States Battling Meth May Put Controls on Cold Pills

At least 20 states are considering tight restrictions on access to Sudafed, NyQuil, Claritin-D, Tylenol Flu and hundreds of other cold, allergy and sinus remedies that contain pseudoephedrine.

Details vary, but in many states only pharmacists or their assistants would be allowed to dispense the medicines.

Customers would have to show identification -- and even enter their addresses in a law enforcement database. Some states may also restrict purchases to as few as two to three boxes a month.

In most cases, the controls would apply only to pseudoephedrine tablets; gel caps and liquid formulas are generally exempt because it's much harder to convert them to illegal drugs.

The pharmaceutical industry strongly opposes the proposed restrictions, arguing that they would inconvenience legitimate customers, especially in rural areas, where the nearest pharmacy may be 40 miles away and open only on weekdays. The trade association representing chain drugstores also plans to lobby against the legislative action. So do some convenience store owners.

Despite this opposition, lawmakers in state after state say they are confident that the measures will pass with broad bipartisan support. Two Republican and two Democratic governors have promised to press for the restrictions.

"I absolutely have high hopes we'll get it done," said Minnesota state Sen. Julie Rosen.

In southwest Iowa, Sheriff Terry Baxter needs more than hope.

"We have to do something," Baxter said. "Meth is just taking over."

Also called crank, crystal, speed and ice, methamphetamine comes in many forms: It can look like rock salt or chalk dust. It can be amber, white or translucent, even red or brown. Users inject, snort, smoke or swallow it.

The stimulant produces an exhilarating rush. Within a few hours, though, it wears off, inducing deep depression and paranoia, leaving users frantic for another hit. Addicts often ride speed highs for days, not pausing to sleep or eat.

Meth can cost as much as powder cocaine; prices nationally range from $80 to $250 for a .06-ounce bag, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. But it's also a do-it-yourself drug, easy to make in a bathtub from one of more than 100 recipes.