, over-the-counter drugs like DXM, or prescription drugs they get from friends.
How Common Is Pseudoephedrine Abuse and Addiction?
Teens may be more likely to abuse pseudoephedrine and a common practice is to combine it with alcohol. This practice is very dangerous and may result in overdose because the stimulating effects of pseudoephedrine can dampen the effects of alcohol, making a person more likely to drink more than they normally would.
How do you know if you are addicted to meth?
If someone is misusing pseudoephedrine or is addicted to meth that is made using pseudoephedrine, he or she may display some of the following signs: Isolating from family and friends. Purchasing large amounts of cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine.
What is the most common form of pseudoephedrine abuse?
The most common form of pseudoephedrine abuse is using it to make methamphetamine. This involves chemically altering the pseudoephedrine into an ingredient that can be used in the meth “cooking” process. While the process of converting pseudoephedrine to make meth is fairly simple, it’s also extremely dangerous and can cause explosions or fires. 4
What should be the treatment for substance use disorder?
Treatment professionals should use a combination of medication and evidence-based therapy. Treatment professionals should encourage family members to be actively involved in a person’s recovery.
Is pseudoephedrine used to make meth?
Pseudoephedrine is most commonly misused by converting it into an ingredient that is used to make methamphetamine or bath salts. Some people may also misuse it as an illegal stimulant to increase alertness or enhance physical performance but it is most dangerous when it is used to make meth. People who use pseudoephedrine to make meth ...
What is pseudoephedrine used for?
What is Pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a drug that has been most commonly used as an ingredient in the previously over-the-counter medication, Sudafed, which is used as a nasal decongestant. Pseudoephedrine is present in some medications without a prescription, and it is available in drugstores behind the pharmacy counter.
Why do people take pseudoephedrine?
Some people use the drug to promote alertness and as a stimulant. A study from Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice notes that pseudoephedrine is among other medications available without a prescription that can be used to self-medicate, leading to a risk of abuse or addiction.
What is the law that prohibits methamphetamines from being sold over the counter?
In 2005, the FDA created the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which banned over-the-counter sales of cold medicines that included the ingredient pseudoephedrine, requiring them to be sold behind the counter. The act also required consumers to present a photo identification and for stores to keep records of purchasers for at least two years. The law limits the amount an individual can purchase in a 30-day period. These changes were made after a surge of reported methamphetamine abuse revealed that people were using easily accessible over-the-counter medications that contained pseudoephedrine in order to manufacture methamphetamines in labs at home.
How long can you buy meth?
The law limits the amount an individual can purchase in a 30-day period . These changes were made after a surge of reported methamphetamine abuse revealed that people were using easily accessible over-the-counter medications that contained pseudoephedrine in order to manufacture methamphetamines in labs at home.
Why did meth labs decrease?
According to the National Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities, nationwide meth-lab incidents decreased overall as a result of government attempts to restrict sales of precursor ingredients to methamphetamines. The study also found that regulations had some short-term effects on reducing demand for methamphetamines.
Can you buy pseudoephedrine without a prescription?
Pseudoephedrine was previously sold on the shelves at most drugstores. Consumers can still buy products with pseudoephedrine in them without a prescription; however, due to the increased use of the medication as an illicit ingredient for the manufacture of methamphetamines, pseudoephedrine is now kept behind pharmacy counters, ...
Can you overdose on pseudoephedrine?
People who intentionally ingest more that the recommended amount of pseudoephedrine may be at risk for overdose. Read the instructions on the box and take the recommended dosage only or consult your doctor to determine a safe dose.
Pseudoephedrine addiction help
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears. Although abuse of pseudoephedrine is uncommon, it can be misused and the most common form of misuse is using the decongestant to make methamphetamine.
How to help pseudoephedrine addiction
There are three main treatment options for any type of drug addiction: detox, stabilization, and psycho-emotional treatment. Some addiction treatment providers require referral into the programs, and wait lists can apply.
Getting help for pseudoephedrine addiction
Where can you get help for pseudoephedrine addiction? Rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and support programs offer individualized clinical supervision, ongoing evaluations and regularly updated personalized treatment plans. When choosing a place or program to support your journey to recovery it may pay to consider the following:
How to help a pseudoephedrine addict
Talking to the person you’re concerned about is called an “intervention”. There are two types of interventions – informal and formal. The point of any intervention is to ask the person to take concrete steps to address the problem and lead them to the help they need (i.e.
