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How to
Use Guaifenesin
If you have been diagnosed with one or more of the
nonplus conditions what follows is a very brief review of the four basic
steps to using guaifenesin.
1. Recognizing Nonplus Symptoms. It is
important that you know which of your symptoms are due to the nonplus
conditions. However, if you can
answer yes to the following three statements, then it is likely that these
symptoms are due to a nonplus condition.
-Your doctor has ruled out other health problems as the cause of this
symptom.
-There is no obvious reason for this symptom.
-Treating this symptom has resulted in little long-term benefit.
Before starting guaifenesin it is important to be aware
of the diversity and frequency of the symptoms caused by one or more of the
nonplus conditions. The dose of guaifenesin taken is determined by the
changes that occur in these symptoms.
2. Salicylates. An understanding of how to
avoid salicylates both internally and externally is also critical. One
should stop using products containing salicylates before starting
guaifenesin when treating the nonplus conditions. Chapter 7 in
The Guaifenesin Guide explains the ins and outs of salicylates. For
lists of salicylate-free products go to:
http://www.psha-inc.com/guai-support/sf/Sal-FreeProducts.htm
3. Reactive Hypoglycemia. Know how to
recognize the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia, and if necessary restrict
sugary and starchy carbohydrates. If you have reactive hypoglycemia it is
not absolutely necessary to be on a low carbohydrate diet before starting
guaifenesin. See Chapter 9 in The Guaifenesin Guide for more
information on reactive hypoglycemia also known as carbohydrate sensitivity.
4. Dose. Once you have filled out the Symptom
Summary Sheet and are salicylate free, you may now dose guaifenesin
gradually. Start at 200 to 300 milligrams twice a day depending upon the
milligram amount of the pill you are using. If you are anxious about the
symptom changes that occur once the therapeutic dose if found, you could
start even lower. The ideal dose is found when a significant but tolerable
change in your symptoms becomes apparent. Increase your daily dose by 200
to 300 mg each week until symptom changes occur. Symptom changes can
include a decrease as well as an increase in symptoms. It is the change in
symptoms that signal guaifenesin is working. If symptoms increase
excessively you may have exceeded your optimum dose. Also, if the symptom
changes only involve an increase in symptoms that continues for a period
exceeding 4 weeks without any improvement of symptoms, this is another
indication that the optimum dose has been exceeded. Decrease your dose
until significant but tolerable changes occur that include improvement of
some symptoms. It is not unusual to experience a dramatic improvement of
many symptoms with no symptom becoming worse for a period of weeks or
months. If this happens to you consider yourself lucky. See chapter 8 in
The Guaifenesin Guide for details on dosing.
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