One of my patients with ADHD messaged me to ask whether it was OK for him to take pseudoephedrine tablets along with his stimulant medication because he had a bad cold and his nose was stuffy and blocked.
This is a question that comes up all the time. After all, patients on stimulant medications get the common cold just like anybody else. But, typically, patients don’t ask the prescribing clinician before taking over-the-counter medications.
I have made it a practice for many years to tell my patients to check with me before taking any prescription medication or over-the-counter product. This is so that I can check for any drug interactions or other potential problems.
Can patients on a stimulant medication take pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion?
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic medication that is used as a decongestant. In the United States, it is available over-the-counter, that is, without a prescription. But, because pseudoephedrine has some potential for abuse and can be used to manufacture methamphetamine, it is kept behind the counter, the purchaser has to show identification, and a record of purchases is kept by the pharmacy.
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