Heart palpitations...could it be generic sudafed

[SKBac]

I've been taking generic sudafed for 3 days at the maximum dose of 6 per day.  Started noticing heart flutter-feeling yesterday. I'm 47, female, overweight, on no meds other than sudafed.  Have history of 4 surgeries since 2005, 3 for Achilles tendon repair, 1 LAVH & BSO, nonsmoker, rare drinker, no exercise due to foot injury. I have also been experiencing numbness in my feet after standing.  No chest pain or SOB but have dizziness intermittently but not just when changing positions. Started the sudafed because of the dizziness, which is my main symptom of sinus/allergies.  I have had some orthostatic hypotension occasionally after sitting for more than an hour. (I'm a medical transcriptionist and sometimes sit for a hour or more without rising.  Should I be worried about the palpitations?  No history of thyroid disease.  Last labs 9/06. No high cholesterol etc.  No diabetes but do have father with late onset diabetes, at age 72.
Thanks

[KLB32]

Sudafed is a stimulant so it's very possible it's causing your palps.  Trying stopping it and see if you feel any better.

I have been using a neti pot for my sinuses and it's great.  The best part is it's drug free!

[fearfactor]

Yep, I can't use ANY kind of decongestants...they all have pseudoephedrine in them which definitely causes palpitations.  I use saline spray or a neti pot or even good old fashioned Vick's Vapo-Rub!

[Momto3]

Definitely!  My doctor prefers I don't take any cold medicine.  That stuff can set off palps big time.  Still benign, but the cold makes you feel lousy enough.  Who needs a rash of pvcs?  Hope you're feeling better.

[raquel 66]

definately!!!!!i cant take any of that stuff..some people just dont tolerate it al all

[anacyde]

I'd suffer before I'd ever touch that pseudoephedrine cr@p.  The palpitations aren't worth it.  Yes, it's very possible the Sudafed is doing it, however I would still mention this to your doctor.