[Callynne]

the dang stuff they put in sinus medication?? Here it is, three o'clock in the morning, I went to sleep in my usual five seconds after laying my head down, but then an hour ago I woke up wide awake.

That's what happens with sinus medication, I go to sleep nice and normal and then wake up a few hours later...WIRED!!!

I laid there tossing and turning then figured what the heck, I'll just come over here to the study, have a hot cup of cocoa and catch up on all the posts I'm so far behind on till I get sleepy.....you all may have a lot of rambling posts from me before this is done! Deborah

[BobD]

Well, Deborah, the reason they keep the sinus meds behind the counter is because they use it to make Crystal Meth...so it is a stimulant...

But yeah, it does the same thing to me!!!

Bob

[Callynne]

I've heard that was a main ingredient to Meth, Bob. What I can't believe is the other stuff they put in it!!

I just seem to get more and more sensitive to it, I took two pills yesterday, one at 8:00 AM, the other at 1:00 PM. I couldn't believe when I woke up like that, having taken it so early in the day.

Just another reason I'm not a drinker....except of tea....decaffinated, of course! Deborah

[whitecree]

3:am is the best time to carve. No stupid sales people calling or banging on the door, no kids/grandkids bugging for your time, wife/husband/other snoring and not demanding you do some chores.

Come to think of it, I don't know why I bother even trying to carve at any other time.

[jillsy]

Looks like we have alot in common, only you've got your sinuses waking you up-I've got a teething baby!

[carver6]

Originally Posted by Callynne

I've heard that was a main ingredient to Meth, Bob. What I can't believe is the other stuff they put in it!!

I just seem to get more and more sensitive to it, I took two pills yesterday, one at 8:00 AM, the other at 1:00 PM. I couldn't believe when I woke up like that, having taken it so early in the day.

Just another reason I'm not a drinker....except of tea....decaffinated, of course! Deborah

Good friend of mine used to say the only reason he drank was, "When he didn't drink, the next morning he knew that was as good as he was going to feel all day."
Garon

[LCorbett]

It depends on the med. I don't take the Sudafed type allergy meds...those are the ones that contain psuedoephedrine (the main meth ingredient). The majority of non-drowsy OTC meds contain this. That stuff sets me so much on edge, I swear I can pick up radio stations thru my teeth.

If I am stuffed up (which is a LOT in spring and fall) and I need something before bedtime, I'll take Benedryl (actually the generic form). The main ingredient is diphenhydramine...which, by the way, many Dr.s also recommend for a non addictive OCCASSIONAL sleep aid. It's also used as an injectable form of anti-nausea medication on cruise ships (experience talking here...makes for an interesting honeymoon...another story for another time...grin).

[Just Carving]

After many years of sinus and allergy problems, I know what Callynne is talking about. Pseudophedrine is the culprit. It will let you go to sleep. But oh boy, don't wake up during the night!! You will be hearing every sound around for hours!

They are substituting phenylephrine, another decongestant, for pseudophedrine because of the Meth drug abuse problem. But I think it will do the same thing as pseudophedrine--since both are decongestants. Pseudophedrine works on the principle of reducing the blood flow around the sinuses, and allow the congestion to ease away. As a side effect, your heart rate is slightly increased. So, I think you get WIRED, and that's why you stay awake. If you take an antihistamine, like diphenhydramine, i.e Benedryl, you will often get drowsy. Many antihistamines will make you drowsy. But there are some that are non-drowsy.

When I was active with the rescue squad, one of my buddies told me to try taking some Tylenol when I couldn't sleep because of the sinus problems/meds. He said he does it on occasion, and it works for him. I tried it and it worked for me also. I guess it relaxes you enough to help you nod off.

An alternative to not taking decongestants, meds, etc. is to use some warm, moist air, i.e. steam to relieve the congestion, and soothe the nasal passages and sinuses. Usually, I leave a cup of steaming water sitting on my desk while working at the computer--be careful not to knock it over--and it does help ease the sinus congestion. Ocean--a nasal saline spray will help, also. You can use it as much as you want--it's salt and water.

I have tried many combinations of both antihistamines and decongestants. This year, at my Doctor's sugggestion and his prescription, I ended up taking 24 hour Allegra-D. I take it right before bed. I wake up during the night like normal, but for the most part, I go back to sleep right away. Next morning, my head is clear as a bell. The only drawback is when it gets to about 5-6 P.M., my allergies kick in a little--especially on windy days, but not for too long as the pollen count is starting to wind down for the day.

I don't want to sound like a medical know-it-all but I figured I'd pass on some tips from my own experience. As always with the old disclaimer, don't hold WCI or me responsible. Check with you medical physician before taking any medications--OTC or prescription.

Hope you all are well, and if not, hang in there: This too shall pass.

[heineda]

Hello,

When I was in college 30 years ago, there was a certain brand of allergy medicine that they used to stay up all night for finals, and to keep sober at keggers. I can;t remeber the brand name, but these meds are known to be powerful stimulants.

Carving,
Dan Heine

[BasketballJones]

Just attended a Drug conference sponsored by the State Attorney Generals Office. Epderine is the actice ingredient in cold & dietary supplements which is why most of these are sold behind the counter as retailers have to report what is sold in bulk or report mass quanity of sales. They cook this staff in clandestine labs in the woods or abandon houses (often blowing up the houses). Most of the other ingredients can be bought at any home improvement store.

The next wave of methamphetamine which has already hit the streets in the West and parts of the MidWest is going to make crack seem like candy. Street heroin is already at 80% which is why the current heroin overdoses in the last 3 months have surpassed last years total.

The next epidemic set to hit the streets the next school year is sextacy which is ecstacy and viagra. It's making LSD passe. These are easily attainable precursors.

We typically take 1,000 bucks worth of revenue off the street any typical weekend night and that is just in a second class county. These kids and adults know more about chemistry than your typical chem teacher.

We could make our drug laws even more tougher but all that will do is make drano, oven cleaner, gumout, aluminum foil (I can tell how to heat it to make amphetamines) anything you use in your craft, mechanical, or home improvement hobby or profession impracticale to obtain. It will turn your Home Improvement and Automotive store into headshops. Drug dealers will still find ways around the law and law abiding consumers will pay for the inconvienance.

That's how far off lawmakers are on this issue.