- Joined
- Dec 15, 2016
I've heard some people tossing around different OTC medications that may help with symptoms of COVID-19. I have some thoughts on them and their efficacy. I'm going to preface this by saying I'm not a doctor, I'm not a nurse, I didn't even go to medical school. I'm just a internet weirdo who really loves drugs - OTC, prescription, illegal, or research chemical. Anyway,
Just make sure you actually read the label on the cold/flu combination formulas. They vary greatly and may have a bunch of ingredients that are useless for COVID-19. For instance, a lot of them contain a nasal decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed brand name) or phenylephrine. From what I've read, a runny nose is not a prominent symptom here. Both can also act as mild stimulants, which may not feel too good while also sick as a dog.
Not gonna even touch on the hydroxychloroquine situation. People are too stupid to even research what their OTC drugs are, yet alone malaria medication they've never heard of. Just don't unless you really trust yourself to get it right.
Lots of people talking about buying Robitussin products and different cold/flu combination formulas. These may actually do more damage than not taking anything at all. The main ingredient in Robitussin brand name products is generally Dextromethorphan (common name: DXM). DXM works by suppressing your body's natural urge to cough. This is great if you have a dry, hacking cough that is keeping you up all night long, or rubbing your throat raw. However, if you have a lot of fluid build up in the lungs, like with pneumonia, suppressing a cough is not a good idea. Coughing is how your lungs clear themselves. So be careful when taking products containing DXM. I would suggest it only as a last resort, when you're fucking tired of coughing all night and need some rest.
Also, if you take 300mg or more of DXM, expect a nice dissociative drug experience. Lots of people do this by accident, especially when taking unmeasured doses throughout the day. The doses compound on each other, and make each subsequent dose stronger. So just watch out for this. You're not dying or anything, just high as hel.
Also, if you take 300mg or more of DXM, expect a nice dissociative drug experience. Lots of people do this by accident, especially when taking unmeasured doses throughout the day. The doses compound on each other, and make each subsequent dose stronger. So just watch out for this. You're not dying or anything, just high as hel.
The real ingredient you're looking for is Guaifenesin. This is an expectorant, which means it helps your body clear unnecessary fluids. It can help a runny nose "run it's course" (for lack of a better phrase), and it can help loosen mucus build up in the lungs. This is commonly found in Mucinex brand name products, but just check the damn labels. You can find generic Guaf syrup for like $3.99 a bottle. It's probably at the dollar store too.
As far as Tylenol, Aleve, Bayer, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc. They all belong to the same group, called NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), and do *mostly* the same things. They can all break a fever. But I've heard some seriously conflicting information about whether this is a smart thing to do. On one hand, the fever kills the virus and is part of your body's natural defense system. On the other hand, letting a fever run wild can cause brain and other organ damage. This is a cost-benefit analysis you or your doctor have to make. I wouldn't go popping any Tylenol for a low grade fever though.
As far as Tylenol, Aleve, Bayer, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc. They all belong to the same group, called NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), and do *mostly* the same things. They can all break a fever. But I've heard some seriously conflicting information about whether this is a smart thing to do. On one hand, the fever kills the virus and is part of your body's natural defense system. On the other hand, letting a fever run wild can cause brain and other organ damage. This is a cost-benefit analysis you or your doctor have to make. I wouldn't go popping any Tylenol for a low grade fever though.
Just make sure you actually read the label on the cold/flu combination formulas. They vary greatly and may have a bunch of ingredients that are useless for COVID-19. For instance, a lot of them contain a nasal decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed brand name) or phenylephrine. From what I've read, a runny nose is not a prominent symptom here. Both can also act as mild stimulants, which may not feel too good while also sick as a dog.
Not gonna even touch on the hydroxychloroquine situation. People are too stupid to even research what their OTC drugs are, yet alone malaria medication they've never heard of. Just don't unless you really trust yourself to get it right.