I haven't needed any cough medicine thank goodness but I'm suspicious of everything. What kind of problems does it cause you Kerry?

I had problems with mucinex DM, 30 minutes after taking it, my legs got very weak and heavy, some weakness in my upper limbs and throat. I had looked at the active ingredients before taking it but never looked at the inactive ingredients, magnesium was one of the inactive ingredients.

I began taking MUCINEX DM in small doses on Wednesday morning. By the second dose I began to have a little less emotional issues, but my breathing was not just right. I increased the dose each day noting any changes I felt in my body.

By Friday, I was taking the full dose--and my MG hit with a vengeance. Thirty minutes after taking the cough medicine my breathing worsened so much that I needed to use my bi-pap machine. Thirty minutes after that, my vision became very blurry and my eyes hurt. A few hours later my voice became really distorted and sounded like it did in my YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/user/drbunn?feature=mhum#p/u/6/N4qK_O4Eyc4). I have not taken any more medication.

My voice problem continued until Christmas morni

mucinex is an anticholinergic medication and is therefore contraindicated with MG. there isn't much you can take with a cold and i am suffering through right now. benadryl is ok, if it even works at all...debra

I may be developing a condition called Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA). Not common at all to MG, but may be related to my other neuropathy issues. The DM (in combination with other ingredients) has been effective in treating the PBA issues.

I was taking the Mucinex DM at my neuro's suggestion to see if the DM effected me negatively before trying the expensive prescription. Looks like I won't try the med now.

Kerry, I should say that mucinex may be "relatively contradicated" and not "absolutely contraindicated." There is a long list of meds and depending on how badly you need something, your neuro may look at the risk/benefit profile of something.

For example, if this cold I have turns out to be bacterial, I will have to go on an antibiotic and the only ones I can take are relatively contraindicated but I won't have a choice since I am allergic to both penicillin and sulfa drugs.

I have been told- straight from the beginning; not to take any over the counter medication... Only Tylenol for pain (does not help) They have given me Tylenol & Benedryl for IVIG and Ritux infusion and that seemed to be OK.

My neurologist has confirmed on several occasions NOT to take any cold medication....

Throw me in the suspicious camp. I have never been one to ever mess with any kind of pharmaceuticals at all. Especially over the counter. Part of the reason I was so stubborn in starting treatment for my MG last year.

Hope you can get better soon Kerry! 2012 is right around the corner, and I hope the New Year brings you good health!

Contraindications for MUCINEX DM

During or within 14 days of MAOIs.

Warnings/Precautions for MUCINEX DM

Asthma. Lower respiratory disorders. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers. Mini-Melts: Renal disease. Magnesium-restricted diet.

Interactions for MUCINEX DM

Hypertensive crisis with MAOIs (see Contraindications).

Adverse Reactions for MUCINEX DM

GI upset, drowsiness, headache, rash.

http://www.empr.com/cough-and-cold/mucinex-dm/drug/6812/

Wishing you better days ahead,

TJ

I believe mucinex can be purchased without the DM. So plain guaifinesin. This is an expectorant alone and may break up mucus which may give you some relief. Of course ask your doc. Good luck! Feel better!