Best Budget Cold Medicine?

[amastewa93]

I've got a killer cold and usually, I take a "holistic" approach to getting well (tea, honey, steamy showers, etc.)... However, I'm kind of wanting to knock this out sooner rather than later and the holistic approach takes a while. I haven't had any cold medicine in quite some time. What do you all usually take?

Symptoms: sore throat, earache, sinus pressure, stuffy, sneezing, occasional coughing

Any budget-friendly options would be appreciated!

[disneysteve]

I use the store brand version of NyQuil.

[kork13]

The tragedy of a cold is that there really is almost nothing you can do to get rid of it faster. You can only make the symptoms easier to deal with.
- Decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants will help with the mucus.
- NSAIDs can help to ease sinus pressure & pain.
- A saline nasal rinse (netti-pot, or similar) can clear the gunk out your sinus (this is a favorite in my family).

Really, the best things you can do for yourself are both the simplest & cheapest options: drink plenty of water, and get plenty of sleep.

[disneysteve]

there really is almost nothing you can do to get rid of it faster. You can only make the symptoms easier to deal with.

Exactly. Take meds based on your symptoms as kork noted. The cold will run its course in 10-14 days though the cough can sometimes linger for up to 4 weeks or so.

[kork13]

One caveat I learned the hard way this summer -- never use decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) before going to bed! I didn't know it at the time, but that stuff will keep you awake, and made me so restless that I had to get up & walk around all night. It was awful. Lesson learned: Sudafed in the morning, Benadryl at night.

[bjl584]

I usually get the store brand versions of Nyquil, Dayquil, Robitussun.

[disneysteve]

One caveat I learned the hard way this summer -- never use decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) before going to bed! I didn't know it at the time, but that stuff will keep you awake.

Some people do experience that. None of the 3 of us do but it is a somewhat common side effect.

[amastewa93]

My other half came home with the store brand versions of DayQuil and NyQuil yesterday. The NyQuil definitely helped me sleep last night... and the DayQuil is keeping me from coughing and having so much discomfort this morning. I may wind up at the doctor though - I was out of breath walking my dog around the block this morning and I'm used to running 2-3 miles a day.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

[disneysteve]

My other half came home with the store brand versions of DayQuil and NyQuil yesterday. The NyQuil definitely helped me sleep last night... and the DayQuil is keeping me from coughing and having so much discomfort this morning. I may wind up at the doctor though - I was out of breath walking my dog around the block this morning and I'm used to running 2-3 miles a day.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

Glad the meds are helping some but yes, if you're short of breath, get yourself checked out to make sure you don't have something more than just a cold.

[amastewa93]

Glad the meds are helping some but yes, if you're short of breath, get yourself checked out to make sure you don't have something more than just a cold.

You never realize how much you take breathing for granted until you can't haha.

[disneysteve]

You never realize how much you take breathing for granted until you can't haha.

Yeah, it's sort of important.

[Smallsteps]

https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/gypsy-cold-care/

this is a link to a company that makes a tea that has worked wonders for me and family when we get a cold.