Oh, interesting. Upon doing actual research and reading about it (instead of taking my doctor's word as gospel), apparently it does act as an anaesthetic, especially lower down in the airways, which reduces the urge to cough.

I don't remember experiencing actual numbing of my throat, but honestly, I wouldn't notice unless it was very marked, like with chloraseptic or cepacol or something (which is insano numbing on my throat). I guess the Tessalon worked far down enough that it didn't register as "numb" to me.

Nifty!

Andi, if you need something that works in a numbing way, do you have/can you try chloraseptic or cepacol, to see if that helps? I know those are supposed to be for the porcupine-in-the-throat symptoms of sore throat with a cold or strep or whatever, which is more of the upper throat rather than the lower throat (which is apparently the bigger culprit when it comes to coughing) but maybe the numbing effect would dial down your cough until you can get to a doctor.

I guess the Tessalon worked far down enough that it didn't register as "numb" to me.

I think that's why they say to swallow it immediately and not let it dissolve in the mouth? Anyway just to confirm your experience, DH didn't say his throat felt numb, he was trying to explain to me how it worked and he said he had to swallow it fast because it was supposed to numb him and you don't want it to numb your mouth and tongue, etc. Anaesthetic is a better word for it, I just couldn't remember. My BRAIN is numb.

Andi, if you need something that works in a numbing way, do you have/can you try chloraseptic or cepacol, to see if that helps?

I've got Cepacol sitting on my desk. It's staring at me. It's evil. It makes me sick to my stomach. I haven't thrown it out because I can conceive of being desperate enough to use one. But I'm not there yet.

I think they're nasty, too, and I only turn to them in times of direst sore throat. I really feel you on this one.

The doctor I went to when I was a kid used to have this stuff he called rot-gut that he would paint on the back of my throat when it was bad. It felt like it had a high alcohol content, and it tasted nasty. But it sure brought relief. Sips of straight whiskey are about 50% as effective. I've used it some, but right now... again with the stomach churning qualities.

I've been coughing a lot the last few days too. I'm avoiding antihistamines because they all make me groggy, but it's getting the best of me. Tomorrow I'll go buy some Delsym and maybe chloroseptic. Tonight? Whiskey. Thanks, hivemind!

I discovered only this year that there is a Rx only sore throat gargle with lidocaine. I haven't tried it personally, but if it works, I am pissed hell no doctor has ever prescribed it for me.

I grew up with horrible, horrible tonsilitis, twice a year at least.

Has anyone ever used this stuff?

My preferred alternate to whiskey when it comes to a cough/sore throat (although it's actually best for chest congestion) is a shot of tequila. Trufax.

Has anyone ever used this stuff?

Yes, and it's nasty-ass shit. The "Magic Mouthwash" my doc prescribes is lidocaine, benadryl, and antacid. It works, but it is my absolute last resort. So freakin' gross.

Andi, I second the Delsym rec. As a former smoker who suffers from chronic bronchitis, I get the deep hacking cough as well. It works. I was ready to drive to B'more and kiss sarameg the first time I used it. It allowed me to get some sleep, in conjunction with the Mucinex.