Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion User Reviews

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

Pseudoephedrine has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 83 reviews for the treatment of Nasal Congestion. 60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 30% reported a negative experience.

Pseudoephedrine rating summary

6.5 average rating out of 10

83 ratings from 90 user reviews.

Compare all 177 medications used in the treatment of Nasal Congestion.

10		31%
9		16%
8		13%
7		5%
6		0%
5		1%
4		4%
3		1%
2		4%
1		25%

Reviews for Pseudoephedrine

Mak...
December 2, 2014

Sudafed Congestion (pseudoephedrine) "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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109 Report

Joo...
Taken for less than 1 month
January 2, 2019

Sudafed Congestion (pseudoephedrine) "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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55 Report

Tan...
July 30, 2013

"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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84 Report

Frequently asked questions

rea...
February 16, 2016

"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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59 Report

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

Sudafed 12-Hour (pseudoephedrine) "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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22 Report

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Mar...
January 4, 2010

Sudafed Congestion (pseudoephedrine) "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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78 Report

Pam...
September 19, 2015

"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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52 Report

More FAQ

Cal...
Taken for less than 1 month
November 6, 2019

"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

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

Sudafed Congestion (pseudoephedrine) "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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41 Report

Jak...
Taken for less than 1 month
July 31, 2019

"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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27 Report

Anonymous
April 12, 2009

"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

Sudafed 24-Hour (pseudoephedrine) "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

"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

Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy (pseudoephedrine) "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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57 Report

Tra...
Taken for less than 1 month
June 12, 2014

Sudafed 24-Hour (pseudoephedrine) "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

She...
Taken for less than 1 month
February 16, 2017

Sudafed Congestion (pseudoephedrine) "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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29 Report

Lov...
Taken for less than 1 month
October 11, 2013

Nexafed Nasal Decongestant (pseudoephedrine) "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

TDP...
Taken for 10 years or more
October 15, 2018

"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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20 Report

Bon...
September 9, 2017

"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

NoT...
Taken for less than 1 month
May 24, 2017

"I was told by my doctor to take Sudafed for allergy congestion. I guess she didn't know that it interacts BADLY with my Synthroid and Cytomel! (Although she SHOULD have known - she is a doctor, after all.) After taking Sudafed, I had a major anxiety attack, and my blood pressure shot through the roof. It took HOURS for it to wear off. Apparently, there is a warning on the box that people with thyroid disease shouldn't take Sudafed. Sudafed causes the effects of Synthroid to increase dramatically, and Synthroid does the same thing to the Sudafed. If you take Synthroid, AVOID Sudafed!! I threw the box away and will never take it again. I blame my doc for not knowing this stuff is dangerous to thyroid patients."

1 / 10

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22 Report

rad...
March 12, 2014

"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."

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28 Report

Ski...
Taken for less than 1 month
September 2, 2019

SudoGest 12 Hour (pseudoephedrine) "This medication caused me to mumble in my sleep, not to realize what I was doing, and to make my pupils to overtake my eyes in a demon like fashion that scared my love and me when I found out about it. I am a type 1 diabetic as well . It caused my sugar level to drop to extremely low. I wouldn't recommend this medication for any use for diabetics."

1 / 10

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16 Report

Anonymous
Taken for 10 years or more
May 9, 2018

"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

NoN...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
July 14, 2024

"I have nothing bad to say about Pseudoephedrine. I buy boxes from behind the counter because it's a restricted OTC. I've found taking an NSAID with Pseudoephedrine 'Sinus medication.' The tablet works for my sinus headache. If I take the same dose of Pseudoephedrine without the NSAID, it works the same. It does not stimulate you like regular ephedrine, a little. It relieves my inflamed sinuses within 30 minutes. I like to take Pseudoephedrine by itself for sinus headaches. In fact, I avoid NSAIDs. Buy extra-strength pseudo, and break the tablets into 30mg. Drink a glass of water!"

8 / 10

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2 Report

Cri...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
January 16, 2022

Sudafed Congestion (pseudoephedrine) "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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9 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.