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Pseudoephedrine User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Sudafed Congestion, Sudafed 12-Hour, SudoGest, Sudafed 24-Hour, Entex, Nexafed Nasal Decongestant, Chlor-Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Contac Cold, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, SudoGest 12 Hour, nasofed, Silfedrine, Suphedrin, Suphedrine, Children's Dimetapp Decongestant Infant, Allermed, Novafed, Cenafed, Genaphed, Afrinol, Zephrex-D Decofed Liquid Efidac Decofed Elixsure Decongestant 12 Hour Decongestant 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant …show all brand names

Pseudoephedrine has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 94 reviews on Drugs.com. 60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 30% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Pseudoephedrine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mak...
  • December 2, 2014

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "When I had a really bad ear and sinus infection, I went to see the best ear and head doctor. He told me to take Sudafed, so I did, and it was like magic. It helped so much, 15 mins, I was clear so it's worth the try if you have any sinus problems try Sudafed. It works!"

9 / 10
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115 Report
  • Joo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2019

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "I was suffering with a cold over Christmas and ended up with a completely blocked nose and mild sinus pain. I have a tendency to labyrinthitis after a heavy cold (this is a very unpleasant infection of the balance organ in your ear causing extreme vertigo), and I live in fear of it!! I used Sudafed to try and clear the blockage before it could get to my ears, and I was delighted at how quick and effective it was. After 2 doses of 2 capsules, 4 hours apart, I had a solid night's sleep, and my nose was much clearer. I feel much better today. I have continued with the Sudafed as my nose is still running, but it's no longer blocked, and my sinus pain has gone. Recommended."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • Tan...
  • July 30, 2013

For Nasal Congestion "I've had the tubes in my ear previously and didn't want to go through that experience again. I wish my doctor would have just prescribed this medicine instead of a nasal spray. I've had a clogged ear for almost a year now, on and off. I bought some Sudafed over the counter. Outside of having to give my ID, I had no issues. I took it and a few hours later, my ear has cleared up! Thank you very much for the helpful advice."

10 / 10
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86 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Nan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 27, 2022

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "If you have any sort of history of anxiety or panic attacks, I strongly suggest reconsidering taking this medication. It kept my sinuses clear, but it made my heart rate skyrocket, kept me from sleeping, and made me feel like I was constantly having a panic attack. If you are like I was and you took this and you are now reading reviews desperately trying to figure out if you are losing your mind - you aren't. Stop taking the medication and give it a couple of days to return to normal. My doctor prescribed a small dose of a beta blocker (propranolol) for a couple of days to help with the fast heart rate, and it worked amazingly to help to get it under control. After about a week, I'd say I was completely back to normal. If you are sensitive to stimulants (ex. caffeine) or have anxiety/panic attacks, I would try not to take this medication unless absolutely necessary and be prepared for the side effects."

2 / 10
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28 Report
  • rea...
  • February 16, 2016

For Nasal Congestion "The only thing that works for me. Too bad they make you feel like a criminal when you go to buy it and make you take way more trips to the store than necessary because you can only buy so many at a time. If people want to use it to make meth and kill themselves, let them (they're doing it anyway regardless of this stupid law). I just want to be able to buy it in bulk or online to save myself time and money since I use it regularly. I noticed lately that every store I go to is out of the generic 12-hour. Every pharmacy, grocery store, etc., no matter which one, and I have to buy the name brand for 50% more money. It's bad enough the price is already higher than it should be due to these loser meth addicts, now I have to buy name brand!!!"

10 / 10
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60 Report

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  • Mar...
  • January 4, 2010

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "I work in unhealthy, dusty, bacteria- and allergen-laden environments. When I feel my sinuses congesting, Sudafed or generic pseudoephedrine will clear it. My doctor recommended Sudafed or the generic as the most effective decongestant. Stating 'To get it, you have to sign for it!'"

10 / 10
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79 Report
  • Pam...
  • September 19, 2015

For Nasal Congestion "My doctor says this medicine is not for ear pressure, but it sure helps me. I battle allergies all year long, but eliminating gluten has helped tremendously. I now take 1/4 tablet in the morning and again in the afternoon if needed. I NEVER take the full tablet. If my symptoms are really bad, I take 1/2 tablet more frequently, rather than a full tablet as directed. It can cause a racing heart and insomnia, so decrease dosage and only take what you need to take the edge off of your symptoms. Trust your body (oftentimes more than your doctor)."

9 / 10
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54 Report

More FAQ

  • Coo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 16, 2016

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "I've had plugged ears from sinus congestion for two weeks. I took two doses every four hours of two tablets each, and the congestion has finally cleared, but I didn't realize that it would make for a sleepless, jittery night and now a jittery morning with no appetite and mild nausea. Next time I would start with one tablet and see if that helps and make sure I had plenty of time before going to sleep."

9 / 10
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44 Report
  • Cal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 6, 2019

For Nasal Congestion "I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and fluid behind the ears. The doctor gave me Claritin 10 mg, it did nothing. Finally, I was prescribed pseudoephedrine 120 mg. I promise my relief was instant!!!! I take it with Zyrtec 5 mg, thank goodness I can breathe again. It doesn't make me sleepy, no side effects, and I'm very sensitive to most meds, but this one was perfect."

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 12, 2009

For Nasal Congestion "This is the only decongestant that works for congestion in the ears. Also, I have found it better than all others for nasal and sinus. The ones they have attempted to replace it with do not work nearly as well."

9 / 10
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60 Report
  • Wm1...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 25, 2017

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "I have taken Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) for many years and have found it to be the only OTC medicine that really dries up nasal congestion. Nowadays, 'Sudafed,' the brand name, is being sold with other ingredients because pseudoephedrine can be used for illegal purposes in drug manufacture. When buying it at the pharmacy counter, one must show ID, so their name can be entered on a registry; a person can't buy frequent or large quantities of the medication. But if you get the real thing, it really works."

