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Risks of Robitussin/Guaifenesin
for Fertility?
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Question:
Hello my name is E-----. I am taking Robitussin / guaifenesin
for a sinus problem I cough all night long and it's so dry I can't
breath I just started today with this med. I also read that it
helps with infertility I am 40 with one working tubule doctors
want to give me shots that cost 3 thousand to increase my chances
with ovulation I don't have that kind of money all so taking vitex
taking as bottle said can you help and if so will Robitussin /
guaifenesin decrease my chances thank you for your time.
- E.R.
E.R.,
You may want to read Lynda Harvey's August 1, 2002 article on Fertility
and Acupuncture... the results of a fairly new study show that
a particular set of acupuncture points almost doubled the effectiveness
of in-vitro fertilization. Increasing your chances with each procedure
could save you a lot of money!
In response to your question about Robitussin/Guaifenesin, infertility
is complex... and there are different causes for it. The cure should
take into account the root causes of your infertility.
The Chinese Medicine Alternative
You may want to see a qualified acupuncturist/chinese herbalist.
Why?
- First of all, they could prescribe you an herbal formula
for your cough and sinuses. Herbs in formulas have less side-effects
than single herbs, over the counter (OTC) medications or drugs.
Drugs, including OTC meds, are more likely to have adverse
effects elsewhere in the body. Their intended effects may
be targeted, but their side effects are not.
- Second, she might also be able to help you with the infertility
(acupuncture, moxa, and herbs).
Robotussin/Guaifenesin for Fertility
Robitussin/Guaifenesin may help if your problem is cervical mucus
(click here
for more about that ). Its safety in pregnant or nursing mothers
has not yet been established. However, Dextromethorphan, another
Robitussin ingredient, caused birth defects in animal studies
(read
the research abstract), and it can be addictive (read
the research abstract).
Chinese Medicine Speculations
In Chinese Medicine, the dryness of your cough could correlate
with other types of dryness. I was concerned that it might worsen
any underlying deficiency that is the cause of your infertility.
The guaifenesin is an expectorant (meaning it helps expel stubborn
phlegm), but does not appear to be drying. It has an upward action,
and that is why it can cause headaches and dizziness. These are
speculative interpretations of the properties and functions of
guaifenesin in Chinese Medical terms.
Anyway...
Nonetheless, you need relief, so go check out an herbalist for
the cough and sinuses. And they can advise you about how to make
your insides more hospitable for fertilization. Let me know if
you need help finding one in your area. I'm writing an article
with resources about that SOON. But you don't have to wait- go
here to search the whole U.S. If you're in California, there's
a different one.
When you call the prospective acupuncturist/herbalist, ask them
if have the training and experience to give you herbs for sinus/cough
and fertility.
All the best!
Brian
References:
- http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/cm.html
- Andaloro VJ, Monaghan DT, Rosenquist TH. Dextromethorphan
and other N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists are teratogenic
in the avian embryo model. Pediatr Res 1998 Jan;43(1):1-7
- Murray S, Brewerton T. Abuse of over-the-counter dextromethorphan
by teenagers. Murray S, Brewerton T.
- http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/guaifen_wcp.htm
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