Pseudoephedrine, also known as Sudafed, is a decongestant drug that is an active ingredient in many cold medicines and can be abused to make meth, bath salts, or as a stimulant. Sudafed is highly addictive when abused and severely dangerous. Some of the street names for Sudafed include chalk, crank, meth, and speed. If you or a loved one are abusing Sudafed, recovery is possible. Substance abuse does not have to control your life. Addiction treatment centers are available to help you get back on your feet and achieve sobriety. 

Side Effects of Pseudoephedrine Abuse, Withdrawal, and Signs of Overdose

Abusing pseudoephedrine, Sudafed, can drastically affect the user’s physical and mental health. Some of the side effects may include the following:

• Euphoria
• Increased alertness
• Increased energy
• Tingling sensation
• Irritability
• Red eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Eight loss 
• Problems sleeping 

Withdrawal symptoms may include the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Irritability 
• Lethargy
• Sleepiness
• Increased appetite
• Vivid nightmares
• Nasal congestion
• Drug cravings

Signs of overdose may include the following:

• Heart attack 
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Hyperirritability 
• Ataxia
• Stroke
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Hypertension
• Death

If you are abusing Sudafed, reach out for help. There are resources available to help guide you through recovery. Addiction recovery is hard, but it is not impossible. Residential treatment may be beneficial to your recovery journey. 

Options for Sudafed Addiction Treatment

When treating a Sudafed addiction, the first step is to detox through medically assisted detox programs to avoid any complications due to withdrawal symptoms. After detox, you will go to an inpatient rehabilitation program to continue treatment. During this program, the round-the-clock staff will help you learn how to maintain sobriety once on your own and teach you life skills and coping mechanisms. Other treatment options include intensive outpatient rehabilitation, 12-step programs, sober living homes, cognitive behavioral therapy, EDMR therapy, relapse prevention programs, family therapy, addiction therapy, and support groups. If you or a loved one is battling an addiction to Sudafed, seek treatment by first talking to a trusted behavioral health professional and see the next steps on your road to recovery. There are many recovery programs available to you in your journey to sober living.