Greetings Bristol!

Well, spring definitely may be around the corner and I can’t wait to see my lilacs in bloom! In the meantime, let’s talk OTC (over-the-counter). As promised, this month I wish to cover what a patient can take for cough/cold and allergies who is also on medications to control ADD/ADHD. While I was unable to locate specific studies done in this area, I did find many resources to support the basic theory behind these medications. As I mentioned last month, the majority of people with this condition take stimulants and the purpose of the stimulants is to redirect the brain and allow for better focus. Stimulants also imitate the “fight or flight” response in our bodies. In this regard, the following OTC classes would not be appropriate when taking stimulants.

Decongestants: this class also causes the “fight or flight” response and may increase the risk of dangerously high blood pressure, stroke, or heart attack. (Sudafed, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, oxymetazoline, tetrahydralazine, ) Nasal saline, humidified air, and Vicks VapoRub are all alternatives.

Antihistamines: this class causes sedation, which is the opposite response. Taking these medications together with a stimulant may offset the benefits of either medication (Benadryl, diphenhydramine, Zyrtec, cetirizine, Claritin, loratadine, dimenhydrinate, Unisom, Dramamine)
Antacids: this class contains medications which affect the acidity of the blood and may also influence how well the stimulant is absorbed into your system. (Tums, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, aluminum, Mylanta, Maalox, vitamin C, even fruit juices). Pepcid, Zantac, and Prilosec OTC should all be safe alternatives until a physician is consulted.

The general rule of thumb is, “If in doubt, ASK.” Call a pharmacist or your physician before you plan to take a medication OTC if you are taking stimulants or antidepressants for ADD/ADHD. And be VERY careful about taking herbal products, as many of these may also interact.

This also serves as a good reminder that just because a medication is available to you without a prescription does not mean that it is completely safe. It simply means that it is for a condition which can be self-treated for a short period of time in patients who do not have other diseases which should be closely managed by a doctor.

Next month, I would like to hear from YOU! Please email or snail mail if you have a positive experience with ADD/ADHD which may be encouraging to someone else. Let me know in the message if I can publish your first name and home city. Thank you for your kind attention.

-A man goes to his dentist because he feels something wrong in his mouth. The dentist examines him and says, “That new upper plate I put in for you six months ago is eroding. What have you been eating?”

Katrina, Pharmacist
Mor for Less/Bristol Pharmacy 848-0660