Pseudoephedrine addiction help and helplines
Helplines provide a direct and confidential support service. These services provide advice and guidance to people with an addiction, as well as to family and friends. P seudoephedrine addiction helplines generally help you to to find treatment services in your area.
Help with pseudoephedrine addiction questions
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What is pseudoephedrine used for?
Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.
How to know if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: 1 fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; 2 severe dizziness or anxiety; 3 easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or 4 dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, uneven heart rate, seizure).
How long can you take pseudoephedrine?
Do not take pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row . Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using pseudoephedrine.
What antidepressants interact with pseudoephedrine?
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others. This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
Can you use pseudoephedrine with a MAO inhibitor?
Do not use pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Can you take pseudoephedrine and decongestant together?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Pseudoephedrine or other decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains pseudoephedrine or a decongestant. Do not use pseudoephedrine if you have used a MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
How does pseudoephedrine affect the brain?
As is true with most other addictive drugs, though, pseudoephedrine targets the brain’s reward system by overloading the circuit with dopamine. The overstimulation of this system, which rewards our natural behaviors, produces the euphoric effects people desire and prompts them to repeat the behavior.
How do you know if you are taking pseudoephedrine?
Lack of interest in regular activities and hobbies. Another telltale sign of pseudoephedrine abuse is finding a large amount of cold medicine packaging among someone’s belongings. Additionally, changes in mood, finance or physical appearance may signal drug abuse as well.
What are the effects of methamphetamine abuse?
Long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause addiction, anxiety, insomnia, mood disturbances and violent behavior. Additionally, psychotic symptoms including paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions can occur. The psychotic symptoms can even last for months or years after methamphetamine use has stopped. Beyond neurological and behavioral consequences, long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause certain physical effects. Detrimental physical effects can include weight loss and severe tooth decay (meth mouth).
How old was the average meth user in 2012?
The average age of new methamphetamine users in 2012 was 19.7 years old. An alarming 50% of teens aren’t properly educated on OTC medications, potentially leading to dangerous misuse of these drugs. Ultimately, the availability of pseudoephedrine in pharmacies contributes to the prevalence of abuse among teenagers.
What is Sudafed used for?
The drug is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears.
How many people use methamphetamine in 2012?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 1.2 million people (0.4% of the total population) reported using methamphetamine within the past year. Meanwhile, 440,000 individuals (.02% of the total population) admitted to using it within the previous month.
Why is drug addiction considered a brain disease?
It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.”
What is cross addiction?
Cross-addiction occurs when one who has struggled with addiction exposes the hypothalamus or mesolimbic system to new chemicals or drugs. This can result in a return to the original drug of dependency.
What is the goal of treatment for chemical dependency?
When you’re recovering from a chemical dependency, your treatment goal is to stay healthy and avoid relapse. When your physician knows about your substance abuse history, they must have a nonjudgmental and open attitude about the consequences of taking certain medications.
Why is it important to let your doctor know about your addiction?
This will ensure there are no mistakes made when he prescribes medications to you. If you’re ever unsure if you should take a certain medication or not, simply consult with your addictionologist, psychiatrist or treatment facility professional.
Why are opiates used in pain management?
These drugs are used often in pain management to interrupt the central nervous system’s pain messages. When it comes to healing properly, reducing pain down to levels that are manageable is an important component. Nevertheless, since opium and opiates are very addictive, it becomes a problem when you are recovering from an addiction.
What percentage of primary care patients are seen because of chemical dependency?
The good news is that since up to 25 percent of primary care practice patients are seen because of a chemical dependency, it is a chronic and common disease that most physicians have experience with. The prescription drugs recovered addicts should avoid are the ones that impair judgment or have sedative effects.
Is Motofen an opioid?
Motofen (atropine/difenoxin) Lomotil (atropine/diphenoxylate) Diphenoxylate belongs in the opioid drug class. To discourage recreational abuse, the drug is formulated with atropine. It doesn’t cause any effects at recommended doses, but when taken at larger doses, it causes unpleasant symptoms.