OTC medications for colds causing insomnia

Dear Ask The Doctor: When my husband takes otc cold medications he can't sleep at night. Are their certain ingredients he shoud avoid?

Dear Jennifer: Over The Counter (OTC) cough and cold medications containing phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline may cause increased heart rate, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and tremors. I would advise that your husband use other drugs that does not contain the above mentioned drugs.