Stephanie's PSA

My public service announcement for today is BE CAREFUL WITH PSEUDOEPHEDRINE! LOL I had to learn this the hard way. I took a Claritin D this morning before school because my allergies have been acting up and I've been waking up with a horrible congested head and nose. I did NOT take note that it was the controlled-release kind. I also had my morning cup of coffee which contained CAFFEINE. The "D" ingredient in Claritin D is pseudoephedrine(PSU) which is an amazing decongestant. But it should NOT be mixed with caffeine or any other stimulant as side effects can occur. You also should start off with a small dose until your body is used to it, something else I did NOT do because the controlled-release type contains a fairly high dose of PSU. Well after my first class I got up to use the restroom and I almost fainted, and it happened all day. I've been feeling really weird all day too and not able to think clearly, I wasn't even able to do simple calculations earlier! Take home message: just be careful with it, don't be like me! Start off with a small dose and avoid caffeine.