Having a Cold SUCKS!

It doesn't really suck in the conventional sense.  It sucks in the sense that along with the learning curve that goes along with dealing with a new diagnosis of any type, and any medications you might need to take, you have to check up and see what interacts with what and how it can affect you.  

So last night, I hit up www.drugs.com and checked what Concerta interacts with.  Yeah...most cold medications.  I have been using Dristan and Drixoral (not at the same time) and getting relief, but then there's the headache, sinus pressure and sneezing.  So while the sinus sprays were definitely giving me relief, it needed a boost.  

This afternoon, after swimming, I went to Walmart to ask a pharmasist.  That was dumb.  She was an idiot.  She looked at me like why was I bothering to ask her anything and barely gave me an answer.  She suggested Advil Cold and Sinus, so I picked one up, checked the medicinal ingredients and saw they were the same as what drugs.com said could interact with Concerta.  I bought some, figuring even if I don't use it, at least it will be there if Jeff needs it.  

Thankfully, Alberta has a lot of great resources, including a Drug and Herbal Medication Advice Line.  I have called them regarding all sorts of things that could interact with other meds, what I could or couldn't use when I was pregnant.  It has been a great resource.  I gave the lady on the phone the ingredients and the meds I was concerned about and she came back with an answer.  

I can use the Advil.  That's good.  I need a booster, that's about it.  Basically, Concerta can raise your heart rate.  So can the medicinal ingredients in cold medications.  So if you have a heart issue, then it's best to check in with your doc and find out the deal.  In my case, with no heart issues and no blood pressure issues, I'm safe to take these medication for my sinuses.  

My lessons for the day, don't bother to ask pharmasists at Walmart.  I have asked before and I have really only had one that gave me good, clear answers.  Having resources and using them is important and being specific helps.  Above all, thinking before I just dive into any type of medication is important.  You never know what can react to what.  Being diligent is best, even if it feels like a dumb question.  I'd rather ask a dumb question than be dead or in the hospital.

Now, I take my dose of Advil, keep using the saline spray and nasal sprays, rest and get better.  I haven't had a cold in ages.  This one hasn't been fun, but as long as I keep active and moving, then I don't feel as bad as when I sit and do nothing, like yesterday.