Cold meds that cause seizures -- HELP

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:pop: Hey guys I haven't been on in a while, I have had a BAD cold I've been coughing up lugis and everything -- GROSS right? The cold medicine I have been taking has been making me seize because of the drug Acetaminophen. I'm wondering if anybody has this issue and has any cold medicines that don't have this drug in it? Id like one that doesn't make me seize? I've had this problem for years and you guys really know your stuff and are really smart.
Thanks!
 
You should look at the Sudafed 12 Hour variety. These shouldn't have Acetaminophen, but double check the packaging and ask the pharmacist to make sure.

When I'm sick it normally helps me, unless I have something worse.
 
Be careful -- Sudafed 12 hour (and many other cold medicines) contains pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine can be triggering for some folks with epilepsy because it has a stimulant effect.

I use a homemade "neti pot" to help clear out the sinuses. My version is one of those "nose aspirators" (also known as a "snotsucker") filled with a mixture of warm distilled water, salt and baking soda. Chicken soup really does help, and also honey and lemon in a tiny bit of whiskey.
 
 
Nakamova said:
Be careful -- Sudafed 12 hour (and many other cold medicines) contains pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine can be triggering for some folks with epilepsy because it has a stimulant effect.
Click to expand...

I didn't know about that one. I've taken the Sudafed 12 hour for many years. I've never experienced any problems causing seizures.
 
FYI acetaminophen is Tylenol so it's likely what every be decongestant is in the medication. I believe it is typically diphenhydramine. Like other people have mentioned, it might be a better idea to try some more natural remedies like tea, neti pot, etc. Or try OTC cold medication that doesn't contain decongestants.

There are some medications that say there's an interact with acetaminophen but that typically has to do with how it is metabolized. For example, Tylenol and keppra are both metabolized in the liver so there's a mild drug interaction. However you realistically are fine unless you took an extremely large dose of Tylenol.

When in doubt, ask the pharmacist! Or make a note to ask your neurologist for their recommendations at your next appointment. Always a good idea to know what they would recommend taking when you're feeling sick!
 
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