It Got Me High!

With the recent clash of the heat wave and the subzero A/C at work, something had to give. My sinus and head were filled like the Make-A-Bear stuffed toy. With severe sinus congestion and post nasal drip taking its stand in my head, I had to reach out for some medication (personally I don't like  medicine). So I reluctantly walked into Walgreens and made an over priced purchase of Claritin-D. I heard it's one of the strongest allergy medicine on the market (over the counter), but boy didn't realize how strong and expensive it could be until today. At $10 for 5 pills, my elementary math tells me that's $2 a pill. No wonder the pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars a day.

Bravely, I decided to try the 24hour relief version of pill (standard is 12 hours). Pseudoephedrine me up baby! For those who don't know, the chemical pseudoephedrine somehow made it into the cautious drug list by the Congress and passed a law called  Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 ("CMEA"). Apparently it's strong enough to get people high and even alter the body to make athletes perform better. As I write this post, supposedly high on this pill, I can tell you it's not you usual off the shelf medication.

On the Claritin package, it states: "This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives." I realize I do not have any of those symptoms. However, I solely purchased it for its sinus/nasal decongestant abilities. It clearly states it's for Nasal /Sinus congestion on the box (look below)!

A Strong Decongestant That May Be Worth The Price?

This is the first time I have tried a 24 hour release Claritin-D. This pill must be that blue (actually white) pill everyone is talking about. After swallowing the pill, within ten minutes, I saw Keanu Reeves and a pink easter bunny running across holding hands. I even felt the earth move on its axis. What's in this pill? Does the D stand for delusional?

Unfortunately, I took the pill moments before I left work. With a hour commute ahead of me, I was in for a delightful drive. Half way home, the medication started to kick in. My hands began to mildly shake for some reason with a tinkle and my nasal opened up like the Mississippi delta. But I was beginning to feel slightly airborne (if that makes sense). My head felt wide awake, but my body felt lethargic. I safely made it home (for those concerned). This is not the greatest allergy/nasal medication experience I have encountered. Either the pill is too strong for first timers and it should really be illegal to sell. That reminds me, I need a full bottle of water to counter act my drying mouth.

I can now see why this drug requires an ID validation at the pharmacy counters. I don't promote recreational drug use at all and Claritin really makes it an experience that I will probably not want to endure again. Excuse me, I need to go lie down now. But my sinus does feel much clearer. For those who need something strong and that'll last beyond 3-4 hours of relief, try Claritin-D. But I strongly advise not giving it to your children even though the box states it's okay for the age 12 and up. This is not the pill for the faint of heart, especially if you have not tried other off the shelf decongestants.