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Allergy Drug Causes Insomnia

Posting Date: 06/27/2005

Q. I would like to point out a side effect of allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine for nasal decongestion. Taking Claritin D left me completely unable to fall asleep. I was literally up all night with a racing heartbeat. I have had insomnia problems before, so I did not immediately associate this with the medication and continued to take it for five days. I was so sleep deprived that I couldn?t work.

I finally read the warning about nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. I called my doctor who said I should switch to Claritin (non-D). On this drug I sleep like a baby.

I found that some OTC allergy medicines I had taken for years also contain pseudoephedrine. I suspect this contributed to my earlier insomnia problems. I urge anyone with insomnia to check all medications for pseudoephedrine. It does not affect everyone, but some of us just can't handle even a small amount.

A. Thanks for sharing your story. Millions of people struggle with insomnia and many don?t realize that the medicines they take may be contributing to their problem.

Decongestants aren?t the only culprits. Antihistamines, antidepressants, asthma medicines, blood pressure pills and pain relievers are just some of the drugs that can cause insomnia.

We are sending you our Guide to Getting a Good Night?s Sleep for a more complete list and tips for overcoming insomnia. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. I-70, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

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