8 / 10
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34 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 23, 2015

For Nasal Congestion "Currently taking pseudoephedrine for chronic sinus migraines and ear congestion while waiting for a specialist appointment. I have found it the most effective pain relief for the sinus migraines, and I have tried everything - hot compresses, inhaling steam, saline sprays, nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, Panadeine, ibuprofen, codeine. It is not clearing up the source of the problem but does provide some relief."

8 / 10
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39 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 9, 2008

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "I have been taking Drixoral since it was made. It used to be by prescription only. I was overjoyed when it came out over the counter. This is the best allergy/sinus pill you can take. Relieves stuffy nose due to swollen sinuses, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, etc. This is the only medicine that works for me."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • Jak...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 31, 2019

For Nasal Congestion "Took one Sudafed 12 hr in the AM. It cleared up my congestion but also had a bad reaction. Heart racing, feeling of disconnect, tingly head, anxious, jittery but exhausted, horrible insomnia. Felt the same the next day. Took about 40 hrs to wear off. Will never take again!"

1 / 10
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28 Report
  • Cri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2022

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "Be careful if you have anxiety. I noticed that it causes agitation and jitters for me. As far as helping cold symptoms, it only works a little bit, it’s not any type of miracle drug. I have used it on and off throughout my life for various reasons, most recently for Covid congestion. It was definitely more helpful than Afrin! That was a disaster!"

5 / 10
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14 Report
  • She...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2017

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "Well, I bought Sudafed blocked nose capsules. My nose was blocked, I could hardly breathe, among other symptoms like flu, fever, sickness, and high temperature. Anyway, the thing that was bothering me the most was my blocked nose, so I bought these Sudafed capsules, and it was the best thing I had done. I took one straight away when I bought them and thought at first they didn't work, but as I continued to use them, as stated on the packet, they sure worked and made it so much easier to breathe. So, thank you. I would definitely 100% recommend this brilliant product, so thank you."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • TDP...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • October 15, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "During certain seasons of the year, especially snowy and rainy weather, when the barometric pressure drops, I get this really bad sinus pressure that goes all the way to the back of my head. I take two 30 mg red IR pseudoephedrines, and it makes all the difference. A little ibuprofen can help on the side too. Kicks in fast, and at 60 mg, there are little to no side effects."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Bon...
  • September 9, 2017

For Nasal Congestion "I am prone to sinus infections. I get them on average five times a year. There are times when my nose is completely blocked, and breathing becomes extremely difficult. I have tried endless OTC drugs, like Mucinex, Advil Sinus, vapor rub, and even nasal sprays. None of those have helped on top of home remedies. I tried Sudafed for the first time about two years ago, and with just one dose, I feel like myself again! I have experienced some drowsiness with the medication, but I could still function and do my daily tasks."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • Lov...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 11, 2013

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "I found this to work very well for my nasal congestion. Under 15 minutes, and I'm 98% clear for 8 hours, allowing me to continue my workday. It works better and faster than other over-the-counter medicine I've tried."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • Tra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 12, 2014

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "After taking one dose of the Sudafed 24, it started to help me, but it only lasted 8 hours. So, I waited a full 24 hours before I took a second dose, and it made me feel jittery, and my heart was racing. Tried to eat and drink something, but it didn’t help."

4 / 10
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36 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 9, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "I’m almost afraid to say how many years that I’ve been using this medication... probably for 38-40 years. It still works for me, almost as if it were day 1... and lasts me for 12 hours! Love it, but usually only take it once a day, when my allergies are the worst... (outside of my home!)"

9 / 10
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19 Report
  • rad...
  • March 12, 2014

For Nasal Congestion "The medicine is very effective to relieve nasal congestion, like within 20 mins. But it causes disturbed sleep and keeps you alert. Nobody discussed in the above-given comments that it badly affects erection, so adults should be careful. This effect started with the 2nd dose of medicine in my case."

7 / 10
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29 Report
  • Wil...
  • June 5, 2017

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "120 mg of pseudoephedrine in one tablet is quite a lot, and to be honest, I needed to have a Valium just to stop the jitters and extreme energy this tablet packs. I'm from Australia, where codeine is sold over the counter, and you can still get 120 mg of pseudo in a tablet, and it was definitely a case of the pharmacist making me out to be a criminal out to make meth. HOWEVER, IT WORKS!!!!! Amazingly. Absolutely no congestion, I could breathe well, and I had no issues with a runny nose. Again, downside was I felt like I was legitimately tweaking a bit, but other than that, okay. Definitely for a few days' use at a time only."

9 / 10
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17 Report
  • Jul...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 20, 2022

For Nasal Congestion "Only thing that works for me. I’ve had allergies from my early twenties-I'm 73 now. I have gone to literally a dozen allergists. I’ve taken 4 sets of shots. I keep my house like a monk’s cell-dust mites allergy. I have taken every drug still on the market. The ONLY thing that dries me up is pseudoephedrine. P.S. I have an anxiety disorder, but I don’t get nervous."

10 / 10
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8 Report
  • Ren...
  • March 4, 2009

For Nasal Congestion "I have been using pseudoephedrine over-the-counter medicine for many years. I use the equivalent brand of Sudafed at Walmart (12 hour). This is the only medication that works for me, and it is a shame the government has to regulate the sale of it because of drug dealers. This really harms those of us who need it to breathe. My problem now is that Walmart is always out of it. It is very hard to get, even at local pharmacies. They have also upped the price on it, I guess because of the demand from the drug dealers."

7 / 10
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32 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.