Skip to main content

Pseudoephedrine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

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

Drowsiness: mentioned by 4 users (4.3%)

Based on user experiences from 94 Pseudoephedrine reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

anxiety 11.7%
insomnia 8.5%
increased heart rate 6.4%
nausea 6.4%
drowsiness 4.3%
tremors 4.3%
dizziness 3.2%

Reviews for Pseudoephedrine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Sam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 4, 2020

For Nasal Congestion "Was prescribed pseudoephedrine after nasal surgery. I gave the doctor a complete list of my medications. Also told him of heart surgery and bladder problems. He should have never prescribed this for me. I took the meds, on day one... resulted in urine retention, nausea, high blood pressure, agitation, sleeplessness, and a host of other symptoms. I went online and found a list of medications that have bad reactions from Sudafed. Several of mine were on the list, to include low-dose aspirin, Tylenol, and others. Please go online and research side effects and ask your doctor about taking it with other prescribed medications. I had thought he read my forms that I filled out. Apparently not."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Ren...
  • August 23, 2017

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "This product seemed to work for my nasal congestion, but it made me EXTREMELY sleepy. I have never experienced drowsiness with Sudafed or its generic. I took one 30 mg Nexafed pill at 8 pm, and I actually had to take 2.5 hours off of work in the morning because I could not function! I didn't feel myself again until 10 am. I suppose if I took the medication very early in the evening, I might be able to wake up in the morning. But having young children, I must be present for nighttime routines, and I can never guarantee that my sleep will not be interrupted. For now, Nexafed simply will not work for me. I will be returning it to the pharmacy and will have to find a new pharmacy to shop from, as mine is currently only carrying this new product."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Joy...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 22, 2020

Pseudoephedrine for Nasal Congestion "Have nasal and ear blockage. Usually, Sudafed is the only thing that helps. I can only take one 30 mg at a time because of nervousness and sleeplessness."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.