Pseudoephedrine Side Effects, Warning, Interactions, Overdose & Connection To Meth

What is Pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine relieves nasal congestion caused by allergies, colds, and hay fever. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure temporarily. Pseudoephedrine will reduce symptoms but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery [1]. It is in a class of medications called nasal decongestants.

Thus, it works by causing the narrowing of the blood vessels in the nasal passages. It is found in many over-the-counter medications, such as Sudafed, Allegra-D, Sinutab, and Claritin-D. Pseudoephedrine is a substance that is naturally found in the plant Ephedra sinica. The substance is chemically related to amphetamine and is often used in the illicit production of the central nervous system stimulant methamphetamine (crystal meth).

According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) [2], Pseudoephedrine products that are solid-dosed and starched-based tablets are Schedule V if they can also be purchased over the counter (OTC) by a customer without a prescription. If no prescription is required and a customer can buy it and sign the log, it is Schedule 5. These products can only be prescribed with a BNDD (Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) and DEA numbers.

Pseudoephedrine has also been used to enhance athletic performance and may be banned by many professional associations. In addition, because it has been recognized as an ingredient used in the illegal production of methcathinone (a chemical often used in the production of bath salts) and methamphetamine, this drug is subject to monitoring by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Despite this, it is not listed as a controlled substance.

One of the significant concerns regarding the abuse of pseudoephedrine is the ease of manufacturing it into more powerful stimulants such as methamphetamine. In addition, federal law limits the amount of pseudoephedrine anyone can buy at once. It also requires that purchasers produce a photo ID and that retailers keep records of this drug’s sales for at least two years. Regardless, individuals who previously abused this drug may be more likely to experiment with other medications to find a similar high instead of giving up the substance abuse altogether.

How Long Does Pseudoephedrine Stay in Your System?

Pseudoephedrine is not typically included in standard drug tests, but it may be detected in specialized tests designed to detect specific drugs or drug classes.

How long does pseudoephedrine stay in your system drug test? The time that pseudoephedrine stays in your system can vary based on various factors, including age, weight, metabolism, and other factors. Generally, the half-life of pseudoephedrine is approximately 4 to 6 hours, meaning that it takes this quantity of time for half of the medicine to be eliminated from your body.

Pseudoephedrine can typically be detected in urine drug tests up to 24-48 hours after ingestion. However, it may be detectable longer in chronic or heavy users, particularly those who take large doses or have impaired liver or kidney function.

How Long Does It Take Pseudoephedrine To Work?

Pseudoephedrine is considered safe and effective for battling nasal congestion when used as intended. It can reduce symptoms associated with mucus buildup and swollen nasal passages, such as difficulty breathing and pain. The medication works by shrinking the swollen tissue of the nasal passageway and allowing mucus buildup to drain out.

How long does pseudoephedrine last? Pseudoephedrine comes as a regular pill/tablet, a 12-hr. extended-release (long-acting) tablet, a 24-hr. extended-release pill, and a solution (liquid) to be orally taken. The regular pills and liquid are generally taken every 4 to 6 hours. The 12-hr. extended-release pills are usually taken every 12 hours; you should take at least two doses in 24 hours. Extended-release tablets are generally taken once a day, and you should take at most one amount in 24 hours.

Is Pseudoephedrine Addictive?

Pseudoephedrine can be misused as an ingredient for the illicit manufacture of methamphetamines. However, it does carry some risks of abuse on its own. Although many people only use it for medicinal purposes, some have misused and abused pseudoephedrine. Many individuals intentionally take an excessive amount of these drugs to achieve a high, similar to other stimulants like meth or cocaine.

It will cause a sudden rush of energy, excitability, and hyperactivity in large doses. On the downside, pseudoephedrine addiction can cause a fast heartbeat and high blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular issues. The effects of pseudoephedrine side effects and abuse can be very harsh, so individuals must undergo a prescription drug rehab program to get medical assistance during withdrawal.

Pseudoephedrine is not a very addictive substance. However, when the medication is misused, addiction becomes a concern. Those who use this medication only for its intended indication at the labeled dosage should not worry about developing an addiction. As with most other addictive substances, pseudoephedrine targets the brain’s reward system by overloading it with dopamine.

The overstimulation of this system, which rewards our natural behaviors, produces the euphoric effects people desire and encourages them to repeat the behavior. When people get enough of the drug, they can use it to experience its stimulant-like effects.

Abusers of pseudoephedrine report that they experience:

• Increased feelings of energy and alertness.
• Extreme euphoria and well-being.
• A pleasant tingling sensation over their bodies.

