I was wondering if any of you know what cold medications are ok for people with anxiety? Some of them make me more nervous and I dont want that. The program is going great for me btw.....I have cut down on my caffine and trying to cut down on sugar as well and needed some help on picking out a cold medication. Thanks.

I don't do well with any meds because they make me drowsy and/or jittery. However, each time I get a cold, I do the basic non-medical things and it works fine. Lots of fluids, warm compresses on my eyes for congestion, vicks for my nose and chest, hot decaf. tea, gargle with salt water for a sore throat, take advil for pain and to ease swelling, etc.
I sound like a grandma, but I have found I don't need the drugs anyhow. It just takes time and nurturing to get through colds and bugs.
Take your pillow to the couch and watch a good movie with a cup of tea!
You'll feel better soon!
I know I didn't answer your initial question, but I've done my research on the meds, too and avoid most because of that main ingredient (dext..something).

The cold meds are not good for me either. With a cold, the best thing is lots and lots of rest, drinking tons of clear fluids and soups, preferably including chicken broth or mixed vegetable broth if you're a veggie. Add in fresh garlic and onion- immune boosters, drink tons of hot tea, try a humidifier, and take lots of hot steamy baths and showers. If you want to try medications, the mucinex-dm if you have a cough (the dm is the cough suppressant) will help with too much coughing at night and the regular mucinex helps clear out the crud. Regular Tylenol is also pretty benign if you have aches, stiffness, fever. Many of the mixed/ combo cold medicines are overkill for most colds and some of the ingredients can actually increase congestion. The longest the cold would normally last is 10 days, then maybe a residual cough. The main culprit for the uncomfortable symptoms is the decongestant- the pseudoephedrine- makes my heart pound, feel dizzy, and lightheaded- not good for anxiety. The dext (dextromethorphan) referred to is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (the dm in the mucinex dm). I personally haven't had any reaction to it in the past, but some may. Another thought is that your body is coughing as a way to clear the crud- so why suppress it, unless it is bronchitis- painful dry non-productive cough. When in doubt, see a doctor; I am sick too and went to a walk-in clinic, a good option. I've also had good luck with vitamin C and zinc- I like Emergen-C packets, jsut add to water. You can get these at most drug stores but don't have more than one or two per day since too much Vit C can give you the runs. Good luck and feel better soon :-)

Thank you guys so much for all the info! You all are awesome!

Hey there,

I am like you. I cant take colds meds real well myself. If you just started with your cold than i would recommend the Zicam. It doesnt have the drowsiness effect on you like so many cold meds have. Also it really shortens my colds by a couple of days. Mucinex works wonders to if you have a cough with it. I hope you get to feeling better soon, colds can really make you feel crummy for a couple of days. Good luck!