Pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient in cold/sinus medicines like sudafed. Sometimes I take it before long runs or races and I find that I perform much better when I take it. I feel like it has somewhat of a stimulant effect. But I dont know if i do better because of the stimulant effect or because i can breath more easily because it clears my sinuses.

Does anyone know where I could find more information about pseudoephedrine? Is it safe to be taking this before workouts? And is it banned in professional sports?

Found a related article here... I've been wondering if the using the same would hurt my performance. It is an ingredient in the allergy med I am currently taking. I find that the pseudophedrine keeps the nasal passages clear and I have experienced far fewer sinus infections this winter.

Looks as though it won't affect your performance...

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/pseudoephedrine.html

I wont comment of the potential side effects that the medication could cause. I will answer your question about the drug that is helping your performance. The drug pseudoephedrine is in the same family as Ephedirne. Thats the drug that is/was in many weight loss supplements that has come under great scrutiny lately. I'm not certain where your living, but in Illinois ehpedrine is no longer legal to be sold. It is also one of the many performance enhacing drugs banned by the olympic and cycling committees. So, depending onyour level of competition, you might by find yourself DQ'ed after an event.

Pseudoephedrine is what makes the cold medication non-drowsy. It speeds up your heart rate, which is probably what is helping your performance. I would be very cautious using this drug for anything other than the purpose it was intended.

My .02

Thanks for the info mike. I am not very competitive, so I am not worried about getting DQ'ed. AT the same time, I dont really want to take anything that would give me an edge b/c i would feel guilty about it. However, my biggest concern is safety. I just want to make sure that it is safe and that no harm will come from taking it before long runs or if its really hot out.

Got me thinking more about it... and came across this abstract from a study done on the subject.

To me... the last sentence may say it all.... as Mike indicated...

http://amphetamines.com/pseudoephedrine/