caligirldevin77

Hi all,
2 and a half years sober here and dealing with a bad cold/cough. I've got cough medicine recommended by the pharmacist that contains no alcohol per my request. It's not doing much good and I'm not getting any sleep.

I might call my MD tomorrow (who knows I am alcoholic) and see if I can get something stronger with a prescription. However, if nothing really exists that is suitable for an alcoholic, I don't want to bother her -- it's going to be so busy there this time of the year and I haven't had this cold long enough to warrant a visit and don't have any other symptoms (ie high fever).

I guess what I'm asking is if anything even exists that's going to kick the cough enough that I can get rest and sleep without risking sobriety. I'm thinking that anything prescription strength without alcohol probably contains codeine which isn't an option either. Is it worth a call to the doctor to see if I can get anything?

Thanks in advance....

earlybird

Some people are ok with prescribed meds, even if they contain alcohol or narcotics. It all depends on the strength of your sobriety.

caligirldevin77

I don't even want to risk it. Sobriety is more important to me than suffering through a cold/cougg. It wouldn't even be an issue except that I have a business trip in a couple of days I can't really cancel, I'd like to get in a few days of solid rest to kick this before I leave. Thanks!!

GlassPrisoner

I'm a smoker. This last cold (the cough at least) held on for a couple of weeks.

If you don't have a fever, I wouldn't worry too much, as long as your seeing a doctor.

I'm like you, and really don't want to find out if opiates can lead to relapse.

CarolD

Welcome to SR!

I certainly call and ask.
I would not take any non professional advice on meds.
A chest X ray might be wise...ask about that too.

Sorry you are not well..that is a bummer!

Let us know how you are doing..

laurie6781

My Dr perscribes for me Benzonatate 100mg capsules that are directed to be taken as follows " Take 1 to 2 capsules by mouth 4 times a day as needed for cough."

She knows I am a recovering alcoholic and also because of various health problems coughing is really not a great option for me, lol.

These work great and I have had NO SIDE AFFECTS FROM THEM.

Ask your doctor. See what he/she says about you using them.

Hope that helps.

Love andd hugs,

Salsa

I have been sober a year and recently took some strong cough syrup. It helped my cough and I never worried about it containing alcohol. I just needed to get better! Do what's best for you.....I sure hope you feel better soon! Bronchitis has really been making its rounds and lasts weeks!

Kellye C

My last round of the crud in November landed me in an after hours emergency clinic. Like Laurie the doctor prescribed benzonatate and they worked ok. I am allergic to codeine and can't have alcohol so this was about all they could come up with. It definitely helped.

Hope this helps you out!
Kellye