These pseudoephedrine side effects do not happen at the recommended therapeutic levels of the drug. Still, they can only occur when someone uses significant amounts of the drug, snorts it, or combines it in liquid and inject it. 

Pseudoephedrine Overdose

Individuals who intentionally consume more than the recommended amount of pseudoephedrine may be at risk for overdose. 

Severe damaging reactions and overdoses include:

Individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or who are pregnant should not use medications with pseudoephedrine.

Link Between Pseudoephedrine Meth

Methamphetamine or crystal meth is a glass-like substance that is smoked but may also be injected or snorted. It is a stimulant drug that increases energy, lifts mood and makes users more alert. It is highly addictive and can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, depression, and nervousness. For those curious about how meth is made, this process is prohibited and is typically performed within criminal organizations. The distribution of methamphetamine is also unlawful. Meth is a highly addictive and harmful drug.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [3], meth can be easily made in small clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold medications. There are a few unique ingredients required and a few technical skills needed. Once the manufacturing process is complete, people have a cheap and powerful drug. However, the chemicals used for meth production are dangerous and toxic and can harm individuals near the production area and the environment.

Illegally produced pseudoephedrine to meth is typically made by mixing ephedrine with other chemicals that are usually poisonous or highly flammable. The mixture is then combined with a gasoline solvent and heated to crystallize. Because illegal crystal meth production is not supervised or regulated, and there’s no quality control for the pseudoephedrine in meth, many harmful cutting agents could be added to dilute the drug.

It has become much more difficult to buy enough pseudoephedrine to make meth. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 banned over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine and limited sales to behind-the-counter. Furthermore, it limited the amount of pseudoephedrine a person could purchase each month. Retailers like drug stores must check buyers’ identification and keep personal information about them for two years.

Learn More:

• Mixing Prescription Drugs with Alcohol
• Prescription Pill Detox & Medications
• Prescription Drug Addiction, Types, Symptoms, & Causes
• How To Pass a Drug Test for Meth? How Do Meth Drug Tests Detect Meth?
• What Are The Signs of Meth Use? Meth Abuse Symptoms, Effects, & Addiction Treatment
• How To Get Meth Out Of Your System? The Safest Way To Get Meth Out Of Your System
• What Are The Crystal Meth Side Effects? Short Term and Long Term Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction.
• Symptoms of Someone on Crystal Meth
• Risks and Side Effects of Injecting Meth
• Meth Detox Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Effective Treatment Options

1.7 Million

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2019, approximately 1.7 million people in the US reported using methamphetamine in the past year.

Source: SAMHSA

353 000

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that 353 000 people in the US ages 12 years or older abuse methamphetamine annually.

Source: NCBI

In many countries, pseudoephedrine 60 mg over the counter strength is available. However, the availability and regulations surrounding pseudoephedrine may vary depending on the country and local laws.

As always, reading and following the dosage instructions provided on the packaging or by your healthcare provider is crucial. Too much pseudoephedrine can lead to potentially serious side effects, such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and nervousness.

Even pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg or pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg dosage is a decongestant medication that can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so it should be used carefully in people with hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Moreover, pseudoephedrine can cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, nervousness, and insomnia.

Always follow the pseudoephedrine HCl 30 mg directions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication’s label. If you have concerns about taking pseudoephedrine 30 mg dosage or experiencing any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Drowsiness or dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dry mouth or throat.
• Constipation.

• Headache or blurred vision.
• Nervousness or restlessness.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

• Urinary retention.
• Insomnia.
• Nervousness or anxiety.
• Dizziness.
• Excitability.
• Irritability.
• Red eyes.
• Dilated pupils.

• Weight loss.
• Problems sleeping.
• Loss of appetite.
• Tolerance.
• Dependence.
• Addiction.

Motivational Interviewing

• It is a counseling style that helps individuals overcome ambivalence and enhances motivation to change pseudoephedrine addiction and other substance use behaviors.

Contingency Management

• This type of behavioral therapy uses positive reinforcements to encourage desired behaviors.

Community Reinforcement Approach

• This treatment approach identifies behaviors that reinforce stimulant use and makes a substance-free lifestyle more rewarding than one that includes drugs and alcohol.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

• It is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that assists individuals in understanding their current problems, challenges, and experiences to change their behaviors and patterns of thinking.

Find the Right Pseudoephedrine Abuse Treatment at We Level Up New Jersey

Someone who has become dependent on or addicted to over-the-counter medicines like pseudoephedrine should seek professional assistance. During your pseudoephedrine addiction rehabilitation, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction.

We Level Up NJ provides proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our medically-assisted detox program. So, reclaim your life. Call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.