Cold medicine?

[oceanbaby]

I never, ever take cold medicine. If I ever have in my life, I don't remember - maybe in highschool? I do on rare occasion take Advil, or Sudafed, or an occasional Claritin if I have an allergy attack.

I have a lingering cold. It's been a week, and I'm still coughing (more of an irritated cough rather than a productive cough), I'm still a bit sniffly, etc. I am going to a friend's fancy 40th birthday dinner tonight, and I really don't want to be coughing and sniffling the whole time.

We have some Dayquil liquid caps here in the house that dh bought when I had to go to a client meeting (I ended up not using them). I'm considering taking one, but don't want to feel spinny or out of sorts.

Has anyone taken this? Are there other cold medicines (Alka Seltzer cold?) that you've taken without feeling dizzy or otherwise messed up?

And let's be honest - I'll probably have some champagne, so I don't want to take anything that'll make me pass out if I have a drink or two.

Thanks!

[HappyMommy2]

I have taken dayquil, and had a really spinny dizzy throw-up episode. I have also taken it with food, and been okay. It's pretty strong stuff, I think.

[Honey693]

DayQuil and NyQuil don't do a thing to me. But I'm one of those people that get hyper off sleeping pills so...

[Llyra]

I don't do Dayquil, because it has cough medicine in it, and that stuff makes me woozy and nauseated. I don't think the brand name makes a difference-- in most cases, they all have the same drugs in them.

If it was me, I'd take a decongestant-- like Sudafed, for instance-- to deal with the stuffiness. Then I'd live with the cough-- I hate cough medicines.

[JD5351]

I've been loving Mucinex for the nasal congestion and even the coughing. it thins out the mucus so it's easier to get it out. I use the generic version, the brand name is crazy expensive.

[ameliabedelia]

To tell you the truth, I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to combine any OTC medications with alcohol.

[oceanbaby]

I ended up taking Alka Seltzer cough and cold, and it worked pretty well with no side effects that I noticed. And I did have a few glasses of champagne. I don't think you are supposed to have alcohol with OTC meds, but I was feeling fine so I figured I'd go for it.

I'm pretty sensitive to "speedy" medications, but I felt fine with the Alka Seltzer. It did wear off in a few hours, though.

[Italiamom]

That lingering drip? That makes you cough almost spasmodically? I get that after every cold, usually for a few days. And the only thing that works for *that* cough, is a prescription narcotic cough syrup. I have yet to ever have Robitussin work for cough. I try it once every time I get a cold, and all it ever does is make me feel funny. And most often my fear of the doctor prevails over my dislike of the cough, so I just end up toughing it out.

Honestly, if you're still coughing, I'd say that you should stay home. Colds go around because sick people come out when they're still just a bit sniffly, or have non-productive coughs, yk? A cold would be a pretty crummy birthday present to give your friend!

[chel]

glad it worked out.

want to suggest sudafed. i get the children's liquid, so i can take a tiny dose.

i find it perfect for that post cold cough.